How the Edge Stole Christmas

In true Texas style we rocked and we roared, and with the help of some of the leading artists in KDGE’s lineup we stole Christmas. Starting the evening off with pounding drums and bass Chicago-planted band Janus created a foundation that was rock hard. Creating edgy passionate material, their new and refreshing stage presence was the perfect kick-off to a night full of long standing veteran artists such as Papa Roach, Flyleaf and Breaking Benjamin.

Following the aggressive ending of Janus’ set, Australian alternative-rock band Sick Puppies stormed the stage with heavy guitar and raspy vocals. With fast paced and forceful lyrics, this 3-piece band was quick to engage the crowds attention. Slowing down the set with their famous “Free Hug” video song, lighters and cellphones filled the air while creating a “Classic Rock” atmosphere.

With a joyless and forgettable entrance, Dead by Sunrise, side project of Linkin Park’s vocalist Chester Bennington, stifled the hype of previous acts. While the beginning of their set provided a strong force to the show thanks to their instrumentation, the lyrics and tone were constrained and boring. Fortunately, due to a decrease in clothing and an increase in energy, Dead by Sunrise turned their luck after a stellar performance of “Too Late.”

In the wake of their sophomore album Texas-born Flyleaf addressed the stage with a powerful presence and slew of new material. With the new sounds exploding from the speakers and the crowd going wild, at times it was hard to understand the lyrics of the music; however, the animal-like stage presence of bassist Pat Seals stole the show in a non-human approach.

With a blink of an eye, the venue filled to capacity as veteran act Papa Roach took the stage and proclaimed “We’re stealing Christmas, take that shit!” With the energy of new talent and the sophistication of a band who has stood the test of time, Papa Roach stole the show. With bodies jumping from wall to wall and thousands of fans singing their hearts out, a frenzy overtook Nokia Theatre, leaving Grand Prairie radiating.

Closing the show, American alternative-metal band Breaking Benjamin set every heart on fire with their heart pounding beats and ear splitting screams. Fast and exciting fingers showcased the band’s perfect unison as they flew across the instruments. The energy and connection between the band members illustrates what separates the good from the great.

Overall, How The Edge Stole Christmas was a huge success in 2009, and a show to look forward to in 2010.

Artist: Seabird
Title: Silent Night EP
Album Length: 1 disks, 3 tracks
Release Date: 2009.11.24
Label: Credential Recordings

The holiday season is upon us, and it is time for radio stations and store shelves to be bombarded with Christmas music from artists from every genre. From traditional mixes to crunk selections, there isn’t a Christmas classic that will not be released over the coming month. This year Seabird throws their hat into the Holiday ring with the refreshing and much needed Silent Night EP.

Offered on the album are “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” with a bonus track “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.” The band’s version of the classic “Silent Night” is full of whimsical piano and electric guitar sections featuring a simple and steady drum section. With hints of electric guitar and a slightly increase in tempo this treatment of “Silent Night” gives the song a new and modern feel that breathes a new life into the Christmas classic.

Another impressive effort on the EP is the band’s rendition of “Joy to the World.” For this track the electric guitars are replaced with a soft and flowing acoustic arrangement, and are complimented with a graceful piano. The lower key played is a prominent part as there are little to no drums present. The tempo for this arrangement is slowed unlike that of “Silent Night” giving the song a light and airy feeling.

Seabird does a fine job recreating these classics and making them their own. The modern touch to these old time favorites make The Silent Night EP a favorite for this holiday season.

Switchfoot – Hello Hurricane

Artist: Switchfoot
Title: Hello Hurricane
Album Length: 1 disks, 12 tracks
Release Date: 2009.11.10
Label: Credential Recordings

After two years, a departure from their record label and four albums worth of material, San Diego rock band Switchfoot emerges with their eyes wide open. There is a raw and defiant darker side to Hello Hurricane, which bassist Tim Foreman explains, “There is kind of a hope that comes through because it is set against the backdrop of a storm,” Foreman said.

Drawing a lot of inspiration from their experiences, working with Habitat for Humanity after Hurricane Katrina, the band came across with a message of hope after meeting a local woman who lost her leg in the evacuation process.

Foreman recalls that, “It was her, not admitting defeat, that inspired the band that storms come and pass, and I want to be facing the storm and not turning away.”

Songs such as “Free” and “Mess of Me” deliver a heavier sound and a darker lyrical connotation which makes you grasp the message of facing our storms. While “Your Love is a Song,” follows a pattern of previous releases, and takes us to a deeper spiritual place.

Switchfoot has never been a band to shy away from their faith, and according to Foreman, faith plays a large roll in their music. “For us, it is a continual journey where we are continually reminded of how small we are in a bigger story, and wanting to find out where we fit in to all of it. I think that’s why we write music,” Foremen said.

“Always Yours,” a ballad from Hello Hurricane, defiantly takes us to why Switchfoot writes music. With a gentle and flowing piano piece melting into soft and subdued strings, the speaker says, “I am always yours,” representing a submission to love.

Switchfoot sets out Nov. 8 on their tour with plans to perform this album in sequence, a journey from start to finish, which Foreman believes, fans are ready for. To continue this journey, do not miss your chance to experience Switchfoot as they perform at The House of Blues in Dallas on Nov. 17