I got introduced to Life Of Agony several years ago and quickly they became one of my favorite bands and still are to this day. I was very disappointed after hearing "River Runs Red" that they were no longer a band. Then when they announced their River Runs Again Tour, I knew that one of my dreams had come true to see L.O.A. in concert. So I saw them on that tour and here was chance to see them again.
The tour was just L.O.A. with local bands and coincidentally my friend's band, Sidewise (check out the review here) was opening for them, so to say the least they were excited. Also opening was Albino Fly who I had never heard but knew that they had been around the local scene quite a bit.
Albino Fly was first up that lovely July evening. They had two singers that did not play instruments and were running around the crowd quite a bit, I personally really dig that kind of crowd interaction. The music that they put out was good but having not known their material before hand, no song in particular really stood out to me. They had nice stage presence and their performance was above average. Also, I think that nothing really stood out because of anticipation for L.O.A..
Next on the list was Sidewise, and let me just start out by saying they played an outstanding set. Having not seen them for a while, it was really quite refreshing to see them play. They played some of my favorite songs off the album "Digest The Moon" such as "Downpour" and "Lego" as well as playing a new song that I forgot the name. Nico also decided it was a good idea to get into the crowd, only he did it ala the pit during the last song that they played. Great set, guys! Way to go!
Finally the time had come to see the one, the only, L.O.A.. They played mostly songs off "Broken Valley" and "River Runs Red". Songs such as "Through And Through" and "Weeds" were some stand outs as well as the new track "Love To Let You Down". Their set had lots of energy and the band was totally on point no flaws. If Sal had banged any harder on those drums, I am pretty sure that he would have busted his drums. Joey just like time would not stop smiling, not that it is a bad thing or anything, he was just having a great time. Keith was doing his usual thing just oozing stage presence with the way he stood and moved.
Now for my complaints, well, their set was only 55 minutes, hardly a good length for a headliner, I mean really last time they played at least 80 minutes. Keith was not interacting with the crowd nearly as much, actually not even half as much. Maybe I got spoiled the first time I saw them because they were just unbelievable, oh well. Hopefully next time they reach my expectations again, not that it was a bad performance, it just could have been better.