Concert Review of Hinder

It seems like a band with albums certified gold, certified triple platinum and so many songs for the ladies would have super huge egos and an inability to care less about people.  However, in the case of Austin and his group, Hinder, it wasn’t.  I was fortunate enough to interview the entire band and get a load of laughs, cool info about them as individuals and the future of Hinder.  You’ll read about this in a future issue.  Right now you’re going to read about a near sold out show at Jim Porter’s in Louisville, KY where they did not hesitate to rock faces and provide a makeout soundtrack for many of the women on the dance floor.

Starting things off was a band called Black Sunshine.  At first, I thought the lead singer was Jack Black after a weight loss program.  Turns out, it was professional extreme athlete Matt Reardon.  I’m not shitting you.  Right along his side was drummer Matt “Toast” Young, bassist Christopher Serafini and Filter/Theory Of A Deadman guitarist, Charles Lee.  Let me tell you that they put on one hell of a show as I suppose you’d think they should.

Although it was a real treat to meet them and chill in person, the stage was where the real magic shined.  Matt was incredible with vocal hooks that punched through the atmosphere pulling bystanders closer to the stage with amazement on their faces as he switched from rocking and singing with a guitar to jumping around as a solo singer.  Being drummer Matt Young’s birthday might have been the reason he was pure thunder on drums but most likely, he’s always that damn good.  Christopher was in his own zone ripping the bass with skill and Charles Lee’s smoking leads and guitar pizzazz was almost more than the crowd could handle.  My jaw dropped and I wondered if it was possible for Hinder to be outdone.  This will be another one of those rare bands that slap you in the face in the months ahead.  There’s no way to not score their sound and performance an A.

Next on the lineup was a band called My Darkest Days.” This colorful bunch of hip, young guys had a sound that was overplayed, at first.  However, after a couple songs they pulled out some clever, unique punches.  They made the crowd move in vivid fashion.  I found myself hopping around at the end of their set with two back to back, sure-to-be-a-winner hits.  While my suggestion of their sound would be Papa Roach humping Goo Goo Dolls I truly felt like it was hard to figure out their style.  The crowd was electrified and it just made sense that “My Darkest Days” was there for the Hinder celebration.  If their song set would have been longer I could easily see my grade of a B across the board raising.

Finally, in great anticipation by a crowd who salivated for hours, Austin brought his team on stage and began face kicking everyone in the room.  Dressed for success, these guys known as Hinder poured on intensity, charm, fan appreciation, flawless execution, and an unforgettable experience.  This is what I would expect from a group of all original members for nearly a decade.

Cody was a blast to watch as his face made wrestling moves while his intricate drum patterns solidified the backbone of the music.  Even his orange, curly head of hair agreed.  Mike stroked his bass in frenzied fury to stand out from the dynamic duo of Joe’s and Mike’s impeccable guitar skills.  The rhythms were right on queue and the leads were every bit as mesmerizing as the albums, with added live flair.  Not to be outdone, Austin’s vocals were in tip top shape.  He commanded the songs and the emotion that he poured into his delivery was tear-jerking to many. 

Members of the crowd were wiping their eyes while they sang along with “Better Than Me” and fan favorite, “Lips of An Angel.”  The mix of songs about pain, love, pot, partying, and being free touched the crowd so much so that many of them were doing just that.  Making out, smoking, and much more happened right there in the mostly packed tight crowd.  Hinder live did to that crowd what their albums did: gave them something to relate to and to party to.  I’d be shot for lying if I graded them under an A!

Every band at this show left the crowd with memories of a pleasant nature.  Every band had new fans, good times, and great success while the audience got more out of their money than they should have, metaphorically speaking.  For just a feeling of overwhelming emotion alone, Hinder and this lineup shouldn’t be missed.  For all other reasons don’t be one of those who say, “I should have.”  Be one who said, “I f***ing did!”