The Starting Line played to about 250 people Thursday night at the Varsity Theatre.
The band played through all three of their full-length albums, with some unexpected selections.
The crowd was so pleased with the performance that the band came back for an encore that included “21” and “Leaving”, which was one of the band’s first songs ever written and originally recorded on their debut EP, but later re-recorded for their debut full-length.
While The Starting Line put on a grand show, the same could not be said for the opening bands, with the exception of one.
Four Year Strong brought the opening “A-game”, kicking off the show with an energetic set.
It was Four Year Strong’s blend of musical influences that really set them off, made this writer see what the buzz created on the Internet was all about.
Four Year Strong blend punk, hardcore, and pop all into one energetic factor with songs such as “Wrecked ‘Em, Damn Near Killed ‘Em” and “Beatdown in the Key of Happy.”
“If someone rode with us in our van, and had a narrow look at music, they wouldn’t survive,” said Dan O’Conner, guitarist and co-vocalist of Four Year Strong.
Dan is referring to the different records that move in and out of the band’s touring van and have an impact on his writing.
Next on the bill was Permanent Me.
There is really only one way to describe this band, and it is through analogy.
Take a band like Cartel, and imagine they were a bottle of ranch dressing. Now imagine that there is only a small bit of dressing left at the bottom of the bottle, but it is absolutely necessary to make full use of that dressing. By adding water, the dressing is used, but watered-down and not as good as the original.
Since this writer doesn’t hold a band like Cartel that high, then by this analogy, Permanent Me aren’t going to be taking over radio stations by storm too soon, but maybe they will?
As main support of the night, Meriwether took the stage with fans blazing into joy for the Baton Rouge locals.
Here’s the thing, Meriwether have the look of a scene band with the sound of Top 40 rock. While a solid set, this writer still doesn’t get the hype of this band.
1. Sean O’Keefe’s mustache would be an exciting habitat for Mike VI, as the density of the hair means that Mike VI could meet millions of species never previously discovered. However, the prospect of Les Miles whipping off his hat to reveal Mike VI to incompetent referees makes the space underneath his hat the preferable option.
2. Let’s just say that one would have to go “Around the World” in one night.
3. Not sure exactly; who was the last SG member to resign?
4. Ole Miss didn’t receive the news about the defeat of the South until 1970 and so failed to recognize that they were named after losers. The Trojans were named after a subconscious recognition that like Hector they are destined to be killed by the LSU Tigers and dragged around the Superdome for the world to see. That, and USC’s in California. There’s probably a few other substances that went into their decision.
5. The Kentucky Coach, not only for his reaction but for the reaction of all the Wildcat fans who rushed the field only to stumble across the victorious Tigers. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, watch the Youtube clip from College Gameday Final: Bluegrass Miracle
6. Saban. Saban did wait a few years to sell out to Miami then Alabama and Alsfeld didn’t wait until the semester started to veto the will of the students. However, Saban was smart enough to at least be paid each time he sold out. Alsfeld’s doing it for free. So, the most likely scenario is that Alsfeld sells out before the money is offered, leaving Saban alone to take the cash. Saban walks out happy…until he’s kidnapped and thrown in Mike’s cage. Hey, you didn’t think I was going to let Saban come out on top, did you?
7. No clue whatsoever. Might be a NASCAR reference; who knows with that kid? He’s weird.
8. The Computer Lab. Glenn Dorsey is only frightening to the wicked, like Tim Tebow. The virtuous however are frightened by the inability to schedule tests until the last minute rush.
9. “Insert infinity sign here”
10.For me, it’s the belief in the fullness of truth, the Roman Catholic Church. However, I’m also a particular fan of “believing in evolution” and “failing to shout at kids going to buy pan pizzas at the Union.”
