Alexisonfire
W/ Cancer Bats, Attack In Black
Dec 19, 2006
Kool Haus

When Toronto fans love a band, they LOVE them. Watching Alexisonfire’s career over the past couple years is proof of that. Going from ‘that screamy band’ that barely got mainstream media attention to shipping gold on their recent album and now selling roughly 9,000 tickets between six sold out shows in a row. On the last night everyone knew they were in for something special and heading out to the Kool Haus earlier in the day for interviews, there were already people lined up waiting to get in. With Billy Talent as the surprise guests the first show of the stand, everyone was left wondering if we were going to get a surprise of our own.

Attack In Black opened all six shows and though they’re not typically what you’d expect at an Alexisonfire show, their sound is a lot quieter, they fit in perfectly. Dallas helped out on vocals and tambourine for their first song “Broken Things” and the band kept things going from there. They’re clearly a favourite among their peers as nearly everyone performing that night was on the side of the stage bobbing along to the music, and most of them came out for the last song “Falling Leaves.”

Cancer Bats are the kind of band that fit right in with Alexisonfire’s screamy side. While I’m not a huge fan of their recorded material, live they put on a fantastic show. With technical difficulties going on (a half working mic), they didn’t let it get to them and kept the crowd energized through the entire set. Mid-set George from Alexisonfire came out to add his screams (and of course grabbed the broken mic, so you could barely hear him) but I think the fans were just happy to watch them perform together. As it was bassist Andy’s last show with the band, leaving the Cancer Bats with over 2,000 people watching you is probably something he won’t forget.

Alexisonfire hit the stage and everyone went crazy. People were pushing to get as close as they could, especially teenage girls who want to marry Dallas and George. Opening with “Accidents,” they played most of the fan favourites, some old and some new. Crowd surfing was rampant throughout the crowd, as were people pushing in front of others, which is usual at concerts. Side note: If you’re going to stand in front of someone so they can’t see, don’t just stand there and be miserable, if you’re not going to sing along or dance around, go stand at the back and let others enjoy the band. Luckily there were only a handful of those people.

In the middle of the set, it was time for our surprise guest, Gared O’Donnell. Since Gared’s band Planes Mistaken For Stars is from Denver, I never expected to see it live and getting to experience it was one of the most memorable concert moments of the year. His voice fits right in with Alexisonfire and the band seemed really happy to have him there and on his birthday no less.

Though we’d heard previously that everyone was having trouble with their voices, it wasn’t noticeable at all. With “Boiled Frogs” and “Pulmonary Archery” as requisite sing alongs, the audience showed their appreciation for the band repeatedly, something to which they could only say thank you. Closing with “Happiness By The Kilowatt,” Dallas could barely express his gratitude for the fans that put them in the position they’re in and with George promising to make this a yearly event. After the encore (which included their merch guy joining them for “This Could Be Anywhere In The World” in a pair of underwear and a classy bowtie) as everyone was leaving the buzz around the crowd was that this was the favourite concert of the year. Sure it might not have been perfect and not everyone loves Alexisonfire, but if you don’t see them live, you really shouldn’t have an opinion at all, they give most massive touring bands a huge run for their money by just bringing it every time.


Alexisonfire Set List:

Accidents
Crisis
.44 Caliber Love Letter
Drunks, Lovers, Sinners And Saints
Boiled Frogs
Keep It On Wax
Rough Hands
We Are The Sound
You Burn First
We Are The End
Control
Pulmonary Archery
Mailbox Arson
Happiness By The Kilowatt

Encore:

This Could Be Anywhere In The World
No Transitory 

- Alyssa Caplin

Photo By Stephanie Joudrey

For more pics click here...


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