Tour Review: Title Fight at Union Transfer 10/12/13

 

     Title Fight just wrapped up their headlining tour with Balance and Composure, Cruel Hands, and Slingshot Dakota and I hope for your sake, you made it to one of the shows.  This tour was nothing short of unbelievable and definitely the best show I’ve seen this fall.   Passing the venue a couple hours before doors, kids were already lined up.  By the time I came to pick up my ticket before doors even opened, the line began to wrap down the block.  The sold out hometown show at the Union Transfer held an excited crowd who exuded positive energy and enthusiasm from the moment of entering the venue.

                Slingshot Dakota kicked off the show.  The newlywed duo (but seriously, they got married on this tour) consists of Carly Comando on keyboard and vocals and Tom Patterson on drums and backup vocals.  Despite playing much lighter music than the rest of the ticket, they kept the energy up and entertained the crowd.  On a lot of tours, there is one band that isn’t in the same genre as the others and it totally kills the vibe in the room.  However, this was not the case.  Playing to a crowd who moshed the entire way through the other three sets, everyone seem to be enjoying the poppy sound of Slingshot Dakota with plenty of head bobbing and foot tapping.   Not only did Comando sing her heart out and wail on the keys, but Patterson also impressed everyone with his quick hands on the drum set.  It was clear that their punkish pop had just as much heart and emotion as anyone else on the ticket, explaining why they were so well received by a different crowd.

Carly Comando of Slingshot Dakota playing at Union Transfer, 10/12/13

                If we say Slingshot Dakota eased us into the night, then Cruel Hand’s first song was as subtle of a transition as a train wreck.  The second the bass kicked in, vocalist Chris Linkovich began jumping around the stage while the crowd followed suit.  By the second song, there was a seemingly constant flow of people surfing up to the stage and front flipping back into the crowd.  The pit had opened up and for the rest of the night, consumed about a third of the floor at Union Transfer.  By the end of the set, the crowd was so hyped that Cruel Hand could’ve closed with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and kids would still be throwing themselves around.

Nate of Cruel Hands at the Union Transfer, 10/12/13

                Balance and Composure was up next and they were as entertaining as ever.  After releasing a new album just over a month ago, they played a solid set of both old and new songs.  As a big Balance and Composure fan, I was not a bit disappointed as each member of the band gave a performance that did not only sound flawless but also was full of passion.  The group of girls behind me said they “had the feels” after their set which is probably the most accurate statement I can think of.  There was not much else to it other than it was just really freakin’ good.  It was a hometown show for these guys which may have made it more special than other shows but in all honesty, I have yet to leave one of their sets without being in complete awe. This obviously was no exception.  If you get the chance to see them, do it (they’re on tour now with Coheed and Cambria ~hint hint~)

Balance and Composure at the Union Transfer, 10/12/13

                Finally, it was time for Title Fight.  It was the first opportunity I have had to see these guys play and I was really hyped up about it.  I’ve heard they’re one of those bands that you love recorded and appreciate even more when you watch them live.  Again, that is one of the most accurate statements.  Opening up with “Make You Cry,” the energy in the room was indescribable.  Watching Ned Russin spill his heart out on stage was captivating and I ended up putting my camera away after the first two songs because I just had to take in the music and watch.  I know it sounds super cliché but I have a lot of feelings, okay? Unfortunately, their set was cut short due to an injury in the crowd.  Although I do not know any of the details as to what happened, I do know that someone was knocked unconscious in the crowd and Ned stopped mid song and asked for someone to help the person.  From there, the show stopped for about half hour as paramedics came to help the kid out and safely remove him from the venue.  Following a message from Ned that was the equivalent “Please be safe and protect each other,” the set continued but Title Fight had to compensate for the time lost.  As they hopped back into things, so did the audience’s energy.  The pit opened back up and the stage diving continued.  Despite an unfortunate accident and a shortened set, Title Fight still had an unbelievable performance, definitely not disappointing their hometown.

Ned Russin of Title Fight at the Union Transfer, 10/12/13

   

You can pick up their new EP Spring Songs on November 12. I got the opportunity to interview Ned before the show.  Click the link below to hear it!

     Also, Keep Calm and Carry On hopes that the person injured at the show is okay.  Sending positivity your way, kid!