Something Corporate, Straylight Run, Hidden In Plainview, The Academy Is - 01/27/05 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC
Something Corporate is generally regarded as one of the bigger names in the �emo� genre, as they are both major sellers on Geffen Records in addition to being a fabulous live show. When they came to the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. this past Thursday, the sellout crowd was excited for this tour lineup. Opening the show were the Chicago-based The Academy Is, whose new record �Almost Here� will be released on Fueled by Ramen Records on February 8. Their unique blend of emo, indy, and just plain rock impressed the crowd. Despite the short set, The Academy Is packed in about 8 songs, many of which are to be featured on the new record. The screams from the predominately high-school-age females expressed approval. After The Academy Is was Hidden In Plainview, one of Drive Thru Records� up-and-coming acts. They plowed through an intense 30 minute set, showcasing songs from both their 2003 EP and their upcoming release, which comes out in the spring. The major criticism of the first two bands was that the sets were too short to get a solid feel for the bands.
Straylight Run played a much-anticipated set, as they had recently solidified themselves as the Big Thing in the emo scene. They performed for about 40 minutes, wowing the loyal fans, but boring some of us who were not familiar with them. Little action on stage and low-energy songs did not help prepare the crowd for Something Corporate. Straylight Run played well, were tight accurate, but their live performance leaves much to be desired. Seeing them was no different from listening to a recording with a light show going on. By the end of Straylight Run�s set, the crowd was mesmerized; in some cases that was a good thing, others it was not.
Something Corporate followed up with an energetic set of an hour and a half. There had been rumors circulating of a Something Corporate breakup, and, although the band made no mention of this, they still rocked as hard as they ever did. From dancing atop the keys of a piano to climbing the wall of speakers towards the balcony, pianist/vocalist Andrew ___ did everything within his power to impress the audience. A vast array of songs were played from 2002�s �Leaving Through the Window� and 2003�s �North,� with the highlights being the piano-only �I Want To Save You� and the poppy-punky �Punk Rock Princess.� However the most passionate song played was �Constantine,� Something Corporate�s most notable track and crowd favorite.
OVERALL: 4 out of 5 stars. Despite the short opening sets and sleep-inducing performance by Straylight Run, Something Corporate managed to send the crowd home very happy.
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