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Abdullah, Underdose, and 2^nd Half

Peabody’s

05-19-03

Strange bill, folks.  2^nd Half started things off with a set of tunes highly reminiscent of 311.  If you like catchy pop songs they were pretty good, but I don’t know what they were doing opening for Abdullah.  The band, which consisted of Ed on guitar and vocals and Drew on drums, made use of computer generated visuals projected on a screen behind them and a pair of banners behind each member that would change for each song.  Pretty impressive, but I think they may be relying on the props too much.  Obviously I don’t expect the drummer to run around, but the guitarist could stand to be a little more mobile at least some of the time.  Not my kind of music, but there was a decent number of people up front who liked 2^nd Half more than I did. 

Underdose didn’t do much for me, either.  They sounded to my ears like Creed mixed with seventies and eighties mainstream hard rock.  The band had a good vocalist and the musicianship was solid, but their sound was pretty ordinary.  Underdose didn’t get much crowd response, either.  In fairness, they probably would have gone over better with a different audience. 

I think Abdullah is one of the best metal/hard rock bands going today, period.  They showed why tonight with an incredible set.  The band played “A Dark but Shining Sun”, “Secret Teachings of Lost Ages”, “Black Helicopters”, and “They the Tyrants” from ‘Graveyard Poetry’ and “Path to Enlightenment” from their self titled debut.  They also did a few new originals and a killer version of The Misfits “Hybrid Moments”.   Lead vocalist Jeff Shirilla didn’t run around quite as much as he’s done in the past and his vocals were the better for it.  He sounded strong and clear throughout the set.  Bass player Ed Stevens and guitarist Aaron Dallison were entertaining to watch as always, and lead guitarist Alan Seibert’s lead work was excellent.  Jamie Walters drumming was rock solid as well.  I really can’t think of one negative thing to say about Abdullah’s performance.  The sizeable crowd seemed pleased as well.  (Bob Ignizio)

For pictures click here.