Coheed and Cambria Live in Cleveland

Coheed and Cambria is an up-and-coming band from New Jersey that seems poised to break the door down into a more mainstream fan base. As indie/emo keeps rising in popularity there will be a select few bands that will be able to come in and appeal to the larger market of consumers and music listeners. I feel like if there is a band that is ready to do it, it might be Coheed and Cambria. They are aggressive enough for the heavy fans. They are melodic enough for those who want a lot of emotion. They are poppy enough for those who like to bounce their head. And best of all, I don’t think anyone has any idea what the hell they are talking about with their vague lyrics and seemingly sci-fi themes. After seeing their show last week at the Agora in Cleveland, I am more sure than ever that given the right circumstances, Coheed and Cambria can be the “next big thing” like their NY/NJ brethren, Thursday was last year.

Writing good songs is important for every band, but to write good songs that are good candidates for fans screaming along are few and far between. I would say that the fans at last week’s show proved that Coheed and Cambria have an anthemic quality to their songs as most of the crowd reached back and screamed most of the words to the songs. We are talking about a group of indie fans who are known more for their “scene” clothes and haircuts along with an attitude of self-seriousness that is unmatched in most crowds. These fans absolutely just let themselves go in their giddy excitement over seeing the band. This is not to be overlooked.

The band went through a reasonable set and a single encore. Most of the songs were from the new album, “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3.” A couple songs from their debut “Delirium Trigger,” and “Everything Evil,” were definite highlights according to the crowd response. During a break in “Everything Evil,” Coheed broke into “The Trooper,” by Iron Maiden to the fans delight. (at least for the ones who knew what song it was.) Other than that, they played the title track from their new album, “Blood Red Summer,” and plenty more.

The energy onstage was apparent. The band was tight and the audience appreciated every second of it. Live shows like this combined with continued adventures in the studio can only mean good things for Coheed and Cambria. It will be good for the indie/emo genre too, which is always in need of depth, breadth, ability and creativity.

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