Coheed & Cambria: The Color Before The Sun Tour

Coheed & Cambria w/ Saves the Day
Shobox SoDo, Seattle, WA
09.14.16

I’ll never forget the first time I heard Saves the Day; hanging out by my locker one morning, during my freshman year of high school. My friend told me of this cool band that was coming to town, and that I should give them a listen. Upon hearing 30 seconds of “At Your Funeral,” I was convinced to buy tickets. It was my second concert ever and it was spectacular.

That night eight years ago was a bit different from their show opening up for Coheed and Cambria, including a completely different lineup, except for lead singer Chris Conley. Conley, the only remaining original member, wore long hair, a scruffy beard, and Portugal sweat shirt, quite a bit different than his former short pink hair and Hawaiian shirt. The only thing that was not different were the catchy, poppy, and high-pitched vocals I’ll never forget from my high school years.

Playing old hits like “Cars & Calories,” “Firefly,” and “As Your Ghost Takes Flight,” the set was filled with older songs, but weighed heavy with a more somber vibe from new music too. Echoing Conley’s scruff composure, the set included more mature tracks like “Sound the Alarm,” “Z,” and “Kaleidoscope.” Heavy red lights brought the mood down even more. While the music was more somber and heavy, Saves the Day still killed it like they have for 20-plus years. Over 11 albums since their inception, it’s definitely been an evolution for the band.

A strong backlight silhouetted the massive hair of Coheed and Cambria lead singer, Claudio Sanchez, as he came out on stage with guitarist, Travis Stever, armed with both acoustic and electric guitars. This was not the normal fast and energetic opening most Coheed shows start with. They began the night with new song “Ghost,” off their 2015 album The Color Before the Sun. After the track, the crowd cheered loudly as Sanchez switched out his acoustic guitar for his classic red Fender Explorer. He began the slow intro of “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3,” the most epic opening battle song for any Coheed set. Each song is based on a story line from Sanchez’s Armory Wars comic book. The beauty of their music is that you almost feel like you are in the middle of an epic space battle. With a few dark blue lights shining on stage, you can close your eyes and let the music transport you to another planet.

While Sanchez had his long, curly hair pulled into two pig tales, it didn’t stay that way for long. They broke loose with all the head thrashing, jumping, and running around the stage. With songs full of so much energy it’s no wonder he abandoned them within a few songs. The only wonder is why he tried in the first place.

A new Coheed tour usually means lots of new music and this tour was no different. Early in the night songs like “Island,” Eraser,” and “Here to Mars,” filled the set list. Each new song had the sounds of classic rock from the 70’s and 80’s but still in the Coheed fashion, with a story and high energy. Songs off the new album had more upbeat and poppy rhythms to them compared to previous records where the music was darker, heavier, and a bit moody. It’s always refreshing to hear new music from Coheed and Cambria. Along with new songs, fan favorites were not missed such as “Ten Speed” and “A Favor House Atlantic,” making sure each of their eight records were represented from “The Second Stage Turbine Blade” to “The Color Before the Sun”.

Playing homage to Seattle’s rich music history and the home of late Kurt Cobain, Coheed closed out their set with a cover of Nirvana’s “Drain You,” but not before finishing it in classic Coheed form with “Welcome Home.” Sanchez brought out his favorite double-neck white guitar, and opened the epic riff that gives every Coheed fan goose bumps. If anyone came to hear just one song played, this was it. An epic evening of of science fiction saga-inspired rock metal was the best way to end any Tuesday.

Review and photos by Logan Westom

Coheed & Cambria