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Anyone who has listened to the post-hardcore genre in the past 10 years or so has heard of Thrice. Anyone who falls into that category and still listens to them knows that they have changed their style significantly since the days of The Illusion of Safety. However, just like your high school guidance counselor told you upon graduation…change isn’t always a bad thing. If it was, I doubt that my friends Britte and Ryan would have jumped at the chance to come down and see Thrice in Pittsburgh…the night after they saw them in their hometown of Toronto.

Speaking of change, Thrice’s lead singer (Dustin Kensrue) has decided – when possible – to play secret acoustic sets at locations known only to those who visit the Invisible Children Twitter Page during the ‘real’ concert (that’s your hint to go check out this great cause). The idea of the bonus acoustic set is where the first video below comes from. Last night’s location was at a basketball court about four blocks from the actual concert venue. Dustin usually plays three songs, but decided to play four last night to accommodate for someone’s birthday request (which was ‘Blood & Wine’). The other two tracks he played were ‘Pistol’ and ‘Come All You Weary.’

Please go see these guys when they come to your city…the show was absolutely killer. If you need validation, Ryan’s wife is into just about as many different genres as I am, and goes to just as many concerts. Her quote about the show combined with the acoustic bonus set by Dustin was: “That was the best show I have ever been to in my life…the best I have ever seen. That was amazing.”

For the rest of the videos that have been taken from concert/random other thoughts and postings, visit the Outsider Vocals Facebook Page.

Enjoy.

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Emery came to Mr. Smalls Theatre last night, and played a hell of a show…they even went acoustic for some songs.

There are a ton of videos below of both them and To Speak of Wolves; including several brand new songs by Emery from their forthcoming album, We Do What We Want. Some of the clips have some very cool monologue from Toby, as well as a mini Q&A session with the band while the speakers were being adjusted for the acoustic songs (at the beginning of ‘Fractions’).

For roughly 100 more live videos, visit the Outsider Vocals Facebook Page.

As always, a huge shout out goes to Opus One Productions for the tickets to the show. Go ‘Like’ the Opus One Facebook Page for a chance to win free tickets to upcoming shows!

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Here is some background information on the band. To learn more and ‘Like’ them on Facebook, visit the Irvine Facebook Page.

IRVINE was nominated for best NC Alternative Rock band by JNFE (Just Not Famous Enough) as well as best breakthrough artist. Also in Dec. of 2008 the band was voted 1 on the local rock station 99.5 “the X” WXNR locals with the single “Tight Rope” off their “Can’t Control It” CD.

Averaging a new meaningful rock song a month, the band continues to gain momentum. IRVINE continues on its quest to reach the masses with its hard driving sound, and to entertain with a whole barrage of covers from the very bands that influenced them.

IRVINE’S live stage performances are something the fans are talking about as they reflect on a show. If you see this band live once… you will be back to enjoy more of their pure passion and love for what they are doing!

Lucas Owens: Lead Vocals
Tripp “Tr!pp!n” Morgan – Guitar, Backup Vocals
Garett Bissonnette – Guitar, Backup Vocals
Matt Stokes – Bass Guitar, Backup Vocals
Tyler Morgan – Drums
Charles Morgan – Drums, Band Manager

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All photos, music, and videos copyright of their respective owners. Used only for promotional purposes and to gain notoriety for the artists featured.

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Here is a video from a recently submitted band, New Kingdom. For simplicity’s sake, rather than typing up a long, sprawling story, just take a listen below…that’s what you were gonna do anyway, right?

For more information on this Los Angeles based rock/blues-infused band, check out the New Kingdom MySpace Page.

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All photos, music, and videos copyright of their respective owners. Used only for promotional purposes and to gain notoriety for the artists featured.

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