11. Heck No. LSU is invincible if the student section starts a cheer of “Let’s Tase Tebow! Clap-Clap-clapclapclap”
14. None. “All-you-can-eat” would include eating the entire restaurant itself including building, staff, and ownership. The consumption of the owners would render irrelevant any bankruptcy issues. Just remember: feed the big babies.
15. The chants of the student section are slightly less crude because they have a legitimate purpose; namely making fun of Steve Spurrier in Tiger Stadium. Alsfeld’s rant has no such worthy goal. We should all fear if Cassie Alsfeld ever deigns to visit the lowly people and comes into the student section. The perfect storm would render Saturday’s game to be slightly cruder than the Howard Stern Show.
16. For every sculpture, and come to think of it every single piece of art ever made: Globalization and repressed sexuality. Duh.
17. Not sure; how many sidewalks do we have?
18. Absolutely. It is a little known fact, but Trindon’s size allowed him to fit into the “Flux capacitor” that allowed the delorean to become a time machine in the Back to the Future movie franchise. My sources in the Athletic Department (ie Mike VI) tell me this ability has been verified by Coach Miles, who has kept it secret in hopes of using it to make a two minute drill into a five minute drill.
If you have a different answer or a different explanation, tell us about it in the comments section.
NEW ORLEANS - Charles Scott just scored his second touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run.
Scott’s score gives LSU a 34-9 lead with 8:49 left in the game as both LSU and Tulane fans have begun to leave the Superdome.
Green Wave coach Bob Toledo just replaced quarterback Anthony Scelfo with redshirt freshman Kevin Moore. Scelfo left the game after completing 11-of-25 passes for 113 yards.
NEW ORLEANS - Sophomore running back Charles Scott’s 35-yard touchdown just put LSU up 27-9 against Tulane.
The Tigers have rushed for 132 yards so far in the second half after gaining minus 11 yards on the ground before halftime.
The Green Wave just went three-and-out and were forced the punt. The Tigers have the ball on Tulane’s 45-yard line with 10:28 remaining in the game.
NEW ORLEANS - It seems like the LSU Tigers are finally ready to play.
After a lackluster performance in the first half, LSU has scored on its first two drives of the second half. The second touchdown came from Jacob Hester after a 5-play, 48-yard drive.
LSU leads Tulane, 20-9.
NEW ORLEANS - On the first drive of the third quarter, LSU finally began to resemble a top-25 team.
The Tigers drove 54 yards on 11 plays and finished the drive with Colt David’s 33-yard field goal which gave LSU a 13-9 lead.
Backup quarterback Ryan Perrilloux saw his first action of the day on the drive, picking up a first down on a 10-yard run. Sophomore Trindon Holliday gained 20 of the Tigers 54 yards on the drive.
On the following possession, Tulane running back Matt Forte fumbled on the second play of the drive. LSU just took over on Tulane’s 48-yard line.
NEW ORLEANS - The Tigers took the lead with 3 seconds remaining in the first half on Colt David’s 36-yard field goal.
The teams go into the locker room with LSU ahead, 10-9. The Tigers will receive the ball first to begin the second half.
NEW ORLEANS - Yes, you read the headline correctly.
Tulane just scored on an 11-play, 58-yard drive capped off by a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Andre Anderson.
The Green Wave have outgained the Tigers in the game, 125-91.
LSU now has the ball on their 45-yard line with 1:27 left in the half.
NEW ORLEANS - Although LSU is up 7-2 with 4:58 left in the first half, coach Les Miles has got to be less than pleased.
The Tigers were just called for holding in their own endzone which, by rule, results in a safety. Quarterback Matt Flynn has looked less than spectacular throughout the game, completing only 4-of-11 passes.
Flynn also appeared to be injured midway through the quarter, and backup quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who has not taken a snap in the game, was shown warming up on the sideline.
However, Flynn returned on the following drive which resulted in the safety for Tulane.
The Green Wave now have the ball, 3rd-and-14 on their own 38-yard line.
A little something about you, the author. Nothing lengthy, just an overview.