It seems that the world (well, at least our music scene) was in a unanimous state of disbelief when the news broke that Taste of Chaos, a tour that NO ONE believed would come back to the forefront of the scene, announced its return. Not only would this affair be in amphitheaters across the nation during summer (a peak concert season), it was announced that it would feature a jaw-dropping lineup that more than perfectly represented those at the forefront of the alternative-punk genre: the Chris-Carrabba fronted emo crooners Dashboard Confessional, the iconically-known and sing-along inducing Taking Back Sunday, the high-energy and chaotic stylings of Saosin (with original lead vocalist Anthony Green of Circa Survive fame), and the sweet, melodic alternative rock of The Early November. The return of Taste of Chaos is presenting a tour that is one to remember, and one that is definitely not to be missed. The outing only has a few dates left, and we have a brief recap of each artist performing that should give you more than enough of a reason to get off work early and get ready for a night of amazing music.
(Side note: people are playing Pokemon, Taste of Chaos is back, Blink-182 has a new album, and a Clinton is running for president. WHAT YEAR IS IT?!?!)
Dashboard Confessional
The Chris-Carrabba fronted Dashboard Confessional initially started off as a solo project for the frontman while he was working with the band Further Seems Forever (a group with a bit of a heavier direction than that of Dashboard.) After the success of the first two records, Carrabba left FSF to pursue DC full-time. The result of his dedication and songwriting birthed A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar, which secured him a number 2 Billboard spot upon its release. To this day, it's still the best representation of Dashboard Confessional among most fans, portraying a vibrant mix of emo tracks that blend together the likes of acoustic and indie rock, producing something entirely unique. The band's last record, Alter The Ending, was released in 2009, so it's more than likely that the band have some new tracks cooked up for fans as they've secured the headlining spot of the festival.
Taking Back Sunday
The first time I ever listened to Taking Back Sunday was when some kid (who to this day is, I'm sure of it, still a major asshole) brought a copy of Louder Now to gym class. My teacher played it on the stereo in our gym, and the music struck a chord with me. I hadn't heard anything like it before. While the lineup has since changed for the band since that era of their songwriting, their music is stronger than ever. The Long Island, NY natives are getting ready to release their seventh studio album this year, entitled Tidal Waves, so we're sure to get a few surprises from the new album in the setlist. And of course, we're going to get to hear hits like "Cute Without The E (Cut From The Team)" and the scene-stealer that's known as "MakeDamnSure".
Saosin
Among the unthinkable moments that happened in the recent years, Anthony Green re-joined Saosin. Most never expected this to happen to due his commitments with the mega-successful Circa Survive. But lo and behold, he appeared with the post-hardcore band at the New Jersey Skate and Surf Festival resuming his vocal duties. There were hints here and there from the band in interviews that there might be a possible future with Green, but nothing was confirmed. As time went on, it became official. The outfit have released what I believe to be their strongest record to date, Along The Shadow, through Epitaph Records. The band will be one of the opening artists on the tour, so GET THERE EARLY and make sure you relive your youth with them.
The Early November
It's hard for me to classify The Early November as an opening act on a tour like this. To be completely honest, ANY of these artists could have taken turns switching off and headlining every evening (in my opinion). But having an act like The Early November open up this tour sets the perfect tone for the entire night. It lets you know that you're going to get insightful songs, some with a bit of energy, some with a more laidback tone. The Ace Enders-fronted alt-rock group has been playing together since the early 2000s, releasing four albums to date and inking a deal with Rise Records in the process. They're also one of the only bands I've seen to date that has kept their entire lineup since the beginning, and that's an impressive feat alone. The Early November will be the FIRST artist playing, so like I mentioned earlier in regards to Saosin, SHOW UP EARLY.
The Rockstar Energy Taste of Chaos 2016 Tour resumes tomorrow in Concord, CA at the Concord Pavilion and finishes up in San Bernadino on July 16 (featuring an all-day, star-studded lineup different from the rest of the tour). For tickets and information, visit http://www.livenation.com/artists/157708/rockstar-energy-drink-taste-of-chaos-tour-2016
Dashboard Confessional
www.dashboardconfessional.com
www.facebook.com/DashboardConfessional
@dashboardmusic
Taking Back Sunday
www.takingbacksunday.com
www.facebook.com/TakingBackSunday
@tbsofficial
Saosin
www.facebook.com/saosin
@Saosin
The Early November
www.theearlynovembermusic.net
www.facebook.com/earlynovember
@thearlynov
This has been another Shameless Promotion.