Tour dates/Show Reviews

Evanescence Brings the Standards of Live Rock to a New Level

The rabid fans, who packed The Electric Factory for the band's concert on Friday, April 18th, cheered in response. Lee continued, "You're way better than New York!" The crowd became a gleeful mob, screaming, waving their arms frantically and whooping madly. We're kick ass? Better than New York? What an honor! Typically, this comment wouldn't have affected a crowd of 1000+ people. However, coming from Miss Lee? The crowd accepted the words as though they were a gift from heaven for their ears only. Amy Lee, who sings like an angel, but was dressed like a naughty French maid, is one of five members of Evanescence. She was joined on stage by guitarist and originating member Ben Moody, bassist William Boyd, rhythm guitarist John LeCompt, and drummer Rocky Gray. The band's name of Evanescence implies a vanishing--a dissipation into the air. If the crowd (which filled The Electric Factory to full capacity) was any indication, it is obvious that this is not a band the public wants to see a disappearing act from any time soon.
The show consisted of an incredible set-list, including nearly every song from the band's major-label debut, Fallen, which has remained a staple on the Billboard Top 10 since it was released on March 4th. Each song was played with almost astounding accuracy from the band, as well as from Amy.
Lee's vocals are so powerful and high-pitched that one might think it impossible to recreate the sound live; much to the audience's chagrin, each song was belted out with a force to rival the screams of the enamored crowd. The sweet soaring vocals acted as the perfect dichotomy to the males' heavy, throbbing music. Although there was a spot of technical difficulty during Evanescence's first song and current single, "Going Under," the remainder of the set sailed majestically, building in intensity with each wail of the guitar and beat of the drums. The crowd pumped their fists in the air and slam-danced while the band played favorites such as "Haunted" and "Everybody's Fool." Unlikely additions to the set included lesser known songs "Farther Away" (a B-Side to the "Bring me to Life" single), and "Even in Death" (a track from their highly sought-after EP Origin). These songs were devoured ravenously by the enthralled attendees, though only a few obsessive fans were able to sing along. Between songs, Amy and Ben Moody shared an almost teasing banter with one another. During one such occurrence, the duo competed for the crowd's affections; a battle which Amy won by a landslide, though Ben did put forth a valiant effort. Perhaps if Ben were wearing a French maid ensemble as well, he might have stood a better chance. Though the crowd upheld an incredible amount of stamina throughout the performance (not to mention three opening acts), the largest surge of energy sprang forth when Moody played the opening strains to "Bring me to Life," which was featured on the DareDevil soundtrack, and is one of the most played songs on Y-100, Q-102, and 97.5 PST. Lee insisted that the crowd sing along with the song twice as loud as they have been, and to say that they complied would be an understatement. Even the security staff sang along to the popular single. After the initial set ended, the fans demanded more. Ben Moody came out and helped to urge Amy Lee to come play a crowd favorite, "My Immortal," which was also featured on the DD soundtrack. Amy sat down at her keyboard and played the song without accompaniment from John, Will, Rocky, or Ben. However, as an added twist, the guys came in during the song's bridge, giving the gentle piano ballad a heavy, more textured sound. The audience accepted the change with squeals of delight and nodding heads. After the song ended, they launched into "Whisper," which acted as the perfect ending to an incredible set. Though the audience was saddened to see the end of the show, they were assured that the band would return. "I can't wait to come back," said Amy, while waving frantically to the crowd. One thing is for sure, when Evanescence does return, it is a show that anyone would be privileged to see.

Source:Katie Nicholson