SEVENDUST / THEORY / RETURN TO DUST – LIVE
By Ralph Beauchamp
Sevendust and Theory of a Deadman bring their Dead/Seven tour to College Street Music Hall with Return to Dust for direct support.
I knew this evening would be special when I already saw a full house when I arrived at tonight’s festivities. Usually College Street waits till after the opener to get near capacity, This is all due to Return to Dust. I’ve been touting this band for several years now. I’ve interviewed both the group and their producer Jim Kaufman and seen them open for a bevy of large acts like Chevelle. I also noticed quite a few people wearing Return to Dust t-shirts.
Return To Dust is comprised of Matty Bielawski (Guitar/Vocals), Graham Stanrush (Bass/Vocals), Sebastian Gonzalez {Lead Guitar) and London Hudson (Drums). Like I mentioned, I’ve seen them live multiple times and each time they just get better, Seb on guitar totally cranks and London has an incredible flair. Matty and Graham’s vocals have depth and their harmonies sound phenomenal.
If you want to know, their music brings a new dimension to the current grunge scene revival. Return to Dust uses that grunge groove to deliver music that completely assaults their listeners. Live, they pour every ounce of their being into the creation of sonic devastation. This night was no exception. Opening with “Black Road”, the band had the audience immediately come alive. “Face Down” and “New Religion” followed.
New song “Sweet Escape” launched something not expected. Graham wanted to know if there were any OutKast fans in the crowd and he got cheers. Return to Dust suddenly played “Hey Ya!’ to everyone’s surprise. This led to an amazing sing-a-long. The house loved every minute. RTD closed strong with great renditions of “Bored” and “Belly Up”. I’m sure they made a bunch of new devotees this night, If you don’t know who Return to Dust is yet, wake the fuck up. They will be huge.
On this tour, Sevendust and Theory of a Deadman have been alternating the headliner spot. Tonight, it was Sevendust‘s turn. As soon as Theory hit the stage, College Street erupted. Theory of a Deadman have been around since their inception in 1999. The band is made up of Tyler Connolly {Vocals/Guitar/Keys), Dave Brenner (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Dean Back {Bass/Backing Vocals} and Joey Dandeneau (Drums/Backing Vocals}.
Theory‘s music spans many genres of music. They are like chameleons. You are never sure where their next song lands. They float around hard rock, country, alternative and whatever they decide to do next. That’s the beauty of Theory. They definitely keep you thinking. Tonight’s 14 song setlist was no exception. Coming onto the stage to the refrain of ‘Sweet Caroline”, Theory powered through “Barricade” which ignited the faithful.
“Ambulance”, and “Blow” was followed by their newest release “Winnebago {Lay Low}” which fits into their country leanings. It’s an awesome track and the even though it’s new, the audience sang right along. Then, Theory hit with “Bitch Come Back”, the AIC’s cover “Nutshell” and “Santa Monica” . The anointed loved every note. The Chris Isaak cover, “Wicked Game” gave the throng a little break until the band pulled off a short medley that included “Jump” and “Crazy Train”.
Theory ended with strength. “Lowlife” dove into “Hate My Life”. “Rx (Medicate}”, a personal favorite, and their big hit “Bad Girlfriend” completed their set. All in all, Theory was completely on point and entertaining.
Sevendust was last man standing and what can I say, they destroyed College Street. You don’t go to a Sevendust concert, you go to a Sevendust experience. This is no ordinary act. Sevendust creates an immersive environment that transforms their fans into one huge family. One mass of brothers and sisters. It’s because the band unconditionally cherishes their followers. Many have been there from the beginning. One of our writers, Kat Gullage, has witnessed Sevendust an estimated 57 times. They are the devoted.
Sevendust is fronted by Lajon Witherspoon (Lead Vocals). Vinny Hornsby (Bass/Backing Vocals}, John Connolly (Guitar/Backing Vocals}, Morgan Rose (Drums/Backing Vocals) and Clint Lowery (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals) make up the remainder of the group. As individual players, these musicians have exceptional talent but as a group Sevendust is a rhythmic monster. Every one of their songs showcases transcendent power and melodic beauty.
Opening with “One”, College Street welcomed Sevendust with a loud roar. This was the moment everyone was waiting for. As soon as the beginning riffs of “Denial” hit the air, the house lost it. Everyone was in rapture. “Is This The Real You” and “Crucified” came next and the crowd just let Sevendust take over. In addition, Lajon was in complete control. When he wanted hands in the air, everyone obeyed. The band was in constant flux. Hornsby flew from one side of the dais to the other. Also, Lowery grabbed hold of the audience and never let go.
“Praise” ran into “Terminator” and “Waffle”. Lajon and the band were on fire. “Enemy” hit hard. “Angel’s Son” slowed the pace some and brought put the cell phone flashlights and Lajon brought up a special guest {long time fan, Tia Tucci} to duet on the song. It was a remarkable moment. Sevendust left the best for last. “Black”, “Rumble Fish” and a devastating version of “Face To Face” ended the evening.
If there was any minus, it’s the fact that the Sevendust lighting was way too dark. You never saw Rose and barely the rest of the band. Otherwise, this night was a sweeping success. Each band brought their A Game and everyone exited with unforgettable memories.
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