“Like a bad habit, I don’t think I’ll ever come back down.”– “One-Eighty By Summer”
Reveling in the memories of yesterday’s youth, fans of post-hardcore band Taking Back Sunday thought they might never come back down after their performance at the NorVa, in Norfolk, Virginia, on November 5, 2013.
Faint silhouettes melded into the dim indigo and black backdrop, and buzzing feedback echoed with the opening high-pitched guitar riff. Bright lights flashed, accompanied by the relentless pounding of drums. Adam Lazzara (lead singer/guitar) proclaimed, “So sick of being tired, and oh so tired of being sick...”--opening lines from “You Know How I do,” which begins the band's legendary debut album, Tell All Your Friends. The anguish and intensity in his voice lead you to believe he is indeed telling the truth. Lazzara and John Nolan (guitar/vocals) belted their dueling vocals back and forth as the audience cheered and sang along, appreciative that the band's original lineup were back together for the So Sick Tour.
Frontman Lazzara looked fantastic, but he admitted to being tired, telling the audience of the fitful three-hour increments of sleep that he’d had to endure since the birth of his second son. The premature birth prompted Lazzara to leave the So Sick Tour after only eight shows. Grateful to be back to perform on the tour's last four shows, Lazzara gave his heartfelt thanks to Spencer Chamberlain (former Underoath singer) for filling in for him on tour, and to the fans for their continued support of the band during his absence.
In a show that culled songs from all of their albums, the set continued with “Liar,” off the Louder Now album. Mark O’Connell’s high-energy drumming provided the perfect beat for this song filled with lyrical angst. “Faith,” from self-titled fifth album, Taking Back Sunday, is a more passionate ballad, with an appealing chorus that reassures fans that this band is “Not going anywhere--just have some faith.” Pounding fists, crowd-surfing and stagediving erupted from the crowd for “Timberwolves at New Jersey,” from Tell All Your Friends. Nolan’s tender guitar riff and this seemingly innocent song's catchy tune were belied by Lazzara’s succinct vocals, which cut deeply into one’s psyche. The back-and-forth bantering between Nolan and Lazzara built to a brilliant angst-releasing crescendo, erupting in a classic representation of teenage agony that continues to be relevant.
“Flicker Fade” and “Beat Up Car,” from their soon-to-be-released sixth album (Spring 2014), gave a glimpse of the band’s current direction. With lyrics like “You live your life like you’re not in control, like you’re playing a role” (“Flicker Fade”) and “So, if you’re interested I’ll take you anywhere, I’m like a beat up car--we could get out of here” (“Beat Up Car”), the cohesive interaction between Nolan and Lazzara reflected how well these two musicians complement each other, creating great symmetry while retaining their individual talent and personality. I'm looking forward to this new album.
“Go on, just say it. You need me like a bad habit,” they reminded the audience in “One-Eighty by Summer," from Where You Want To Be. Shaun Cooper’s heavy bass lines, Edie Reyes’ and Nathan Cogan’s guitar riffs, and O’Connell’s drums drive this song, as Lazzara and Nolan blow off steam, maniacally building and releasing tension as they ask, “Why can’t you just be happy?” Nolan’s whispered croon in the background heated the vocal, sparring with Lazzara’s wail, as the final guitar licks faded into feedback, releasing pent-up emotion.
Then, in a moment of unexpected surprise and pleasure, Lazzara diverted from the set list, picked up his guitar, and started in on a fan's birthday request for “Slow Dance On The Inside,” from Where You Want to Be. Lazzara serenades Amanda, the birthday girl, with “Tonight won’t make a difference.” Somehow, I believe this night made a big difference for this young lady.
Taking Back Sunday’s So Sick Tour in Virginia was cathartic and healing for fans and band members alike. The band played their songs with precision, familiarity and an air of sincere, heartfelt gratitude that radiated throughout the venue. One fan exclaimed, “Every time I go to their concerts, I feel twenty again.”
Just say it: We need you like a bad habit, Taking Back Sunday.