Thrice & Touche Amore @ Underground

I was a bit bummed that Self Defense Family started right at 7.30pm as that is what time the sitter arrived, so I missed all but the last 2 songs of their set.  I did catch up with Alan afterwards.  He was a neighbor up until a year ago.  He is now in Chicago and enjoying this tour - to play and travel has been a much needed joy.

It was not long ago that Drew told me about Touche Amore, so I have been listening to Stage Four a lot since I bought it from Lunchbox Records in May.  I am hoping their energy transfers live.  And I am not disappointed.  In this small venue, the power of the band is strong.  Displacement early was familiar and of the 11 songs they got through, 5 were off their latest album, Lament, which I will endeavor to add to my collection.  The audience were into it as well, a good response for an opener and not the usual lack of enthusiasm from a Charlotte crowd.  Rapture and Flowers & You were highlights for me.  I hope they come back through town soon (after I get my hands on Lament), I'd see Touche Amore any time.

Touche Amore setlist

I know nothing about Thrice, but if they are good enough to invite Touche Amore along for a tour, they definitely are worth a listen.  In contrast to the raw energy of Touche Amore, Thrice are a polished outfit.  The sound is perfect and their crowd are into it.  I don't recognize a song, but the masses know what's going on, and they are into it.  Not for me.  Nothing was catching, and I was still in awe of the previous set.  I probably lasted half the set when I decided to save some money on the sitter instead of seeing out the night.

Thrice setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 468th concert.
This is my 6th concert at The Underground.
This is my 88th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 103rd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 271st concert in the US.
Touche Amore are the 543rd band I've seen.
Thrice are the 544th band I've seen.