Bands: Every Time I Die, Scarlet

Venue: The Emerson Theater

Date: March 23rd, 2004

Review & Photography: Andy Hewitt

I drove to Indianapolis on the brisk day of March 23^rd, 2004 not really knowing what was to come out of my first show chocked full of metal and distortion. To be honest, the only reason that I was going was to see Every Time I Die, because I liked what I had heard on their 2 full length albums. What I got was a unique experience that broadened my horizons in the musical spectrum.

Scarlet stepped up to the plate after a local band had opened the show up, and once again I wasn’t sure what to expect because I don’t have much experience in the metal genre. I was pleasantly surprised with what my ears were exposed to seeing as I had only heard a few of Scarlet’s songs off of their debut record. Scarlet’s mixture of intricate guitar riffs and Jon Spencer’s vocals prove to be a great duo. Their live show is full of fun, mayhem, and a light up Scarlet sign used as their background. The band sounded incredible live, and seemed to be very comfortable with performing their new songs. I didn’t hear them hit a wrong note on their complex guitar parts the entire night. I also like the fact that Scarlet’s drums aren’t like the cliché metal beats of double bass overkill. In my opinion, Scarlet is a metal band that needs to be experienced live in order to appreciate their sound.

The night came to an end with Every Time I Die taking the night to its climax. I had heard both of Every Time I Die’s full length records, and I loved what I heard because of their uniqueness. It came time for the show, and I was eager to see if they would be as astonishing live as they were on their albums. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed in the least bit. Between Keith Buckley’s insane and off the wall vocals and lyrics, to Andy Williams and Jordan Buckley’s elaborate guitar parts, Every Time I Die proved that they can perform with the best, and give a remarkable representation of how to be incredible on recordings, and live as well. This is a feat that many bands find hard to accomplish because of all the sound manufacturing that goes on today. Every Time I Die made it seem almost effortless as they pulled off their guitar riffs error free, and made the show sound perfect. Keith Buckley’s energy and interaction with the crowd also proved to add another great dimension to Every Time I Die’s show. When the end came, I was sad to see it go, and I have to say that my first experience at a full metal show was an excellent one where Every Time I Die and Scarlet both gave me examples of what a metal show should be like in the future.