VersaEmerge
VersaEmerge played Toronto for the first time in March 2009 when they open with We The Kings. A year and half later, the Florida band had undergone a few member changes, spent two summers on Warped Tour, went on various nationwide tours as opening acts for bands like Boys Like Girls and (finally) released their debut album, Fixed At Zero. After gaining a huge fan base with their unique sound, the band went on their first headlining run, titled the Vulture Unite Tour with Conditions, Anarbor and The Dangerous Summer.
Conditions
The Dangerous Summer
Anarbor
On November 13th, the trio (or quartet) performed at The Mod Club, the same venue they played the first time in Toronto. The club was packed as Conditions opened the show. The Virginia quintet pointed out that they don’t usually get crowds like that back in the US, only in the UK. Their set was energetic and well received. Up next was The Dangerous Summer, who just completed their headliner in the summer, played a passionate 30 minute set. The third band was Anarbor, a four piece from Arizona with a classic punk rock attitude. It was also then when the crowd was the most engaged and excited as proven by the fists in the air. The back story to “Going To Jail” (the band got arrested for smoking weed) and the subsequent proclamation of “fuck the police” by lead singer Slade Echeverria definitely boosted the spirit of the audience. Shortly after, Slade quickly somewhat apologized as he realized there were parents present. Rock n’ Roll. The band was great to watch live as there is so much fun (the floor was shaking) and mischief going on. At their final song “Let The Games Begin”, VersaEmerge’s bassist Devin Ingelido replaced Slade on bass duty as he got in the crowd to sing.
VersaEmerge
Finally, VersaEmerge made their entrance under flashing strobes and kicked off the set with title song “Fixed At Zero”. The tour was said to be a “cinematic presentation” (given the band’s fondness and influence from soundtracks, it was understandable), I was actually expecting something like slides or graphics projected in between songs. Not exactly, instead, between two or three songs, there will be an interlude moment which kept things very mysterious and interesting. It was my fifth time seeing VeraEmerge live and I was impressed and happy to find vocalist Sierra Kusterbeck has stepped up so much as a front woman – she was bursting with energy, captivating the crowd more so than ever. Although I personally find her vocal performance was a little bit off or different than previous shows, her passion and genuine appreciation of the fans (referred to as “vultures”) were gratifying. Anther notable difference on the band’s first headlining tour is the participation of guitarist Blake Harnage as a vocalist. He has always sang on some tracks but his vocals are more prominently featured on the band’s new album. Blake sang a cover of Bjork’s “Unravel” with Sierra as back up vocals, it was very delightful. There was even a mosh pit for “Make You Own LoVE”. During “Lost Tree”, the epic closer on the album, the tension was built up and broken down at the powerful instrumental parts when Sierra screamed. Sierra was also at the back smashing cymbals. To many fans’ disappointment, due to time constraints, the concert ended without an encore although everyone was demanding it. But overall, it was a memorable concert.
Text and photos by Jessie Lau
Translated by Jaime Chu
