Armor For Sleep
By
Monday. Oct 17, 1:41 AM
live at Trees (Dallas, TX) Oct. 5th, 2005.

(photos by Andreams)

When Armor For Sleep released What to Do When You Are Dead in February, not many people knew what to expect. As it turned out, the sophomore effort brought a high-energy wave to the genre of glam-edged rock. Paired up with From Autumn To Ashes, Armor For Sleep rolled through Dallas, TX this first week in October. Transform Online watched on as they may have proved they’re not just studio sluts.

One curiosity burning my brain was the set list… with their Equal Vision debut, ‘03’s Dream to Make Believe already to their credit, and an entire album full of raw cuts on the new disc to choose from, what would they play for an audience that hasn’t seen ‘em in nearly a year? Of the eight songs they managed to cram into a blistering 40 minute-set, six came from their latest album, much to the listening pleasures of the nearly 300 fans in attendance echoing lyrical participation. After playing song like the energetic “Stay On the Ground” and the commercially acceptable “Car Underwater,” the band ended their set with a stirring rendition of “The Truth About Heaven.” Just as Jorgensen began the song’s outro of repetitive lyrical descent, it was almost as if all four members virtually lifted from their spots on stage. Both Dilonno (bass) and guitarist PJ DeCicco grabbed air while Nash (drummer) and Ben made the stagehands’ job a little easier by knocking over the drum station.

Most impressive was the confidence exerted by the New Jersey natives, as they weren’t afraid to spice things up a bit. Subtle changes in distortion, rhythm, and vocal melodies made for an overall comfortable newness. Instead of ending “The Truth About Heaven” softly as it is recorded, they left the crowd with a full on head of steam.

Twice Jorgensen asked for guitar level adjustments, so I sensed a more electric performance was the par effort on any given night. It’s noteworthy that all three bands prior to Armor For Sleep had issues with drowning vocals. Though I’m waiting to catch these guys again before I pass concrete judgment – with or without supporting acts – they are certainly worth the price of fair admission.
www.armorforsleep.com

Brian Rutherford

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