Evanescence

The Rave presents Rival Sons, The Pretty Reckless, and Evanescence

Tonight, as sometimes happens at The Rave, they had three different shows going on at once - with them being Yellowcard, DJ Pauly D and the show I was here for, Evanescence, playing in the biggest room at the Rave, The Ballroom, which is the preferred room to see a band live.

First up was Rival Sons. I have not heard about this band going into it but was very impressed with their set. With an old school sound of rock, they had the crowd on their side by the time they got off stage. I hope to catch them playing again soon and would advise to get out early to catch them.

Next up was The Pretty Reckless. Now, going into this I was curious how Taylor Momsen from TV show, Gossip Girl would pull this off and if it was just some fun hobby for her. Coming out in something you would see at Victoria Secret’s with a garter belt and leather jacket, from the get-go, she had all eyes on her. Being a member in her band, I am sure they have come to expect this, but this did not take away from their skills as musicians on stage. Momsen is a sight to behold with her height, pale white skin and sultry moves but her vocals skills are what impressed me.

She opened with Since You’re Gone, Zombie - a bonus track off their CD “Light Me Up” and Miss Nothing. Looking at the set list they placed on the stage it showed 2 cover songs to be played but in a switch from what was shown, they ended up playing Like a Stone by Audioslave. While a good attempt by all on stage to keep with the original, it seemed a little out of place. Ending the set with what Momsen said was a controversial song, Make me Wanna Die which sounded great and Factory Girl which had the crowd clapping along.

As they left the stage I have to say I was very impressed with The Pretty Reckless and good to see this is something taken serious by Momsen. I look forward to what the future holds for this band. Momsen thanked the crowd and seemed to be very pleased at how well they were received from the Milwaukee crowd.

With a 30 minute set change Evanescence came on, opening up with their new hit single, What You Want off the just release self-titled album. Amy Lee is a classic beauty with striking blue eyes compared with Momsen’s raunchy style and with vocals that are as smooth as silk and powerful enough to blow the roof off the Rave. Guitarist, Terry Balsamo came out with a Jason hockey mask on and his dreads flying from behind the mask. Along with rhythm guitarist, Trow McLawhorn, they provide the crunch that makes Evanescence music so unique and hard to place a label on. Rounding out the sound was Tim McCord on bass and Will Hunt on drums.

Lee was all over the stage giving to her fans, which waited 5 years since they came last to Milwaukee, a chance to see her up close. Going Under, The Other Side, and Weight of The World had the crowd pumped up. While tonight was not a crazy night of mosh pits, it was more about letting the music get under your skin and feeling it. With a voice like Lee’s, you can’t help but feel entranced as she moves with no effort from hard rock to opera like vocals that remind me of bands like Epica or Nightwish but with her twist.

During Lost in Paradise, a grand piano was brought out and Lee showed her skill on the ivory as well during Lithium, which sounded amazing live. While there was not much talking during song breaks but almost right into one song after another, with 17 songs on the setlist, she did thank the crowd for making their album # 1 and for always supporting them after being away for so long. The set list was also filled with many songs from the new album but the biggest reactions came when the classics came on like, Call Me When You’re Sober, Imaginary, and the huge hit, Bring Me To Life, in which she did all the vocals parts alone.

They came back out for a 3 song encore which included to me the hardest song on the new album, Never Go Back, before going back to the keys to play, Your Star and My Immortal, which sent shivers down the crowds’ spine and showed how powerful her voice is.

This tour has a few more stateside shows before heading overseas to tour.

http://www.evanescence.com/events.aspx

All Photos provided by Peter Lizano

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