REVIEW BY: EPEFAN2
After nearly 5 months of waiting, my favorite local band, EPE, returned to the stage to wish a happy birthday to Drummer James Hager's mother, Cricket. This time around, the stage was a lot more elaborate with more amps, a better PA, a disco ball, and strobe lights.
The band kicked it into high gear from the beginning with a picture perfect rendition of "Animal". The entire band was at their best on this one.
They went straight into a new addition, a cover of the All American Rejects song "Swing, Swing". Stokes sang it to perfection. The only flaw was Carter's guitar coming unplugged in the 2nd verse.
Following a stage rap, the band went straight into their original "Black Rum". It seemed more at home at the beginning of the set. This time around, James played and sang it awesome. Carter's solo ripped and Stokes was right on time.
The band then went right into their cover of the Green Day song "Brain Stew". A killer performance! James added some hilarious ad libs to the verses. This is a band that is having a great time!
Next, James left his kit to stand center stage and sing a special song for his mother's birthday. The band then went into a surprise performance of the Nine Inch Nails/Johnny Cash song "Hurt". A real emotional performance. James sang it well, and the band was flawless. They claimed that they wouldn't play this often (if ever again). A cool rarity to have for the future!
Back behind his kit, James introduced the next song, The Outfield's "Your Love". After a false start, the band nailed this 80's pop classic. The vocal harmonies were nothing short of magical.
After this, Stokes went right into a classic! The Temptations' "My Girl". It wasn't perfect, but EPE played the tune their way and the crowed ate it up!
Next was, to me, the highlight of the night. James introduced a song that I never thought I'd see EPE play live. INTO THE DARKNESS!!! James wrote and recorded this over the net with a friend and the band always said they would play it. By god, they didn't just play it. They fucking NAILED it! An awesome strobe show made this all the more awesome. Kudos to James for the vocals, Stokes for the killer Chorus bass playing, and Carter for the incredible solo.
Next was the token ballad. The band played "Fabulous" as well as I've ever seen them. I dig James and Stokes now sharing lead vocals. This song smells of a hit...
Next was yet a new addition to the set. The band nailed the new Original "When the Lightning Strikes Again". Awesome performance from all 3 members of the band on this one.
The ended the set with the Lit song "My Own Worst Enemy". A killer performance full of energy! The only flaw was Stokes forgetting the last verse. However, it still came off wonderfully.
As they were playing the final notes, Carter went into the first Demo the band ever recorded, "Candygram"!!! To Stokes' dismay, James joined him! They jammed up until the solo. What a killer surprise!
I thought the show was over, but at the stroke of midnight, the band came out to play and encore! Sadly, there was no cameraman present for this. They played Into The Darkness again. Also, they jammed up until the solo on the Sugar Ray song "Is She Really Going Out With Him". Carter and James even played the first verse/chorus of the KISS classic "Do You Love Me?"! Not bad for 2 songs the band has never really rehearsed.
All in all, this was a killer gig! Much better than last time! Here's hoping for more to come!
