Opening up this show was some band in which I never got their name, but it really didn’t matter as they weren’t very good.

I know that imitation is a form of flattery, but Twelve Gauge Valentine blatently ripped off just about every riff ever written by Every Time I Die. As long as you’re going to try to copycat another band, at least try to pull of a live show. Twelve Gauge Valentine are just another generic metal core band that will not be remembered next week.

Inhale Exhale took the stage and I was pleasantly surprised. Their vocalist was like a ten year old who forgot to take his ADD meds. It has been quite some time since I have seen a front man have so much energy. The rest of the band were just as crazy. I would suggest that every one sees this band live if they get the chance. Everything sounded crisp and clear. They caught me by surprise, and I’m glad I got the chance to check them out.

Everyone in the crowd was really at this show for only one reason: Maylene. Every time they come through they pull a great crowd, as vocalist Dallas Taylor (ex underOATH) is from the area. As Christmas was near, they set up a giant inflatable Santa and snow man on top of the speakers, as well as Christmas lights on the amps and drums. They completely stole the show. Every single person in the crowd sang along. I have never seen so many crowd surfers and stage diving in my life. As kids would land on stage, Dallas would pick them up and put them on his shoulders and even at one point, a fan lifted Dallas onto their shoulders. The eight songs that they played seemed to end way to quickly. They could have played all night and everyone would have been satisfied. By far the best performance of the year for me. Expect Maylene to blow up in 2007.

Nick Zimmer