Seeing Powerman 5000 live is always a good thing. They put on consistently high energy shows, and are just a lot of fun. This show was no different, but before we could get to them, there were three opening acts, each with a distinctly different sound.
I arrived at The Chance Theater just past 8:30 to discover that the first act was already performing. The same thing happened last time I saw PM5K, the door open time coincides with the start of the first band. I always hate it when they do that. Anyway, I got inside after missing about half of the opening set.
The first band was In Restraints. I had seen them once before, but it was well over one and a half years ago and my memories are a bit fuzzy. What I got to hear of them sounded good. They were heavy, loud, and tight, a good combination for a heavy act. The one complaint I have has more to do with the mix than the performance. The drums could have used some serious beefing up, they sounded weak and did not have much presence to them. The sound of them and their rhythms were good, but they were just overpowered by everything else. The band does not make use of melody. They went right for the throat and did not let go, kind of like a pitbull on a small child. I would be interested in checking them out another time, hopefully getting to see their entire set.
Next up was Trapnote. I have seen them a few times in the past, and they just keep getting better. Their music is (and here I go with my questionable grasp of the plethora of sub-genres) post-hardcore screamo metalcore. Wow, that was a mouthful, and probably completely inaccurate, but that is my impression. What can I say other than I am really starting to like these guys. I remember the first time I saw them a couple years back, they really weren't all that good. Not terrible, but nowhere near what they have become.
Between this performance and their set from last month, they are going places. They play with a variety of styles and time signatures, and just have an increasing grasp of melody and how to play with it. They have an impressive twin guitar attack with some heavy riffs from one side and interesting atmospheric leads from the other. Combine that with a solid rhythm section, featuring some excellent drumming, and you have a good combination for success. On top of their playing skills, they have great stage presence, led by their vocalist who is in a constant state of motion. This is a band to keep an eye on. Song highlights include the opener "Cry for Autonomy," the closer "Fist First Romance," as well as "Premature Miseducation" and "The End."
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