REVIEW BY: EPEFAN2
Well, little over a month since their last show, EPE made their return supporting "Fitch Lane" at their New Years Party.
Fitch Lane first played an AWESOME set that was captured on tape along with EPE's set.
At midnight Fireworks were shot off and then about 10 after, EPE started to play. James intro 'd the show by saying that he was on his way to getting drunk (I suspect Stokes was in the same boat..) and it was time to blow shit up!
With that, Carter ripped straight into, what else....ANIMAL! A very good performance, but it also showed us that this was gonna be a very loose and informal performance. That proved to be the course.
The next tune was intro 'd by saying it was "The third time we've played it TOTAL". Stokes didn't even learn the vocals, so James sang it. Even then, Drivin' Me Crazy was a mess. HOWEVER, musically, it shows great promise.
They then went into the Green Day song Brain Stew. Carter MURDERED the lyrics and tried to end the song a verse early, but no one cared. This song was pure fun. The band was tight, and James rocked out some creative fills.
Next was an original that fit the mood of the night well. Black Rum. With the exception of James having a small fit with the lyrics in the last verse. a VERY good performance. Carter's solo ripped.
Next was the return to the set of James' personal favorite. Into the Darkness. This was one of the best performances of the night. Not one flaw that I can remember. Carter's solo was AWESOME!
Next was another Debut. Everytime I See Your Face show excellent promise, but still needs some fine tuning. It was loose and sloppy, but the song will be a showstopper soon enough!
Up next was old favorite Fabulous.....ACOUSTIC! What else can be said? Other then some crappy feedback through the PA (Which plagued the entire night) it was awesome.
Then came Stokley's favorite song of the night. The Outfield's Your Love. The performance was awesome as ever! Bryan Becknell from Fitch Lane even joined in with some clapping and vocals on the bridge. Excellent!
Next was another cover, Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses. It wasn't the tightest I've ever seen the band, but they literally had played the song UNDER 5 TIMES. Hell, the last time was 3 or 4 months ago! So, it had some issues, BUT the spirit was there. Good vocals from James and Carter. The China cymbal on James' kit really shines on this one.
Next was another classic EPE tune. When the Lightning Strikes Again. Other than more lyrical issues (Too much beer maybe?), they nailed this one and the crowd ate it up!
Closing the show yet again was Super Human Hero Space Bums. Prior to the Show they had decided to let Stokes sing the whole thing. That never happened. During the second verse, Stokes' bass came un hooked from his strap. He missed a word or 2, but recovered well. Well, during the solo it happened again. He looked at James and mouthed "Sing it" and sat down. Without missing a beat, James sang the 3rd verse. Nice save! What a way to end the show!
All in all, this was far from the best performance from EPE, BUT it was far from Formal as well. A great show with the guys taking so REAL chances with the set list. Hopefully, the video surfaces soon!
Until Next Time!
EPEFAN2
