Staind - Gig review

Staind opened the show with 'Spleen', from their second album 'Dysfunction', showing the bands intentions to be known for their heavy, aggressive style of music. Their new album, along with this subsequent tour was for Staind to show that they are back to their rocking ways. This opener definitely set the right mood for that.

To follow this was 'Falling', not typically one of Staind's heavier songs, but Mike worked his guitar to give the song more of an edge then it does on the album.

Next was 'Right here', which saw Aaron switch to an acoustic guitar. This is one of the mellower songs that some of the 'hardcore' fans who were with Staind from the beginning, don't like as much, but it till received a great reception. This song saw the introduction of Johnny April, the band's bass player, on backing vocals, which were solid through out the night

The band's new album, 'Staind', was introduced with the next track 'Eyes wide open', which Mike says is the song that defines the new album. With Aaron's raw voice in the verses, twinned with Mik'es heavy riffs, the songs shows Staind have gone back to heavier ways, but doesn't become too screamo by being punctuated with a more melodic chorus.

'Fade' was next, being the first song played from 'Break the cycle', the band's, most successful album, which went multi-platinum in several countries. It's my personal favourite from the album, and they certainly did it justice live, with Aaron's voice suitably haunting to really bring emotion to the song.

'Crawl' followed, with the heaviest guitar work of the night, and I honestly don't think I've ever seen a lead guitarist seem to enjoy being on stage, and having so much fun as Mike Mushok. Full of energy all night long, and putting his all into every song. You could tell that this guy really lives for the live performances.

'So far away' is probably the most upbeat song Staind have written, not their usual style. Despite this, you could feel the buzz going through the audience during this song - there seemed to be a real electricity flowing through the crowd with every single person singing along.

Then it was back to the beginning, with Staind's first ever single 'Just go'. I guess this is a good example to show you what Staind were all about when they first started out. The heavy guitar riffs, Aaron's voice switching between soft and angry, the drumming aggressive, and the bass giving that melancholic feel to the song

'Throw it all away' saw Staind presenting another song from their new album. Not as heavy as some of the others, but for me Sal really shone on the drums during this, hitting hard and bringing some life to a song I think would otherwise be slightly flat live.

'For you' saw Aaron ditch his guitar and move around the stage playing to the audience. It was received well by the crowd, but Aaron Lewis is not the most natural front man I've ever seen - he says little in between the songs, letting the music do the talking, He doesn't seem entirely comfortable without his guitar and mic stand, but you really can't fault his singing live.

'Paper Wings' wasn't a song that stood out to me on the album, it was more of a grower on me, and listening to the album now, I'm still not completely convinced of it, but I found myself loving this live. I think it's just one of those songs that was written to b performed live, the bridge of the song doesn't seem to fit into the song well on the album, but I didn't feel that seeing it performed.

A huge cheer erupted as the opening riff to 'Outside' sounded out from Aaron's acoustic. The performance of this was impeccable, and I don't think the crowd would've accepted any less from Staind's biggest song to date. This song of pain and solitude is almost oddly uplifting when you have over a thousand people singing every single word together. Not bad for a song that was never meant to even end up on the album.

'Not again' was the song that stood out for me as being a big hit on the new album, and I was really looking forward to see them performing it live. I was not disappointed; every single one of Staind's songs seems to have that extra something when performed live. I was particularly impressed with Mike's solo in this, his hands racing up and down the fret board on par with some of the best guitarists I've seen.

Next saw 'It's been a while' played in all it's despondent glory. A lot of people feel that they can relate to the lyrics in Staind's songs, they touch a lot of people despite that never being the aim. In Aaron's words: "this is the song that made people listen"; and this is a song that shows the band at their best.

Mud shovel wrapped up the show on a much heavier note. A song that I was happy they included as I think it's the best song from their earliest stuff, a great way to show off the aggression that drove the bands music forward in the beginning.

The encore was short, simple, and beautiful. 'Something to remind you' saw just Aaron and Mike on stage, a lone electric guitar with no distortions twinned with a voice which is melodic and moving. When Aaron sings so simply, with so much emotion in his voice, you see him at his best. Staind may want to be known as heavy rockers, but no one can deny that they do this at least just as well.

You can probably tell that I had an amazing time at his gig, and admittedly I have been a big fan for a long time. I know Staind aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you like any of their stuff I urge you to see them live. On stage they play so tightly, Sal didn't miss a beat, and kept great timing, Johnny provided solid backing vocals and bass throughout, Mike was having the time of his life shredding his guitar, and Aaron can really sing…. note perfect and just exuding feeling. If this is your thing, they are a band not to be missed.