ALEXISONFIRE + Saosin + Anti-Flag @ Metropolis

By Stephanie Ng Wan - We.Are.Canadian - 12/15/2007

Ah, Alexisonfire. I have to admit that I only got into this band because I randomly chose to review guitarist and vocalist Dallas Green’s solo debut, Sometimes, which he released under the moniker City and Colour. I fell in love with the record and then came upon the albums of his band and have become more open-minded towards post-hardcore music ever since. I guess it’s a bit of a reverse chronological order for most fans of the band, who probably enjoyed Alexisonfire first and then went on to follow the solo projects of the individual members (Green isn’t the only one who has done things outside of Alexisonfire). In any case, this being the third Alexisonfire show I’ve been to, I was prepared to be feeling my age and I wasn’t disappointed. Let’s call them one of my many guilty pleasure bands.

The crowd was certainly made up of a majority of teenagers -- all dressed in the current emo/fashioncore style that is so popular these days -- who stayed mostly on the floor and closest to the stage. Those of us either too out of shape or just plain uninterested in being bruised and beaten by the thrashing violence of the mosh pit sat at the tables furthest from the stage or up on the second floor of the Metropolis. Without a doubt, the venue was packed and showed, more than ever, that the popularity of this genre of music isn’t going to be fading anytime soon.

Alexisonfire have been on a cross-Canada tour for several months now with The Bled, Saosin and Anti-Flag but for the Montreal show, The Bled didn’t show up and we later found out through Alexisonfire lead singer, George Pettit, that the reason, which was kind of vague and not at all satisfying, was because “bands break down sometimes.” So Saosin and Anti-Flag opened up the show this time around, and it was funny to see an older punk crowd emerge for the latter in their full mohawks, leather jackets and studs. Once Anti-Flag finished their set at about 8:40 (the entire concert started at a very early 7pm), all these hardcore punks left the pit and let the younger screamo kids rush the stage in anticipation of the headlining act.

Alexisonfire hit the stage over a half an hour later, playing a set that concentrated on songs from Crisis, which is only natural considering it’s their latest disc and the one they were promoting for this tour. They played at least three-quarters of the record, including singles “This Could Be Anywhere in the World,” “Rough Hands” and “Boiled Frogs.” They also spoiled the crowd with some old favourites, such as “Pulmonary Archery,” “No Transitory” and “Accidents,” but I was disappointed that the one hour and fifteen-minute show didn’t include songs such as “Side Walk When She Walks,” “Hey It’s Your Funeral Mama” and “Where No One Knows.” It being a Saturday night, I don’t think it could have hurt if the show ended later than 10:25pm, but perhaps considering the age range of the audience, it was more than appropriate.

In any case, Alexisonfire were as explosive as always, and their high energy was only intensified by the sometimes blinding lights. The continuously fast pace of the music was matched by the crowd’s enthusiastic cheering and dancing, and it was quite a sight to hear the masses sing along to the lyrics and even finish the choruses of particular hits of the band.

The band members definitely played with all their heart on stage but there was very little-to-no audience banter, besides a few sentences here or there. Perhaps this is done so as not to break the flow of the music? In any case, there were also a few slower pieces performed, such as the Green-fronted one, “Happiness by the Kilowatt.”

Overall, while a bit on the short side, Alexisonfire’s stint at the Metropolis this December definitely showcased their talent and energy and let us know how much they truly love what they’re doing.

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