I entered the Rialto Theater on June 2^nd, and was blown away by the performances of the night. I don’t think I was prepared for the eclectic performances by the opening bands in contrast with the headliners Alkaline Trio.

The night began with Tucson locals Broken End Stereo, a rock band with a lead singer that had a Jim Morrison sensuality and presence.  Each member definitely had a rock star persona, which at times made it difficult to focus on the band as a whole as each artist was well worth watching throughout each song.  The intensity of the band drew the audience in, and whether you’ve heard them before or not, it is hard not to get involved with the show.  The lead singer showed great intensity with each verse and emerged himself not only to the music but also to the audience. Jumping back and forth from being touched by the audience members and back on stage singing to the guitarist, the dramatization was at times over the top.

When the set ended, I was still taking in the show. At this time the theater was packed and I began to wander around. I found my way back to the crowd as the next band entered the stage.

A little more dark, a little more intense, and a little more insanity in the eyes of the singer, Finch hit the stage with an energy level that was brought on from zero to ten in a matter of moments. It was emo without the whining which should make any new rock listener very happy.  I would describe the set as pleasantly crazy wild with good ol’ intensive rock.

I met up with Finch guitarist Randy Strohmeyer after the set for a brief chat about their tour.  Finch is currently working on a third record which he describes as “really intense, really dark, and dismal with a light at the end of the tunnel.” Playing for 9 years, Finch is still an independent band and looking for a label to produce their new album. They are writing and touring at the same time and not looking to take a break yet.

Wandering around now and thinking I should really invest in earplugs, I heard the cheering of the audience and knew that Alkaline Trio was about to hit the stage.  The first sign of this was the unveiling of their banner that set the backdrop for the show.

Alkaline Trio had no gimmick, no flashy lights or grotesquely fashionable outfits. There were no ridiculous dance moves or corny jokes (well maybe a few later on), it was intimate with the audience.  A bond was made between performers and fans and that sense carried out the rest of the night.  The Trio performed with excitement and an underlying feel of just having fun.

Touring for their new album Agony and Irony, the band played an array of songs mixing old and new.  Alkaline trio has a basic sound of vocals, bass, guitar and drum.  Notably in the show was the outstanding bass solo which was just awesome. The energy was high from the band and the fans who sang to all of the Trio’s songs.

So the night ended and I left the theater feeling divided by the differences in performances but with an overall sense of enjoyment of the evening.

www.myspace.com/brokenendstereo

www.myspace.com/finchmusic

www.myspace.com/alkalinetrio

www.alkalinetrio.com

Photos: Mike Leland

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