Candlebox is currently touring the U.S. in support of the band’s latest release Into the Sun. The July 24 show at Seattle’s Snoqualmie Casino provided fans with a remarkable concert experience and showcased the band’s strength.
Candlebox’s Opening Act – Soul Asylum
The Candlebox concert was opened by Soul Asylum, an entertaining and energetic band. Playing for about an hour, Soul Asylum was successful at getting the crowd excited for the headlining show ahead.
Soul Asylum played a variety of songs, covering the group’s twenty-plus years in the music business. The crowd was especially receptive of the band’s more popular hits “Misery” and “Runaway Train.” The band joked with the crowd, performed a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” and wrapped its set with the inspirational “Stand Up and Be Strong” from the 2006 release The Silver Lining.
Candlebox’s Headlining Performance
After a short intermission, the crowd began to cheer as fans awaited the Candlebox performance. The lights dimmed, eerie music began to play, and the show was on; it was an hour and a half of pure energy and entertainment. The band came out strong and did not let up or slow down until the very end. The Candlebox show was nothing but constant rock.
Candlebox’s Music
Candlebox opened with the aggressive “Bitches Brewin’” from the latest release Into the Sun. The set list included hits such as “Blossom,” “Cover Me,” “You,” “Arrow,” and “Far Behind.'
In addition to its original music, the band played a medley of popular rock anthems by other artists. The group performed songs such as Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" and "Whole Lotta Love," Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," and AC/DC's "Highway to Hell," drawing an energetic reaction from the crowd.
The highlight of the evening, however, occurred when the band played its own “Breathe Me In” off the Into the Sun album. The guitar laden intro, reminiscent of Pink Floyd, earned big applause from the crowd. The majority of the song was graceful and intimate. The end however, was fast and furious as the band rocked the song’s climax.
Candlebox’s Performance
The lead singer, Kevin Martin, was all over the stage. He was energetic and charismatic. He constantly involved the crowd throughout the entire performance. Martin wailed his lyrics on the microphone, and actually sounded even better live than on the band’s albums.
Martin’s voice was strong and fierce, and he was in control of the crowd the entire time. He grabbed the fans’ attention from the beginning, and maintained the intensity throughout the show. He dedicated the band’s performance of “Blossom” to his mother who was in the audience. In addition, he recognized his late father with the track “Miss You.”
Lead guitarist Peter Klett and bassist Adam Kury were amazing. They appeared to genuinely enjoy performing for the fans. They played to the crowd, inciting screams each time they came near the audience. The drummer, Scott Mercado, completed the experience with his loud and ferocious beats. His playing and intensity on the drums clearly anchored the band.
Candlebox’s Performance Overall
All things considered, the Candlebox show was great. The veteran band’s strength truly lies in performing. Remarkably, Candlebox is one of the few groups that sound better live than on the radio. They are grossly underrated and deserve much more critical acclaim than they have received in recent years.
In a July 20 interview with Suite 101, guitarist Peter Klett stated: “People that aren’t intimate fans don’t realize that what you see is what you get at a show. There is no gimmick or choreography. It’s basically just a down and dirty rock and roll band that just goes with it.” Klett’s comments are an understatement considering the amount of fire the group showed on stage.
The performance was exceptional, and fans should make every effort to catch Candlebox in action. Tickets for the remaining concert dates are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
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