Driven Far Off

Take Action Tour 2007 Featuring
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Emery, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, A Static Lullaby and Kaddisfly
Feb 25 @ House Of Blues – Hollywood, CA

Let me start by apologizing to Kaddisfly. I was unable to make it in time, largely in part to the stellar (sarcasm), consistently overpriced parking at HOB. Besides this, there aren’t many things to complain about when it comes to HOB venues. Seemingly always well staffed, and under control, House of Blues concerts always have the big show feel with the smaller venue intimacy.

Starting off with recently reformed A Static Lullaby, the Take Action Tour was very much the ‘scream cause it’s trendy’ lineup I expected this year. ASL is nothing special, and definitely one of the least impressive live acts I’ve seen in a while. I think the main source of my distain is their lack of energy. Yes, they move around on the stage a fair amount, but when you put them up against the other bands on this tour, they’re not worth your time.

Scary Kids Scaring Kids definitely accomplished their band name. With their keyboardist removing his shirt and practically dry-humping his keyboard to death, I think any of the audience not familiar with the band were turned off. However, as far as performance goes, they were actually quite impressive. I found their music to be well organized and vocally it was executed with precision. I’m not sure if I’d make an extensive effort to see them again, but as an opener, they were just what the show needed to really get off the ground.
Being from Seattle, it’s great to see local favorites succeed on a bigger level. While Emery originally hailed from South Carolina, I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at many of the band’s first shows. Today, Emery is easily one of the best live bands in music. Playing now as a five-piece due to the departure of their bassist last fall, they haven’t lost a bit of their live show. In-your-face screams blended with melodies that knock you off your feet, unfortunately their set was cut shorter than we all expected, and we only got to hear about six songs.

With the shorter set, came a presentation of a tour plaque to the headlining act, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus by members of Hopeless Records, and tour beneficiaries Youth America Hotline (1.877.Youthline). This good gesture was followed by an incredible set from one of the newer artists in this vein. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus were picked up by Virgin Records and their release “Don’t You Fake It” has already been certified gold. Playing almost the whole record, the band blended great musicianship and pure intensity and has again impressed me as a live act.

As long I can see, the Take Action! Tour will continue to be a staple to the music community. Blending the recent trend to be socially-mindful and active, with some incredible bands, you automatically have a recipe for success. No matter who is playing on this tour, you can always expect to get your money’s worth. If you don’t, why do you care? A portion of the proceeds go to suicide prevention. Take some time, and TAKE ACTION. For more information, head to takeactiontour.com.