Top 5 shows of 2014

5) Chiodos- The Devil’s Dance Tour: I’ve never done a “VIP” package before this particular show so I knew it was going to be a different experience. Chiodos played three stripped down acoustic songs. We sat indian style on the floor and gathered around like it was story time in kindergarten. I loved how low key and down to Earth this small set was. It was simply beautiful. After the three songs, you got your photo taken with Chiodos and you got to talk to them one on one. You can tell these guys care so much about what they’re doing. During the actual show later on in the evening, a different version of Chiodos emerged. The room was full of an uncontrolled energy. I’ve seen Chiodos several times in the past and this is the best they’ve ever been.

4) letlive.: This was my first time ever seeing letlive. (shame on me right?) and I now fully understand why people love this band so much. They played at The Altar Bar in Pittsburgh. This venue did not have a barricade which made the perfect atmosphere for their performance. I was photographing this night, and this was the only clear shot I got of them because of how insane the crowd was. The amount of crazed passion Jason Butler demonstrates on stage is unmatchable. At the end of the set, he was climbing on the walls throughout the venue. One of the best performances I’ve seen, not just in 2014, but overall.

3) Anberlin- The Final Tour: I was fortunate enough to catch Anberlin two times on this tour. This photo is from the Cleveland date. It was a better experience in Columbus, though. They were the only band that played in Columbus, which made it a little more special for fans. We all know how heartbreaking their final tour was, but they’ve left us with memories that’ll last a lifetime. They honestly sound perfect every time I see them, but the last times on this tour specifically, they were completely flawless. They put on their best shows for this final tour, and they really left with a bang. RIP Anberlin </3

2) La Dispute: This show was sold out and I wasn’t even going to go. The Grog Shop randomly released 10 or so extra tickets for the show and I managed to snatch up two tickets just a few hours before the show. I’ve never seen La Dispute before this night. They’re such a raw band to see live. I felt like I had a knot in my chest the whole time. This night was hard for them because it was the last night their guitarist was going to play with them. You could see how close they are as a band and how far they’ve come over the years. You need to catch them when they go on tour in 2015.

1) Circa Survive- Grog Shop, Cleveland: Okay, okay, I know I am slightly biased when it comes to Circa Survive, but they prove to me every time I see them why they’re my favorite band. I caught them a couple times when they were touring with UME and one other time last month. This is from the Cleveland date at the Grog Shop. Anthony Green has such an insane presence and it never gets old. I just love when bands play at smaller venues, especially with how big Circa has gotten over the years. I just felt like I was in a sea of people that had stuff going on in their lives and this was their escape for the night. This night made me realize why I love doing what I do. Music brings people together and it’s an incredible thing.

 Top 10 Albums of 2014

10) Transit- Joyride: This album has summer written all over it. It gives me a break when I just want to listen to something fun and laid back but is still meaningful. It does seem a little “safe” from Transit, but still good nonetheless.

9) Issues- Issues: This was my most listened to album on Spotify. This album just gets me pumped up for whatever I’m about to do. I love the R&B style that gets incorporated into the songs. They definitely created something out of the ordinary with this one.

8) Architects: Lost Forever // Lost Together: As you can see from my list here, this is the heaviest band’s album I’ve included. It takes a lot for a metalcore band to stick out to me. One song into this album and I was completely hooked. This band has a lot to say, and they say it with fire.

7) Gates: Bloom and Breathe: Such a beautiful album. Every song just flows into one another perfectly. Something just sinks into my chest when I listen to it.

6) From Indian Lakes: Absent Sounds: I was very anxious about this album. When “Sleeping Limbs” was released, I knew this would be one of my favorite albums of the year.  Hauntingly brilliant.

5) Chiodos: Devil: With Craig Owens back in the picture, this was an “in your face” debut. This album is about the battles you endure in life, sometimes even with yourself. They even kept their theatrical elements for an extra punch. When they released the songs one at a time before the album came out, they put out the heaviest songs first. This gave us a relieving shock when listening to the album as a whole because there are some softer ones sprinkled in there. Welcome back, boys.

4) Have Mercy: A Place Of Our Own: I honestly could not ask for more when it comes to this one. The one minute and twenty eight second intro will have you starving for the whole album. I know this album resonates with me because I had it on repeat when I was going through some tough times. That’s what music is for, right? Have Mercy definitely stepped up their game and I’m so stoked to see how far they go.

3) La Dispute: Rooms of the House: This album is such a visual masterpiece to me. I can imagine the stories being told, down to the fine details. It’s something I can relate to. I love creating these images in my mind while listening to it. I really enjoy the moodiness. You feel like you really went through something emotionally by the time you finish the album.

2) Copeland: Ixora: Copeland’s comeback was something I was incredibly thankful for. Listening to this album made me feel like I was hearing from an old friend. Copeland was my sister and I’s favorite band in high school and she moved to England a couple years ago. This album couldn’t have come at a better time. Copeland will always be something she and I hold close. Even though I always associate Copeland with sadness, Ixora is a gorgeous album.

1) Circa Survive: Descensus: I was not expecting Descensus to be this powerful of an album. I knew it would be good, but this blew all of my expectations out of the water in the best way possible. No songs on the album sound alike in the slightest, proving how dynamic they’ve become. These new songs performed live are explosive and hold nothing back. I am so impressed with Circa’s progression with Descensus.