by Hugh23 » 10/15/2015, 9:10 am
The Loft is a small and intimate concert venue located on the 2nd floor of the Center Stage concert complex. It's stated capacity is 650. Just prior to the start of the OLP concert the room was loosely filled. When the band took the stage everyone crowded forward to reveal the room was 3/4 full of about 500 eager fans. The Atlanta fans knew all the songs and they were excited to see OLP after a 6 year hiatus. When the band came on stage they launched into Rabbits. When they finished, the fans responded with a loud roar. This prompted Raine to prophetically respond that tonight was going to be special.
For me to say the OLP concert was spectacular would be an understatement. Each band member did what they do best to produce a sonically valuable product. Raine climbed upon the band's energy to deliver a captivating performance. As each song progressed, Raine became more expressive. At times Raine lost himself in the emotion of the song. Xjsb125 stated how tightly the band played together. Raine's voice rang true as he hit every falsetto note with the fans trying to imitate him.
Steve's guitar was blazing as he hooked everyone with his best licks. With Duncan Coutts on bass and Jason Pierce behind his drum kit, together they symbiotically carried the beat and punctuated Steve's guitar solos. Robin Hatch on keyboards never tries to steal the spotlight and draw attention to herself. Whether she is playing her keys and/or singing, she adds just the right touches where they are needed.
I really enjoy Jason's drumming style. He plays with such high energy and emotion. At the end of Not Enough, Steve, Duncan and Robin held the beat as Raine briefly left the stage. Jason played a wicked 3 minute drum solo. When I was finished being amazed by Jason, Steve was not to be out done. He launched into his own blistering "rock god" guitar solo. It was a cool 1-2 punch to end the song.
The next song to be played was Annie. After the show I obtained Duncan's stage set list. It had a big red X over Annie. I saw another stage set list someone else had and Annie was crossed off again. Xjsb125 mentioned Raine said he would redeem himself on this song. I did not see the entire Yahoo live performance by OLP from Orlando. I assume Annie did not go well that night. Regardless, the band played Annie and it was flawless. Steve and Jason continued to tear it up as Duncan played his catching bass line. Raine out did them all with his vocals. He hit every high and low note with ease, making it sound so fun and carefree. The fans and myself ate it up! The 17 song 90 minute set was very satisfying.
At the end of the show the venue was cleared and most everyone went home. My wife, Carolyn, and I found ourselves standing in front of the venue with about 20 die hard OLP fans. We all waited together for about an hour after the show to see if we could meet some of the band members. Raine and Steve came out together. They casually huddled with the fans taking pictures and signing autographs. Carolyn and I patiently waited to meet Raine. He greeted us with a friendly hug as we told him how good his performance was. He laughed and smiled graciously. We talked easily together about the show and the tour. Steve is upbeat and outgoing too. Raine and Steve took some photos with us.
As we spoke, I pressed Raine for some details on OLP #9. I asked if Sound & Fury was the name of the new album. He said no, it was the name of the tour, but it could be used as the theme of the new work. I asked if the album would be out soon. He said no, the band was still working on it. When I asked for a release date he only shrugged his shoulders. When I asked if it would be done in 2016, he shrugged again and reluctantly said yes. Raine and Steve said goodbye as the band loaded the tour bus for tonight's show in Pensacola, FL. I am still in travel mode and I will post photos later.
Last edited by
Hugh23 on 10/15/2015, 11:31 am, edited 1 time in total.