(*All Photos By Magic Stick Mish*)
SHOW REVIEW: The Fall Of Troy w/ Tera Melos, Damera, and Portugal the Man
LOCATION: The Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA
1/20/07

Besides its impressive sign, the Troubadour would be inconspicuous to the average passerby. Average being the operative word. To those who know the legend behind the venue, the history of hallowed bands that have graced the main stage, the Troubadour is the place to be on show night.

It was at least for the fans of the Fall Out Troy. Scalpers filled the streets for extra tickets to the show, which had sold out – a remarkable feat for what most would consider an unknown band on an Indie label with relatively low publicity. However, word of mouth about the band’s amazing live performance had spread, causing an overflow of spectators for the Seattle band.

While most fans bemoan the opening act, Tera Melos took away everyone’s breath with their high octane, chaotic rock and light show. Despite being less manic due to losing their guitarist, Tera Melos still provided an energetic show, although it was notably more muted than their past performances. They proved that it doesn’t take vocals to make a song rock – pure musical madness can do that. Damera, hailing from Equal Vision Records, were surprisingly above par for a opening band. With a nasal, whiney voice heavily amplified by the Troubadour’s sound system, Damera was the popiest act of the night, but definitely did not have the catchiest songs, proving that it takes more that pop hooks to make a song rock.

Portugal the Man performed as if they were the main act, shocking all in attendance. One audience member even remarked, “I don’t think I’ve seen an opening act this good.” Sounding a bit like Coheed and Cambria, except with a harder edge, Portugal the Man proved that they were more than the remains of Anatomy of a Ghost. The band sounded finessed and mature, providing a treat for everyone in attendance.

Despite having a lot to live up, the Fall of Troy wowed all with their metal, punk, rock blend of music – post-emo at it’s finest. While it may have sounded unharmonious to the average listener, the lead singer Timothy’s sweet vocals brought everything together, creating balance to the otherwise schitzophrenic melodies. Even the newer songs that are scheduled to be released later this spring did not fail to disappoint and fit with the rest of the old material. After being called on stage for an encore, Timothy played a one man guitar driven post-emo ballad that proved that these boys can rock by themselves, as well as together.