Gemini Syndrome - Memento Mori and more

I don't even remember where I first learned of Gemini Syndrome.  Usually I remember the first time that I hear a song and where I stumbled upon it whether it was on the internet, on the radio, from an opening band in concert or from a video game.  I think I might have seen ads for their debut album Lux in a magazine like Revolver.  Maybe they came up on suggested artists on iTunes.  All I know is that when I first heard them I loved them.  When I recently saw them at a small club in Stanhope, NJ they cemented themselves as one of my favorite bands right now.

Gemini Syndrome @ Stanhope House 8/3/16

Lux has a lot of strong tracks such as Pleasure and Pain, Stardust, and Mourning Star.  I think that lead singer Aaron Nordstrom has a unique voice and especially a unique growl.  If you've never heard them, the first album has similarities to Disturbed and Red.  They are a Christian band with a positive message, but their music is heavy and has some rawness to it.

Memento Mori is an interesting album title.  It was previously used as an album title by fellow Christian band Flyleaf and also by a lesser known metal band from the 90s.  Memento Mori is a Latin expression which translates to "remember (we) die."  It refers to the fact that we are all mortals, but also in ancient Roman times warned those coming back from battle not to get too prideful in themselves.  In a religious context, it also deals with the concepts of heaven versus hell and the salvation of the soul in the afterlife.

Lead track to the album Memento Mori called "Anonymous" preaches that we are all important, yet we are all the same because we all live and die the same way.  It is one of the most aggressive songs about treating everyone with love and respect that I have ever heard; and that is exactly what I love about Gemini Syndrome as a band.  Second track "Remember We Die" is even more literal in discussing the fact that we all live for a limited time on this Earth.  "Remember we die, but you're still alive, so don't let go..." Aaron sings.  Embedded in the track are the messages that each of us has an obligation to and a power to contribute something to society.  It also alludes to the idea that suicide is not a viable option because "there's plenty of time to see the other side" and "until we arrive [to heaven] don't let go, just let the light shine from your soul."  If you listen to this song and it doesn't inspire you, I feel sorry for you.

Setlist 8/3/16 Gemini Syndrome @ Stanhope House

In my opinion, the tempo, lyrics, and energy of the tracks at the beginning of this album are the best parts of it.  As the album continues so does the message and the rock, but it isn't as hard rocking as Lux.  There is less grit and growl and more melody and clean singing on their sophomore effort.  Some songs have kind of an older metal sound to them.  I'm not one to normally bash things for being overproduced, but I think this album might suffer a little from sounding a little too "studio perfect" and it is missing the raw elements of their debut.  Still, I am liking it even more with each listen.  I think people need to hear this band and share with friends.  We could all benefit.

Check out the Remember We Die official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUHsY6gPCys

The Used 15th Anniversary

My first impression of Bert McCracken was seeing him on The Osbournes circa 2002 when he was dating Kelly Osbourne.  I thought it weird that he would be seeing a 14 year old, but I also thought that he could be trying to get on Ozzfest and I didn't blame him for that.  He came across as a nice guy, but looked like a dirt bag who hadn't showered in a week.  If memory serves, he even talked about the lack of hygiene touring on the road.  My opinion of the band permanently changed for the better in 2003 while watching the video for "Buried Myself Alive."  I loved the imagery of Bert being trapped in a coffin trying to find a way out with a lighter.  I loved the song.  A couple years later I saw them on the Taste of Chaos tour with My Chemical Romance, Senses Fail, and Killswitch Engage.  Each band had an amazing performance that night.  Bert stood out for appearing unstable, but also being very emotionally into his music and what he was doing on stage to connect to the audience.  He was an electric front man!

Fast forward to 2016 and I was fortunate enough to see the 15th Anniversary tour of the self titled album on April 29th and 30th.  Two nights with the same band!  I've never done that before.  The first night was the self-titled album in its entirety and the second night was their sophomore album In Love and Death in its entirety!

The self-titled came out in 2002 and is highlighted by the Taste of Ink, Buried Myself Alive, and A Box Full of Sharp Objects.  The whole album is great though and songs like Bulimic and Blue and Yellow are great sing-along songs live in concert.  The crowd wasn't quite at capacity for Starland, but they were obviously fans and were very lively and sang quite a bit.  In fact, Bert said that we were the best audience on the tour even though I'm aware he probably has said that before.  The video below might substantiate the claim as you can see everyone is plugged in.

By the finale with Pieces Mended (complete with hidden tracks Polly and Choke Me), the roof nearly came off.

The second night was probably even better.  It was a Saturday night and it was packed. 
I had heard that openers The New Regime were keeping the same set list from night to night, but they switched it up a bit.  They seemed to me to be more comfortable in front of the fuller room and they sounded tighter too.  They were also very appreciative that the Used could have picked from "dozens of bands that sound just like them" and chose to take them on tour.  They thanked the Used and the audience often.

I heard a bunch of people in the crowd saying that In Love and Death is their favorite Used album, although for me it is not so easy to declare.  From Take it Away to Fake It, the place was completely nuts and Bert and the boys put everything they had into the show.  Unfortunately, I don't have personal pics or video from night two because I left my phone in the car.  I did meet a couple of cute girls that were into ill Nino as well as the Used and it was fun singing and dancing next to them.  In addition to the opening and closing tracks, I Caught Fire (In Your Eyes) and All That I've Got were definitely highlights.  They are already emotional songs, but even more so with a room full of people singing along.  I think this album has more highs and lows and varied song structures and tempos.  For example, you have Listening in the middle of the album that is really fast and angry followed by Yesterday's Feelings that is a slow and melancholy song.  Mood brightens with Lights With A Sharpened Edge and then Bert goes off the rails with Sound Effects and Overdramatics where it feels like all hell is breaking loose and it sounds like he is going to sing his lungs out.

The two night double headliner with complete albums back to back was definitely one of the most unique concert experiences and one of my favorites.