Since By Man

Alkaline Trio / Thrice / Since By Man: live in Pittsburghlive in Pittsburgh (2003)
Vagrant Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

Contributed by: KirbyPuckettKirbyPuckett
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on May 2nd 2003Finals week, ugh! Every college kid (that goes to school for an education not beer) has had his or her head stuffed in a book non-stop for the past three days. Cramming hard and praying that this information will stick by the time the huge Operating Systems Concepts test rolls around. As I drove thr.

Finals week, ugh! Every college kid (that goes to school for an education not beer) has had his or her head stuffed in a book non-stop for the past three days. Cramming hard and praying that this information will stick by the time the huge Operating Systems Concepts test rolls around. As I drove through Oakland it was obvious it was that time of year, as Forbes Ave. was similar to a ghost town. Not filled with the masses of college students wondering from restaurant to frat house. Well, the streets were uncovered expect for one little place, Club Laga. The line wrapped around the building as tons of kids waited to enter the building for a night of rock, brought to us by Thrice and Alkaline Trio.

I was alone tonight, as my friends considered this show a little to Emo for them, had work, or thought school was more important than two of the best bands in the scene right now. Whatever…

I arrived shortly before Revelation Records recording artist's Since By Man took stage. I had never heard of these guys prior to the their lead singer telling me who I was about to have my ear drums punished by. Now, I know you're not supposed to judge people by how they look, but as soon as you looked at the band you knew exactly what they were going to sound like - a poor man's Thrice. And I was right, they did. For me this band's set just sort of blended together into one big song that was loud, had a lot of screaming, and sounded too much like many of their peers. I don't think I was the only one in a daze as they seemed to have lost most of the sold out crowd three songs into their set.

The whole week prior to this show all I had been raving about was that I'd finally get to see the Alkaline Trio. What kept slipping my mind was that Thrice was going to be there too. Just a few months ago they opened the same stage for a band that split a record with the Alk3, Hot Water Music. I was very impressed with the band and this time around they out did their previous effort. Slamming into the Illusion of Safety track "Betrayal is a Symptom" which gained the audience's attention and never go, until a little mishap. Next up was the title track from their first album, Identity Crisis. The band really came alive midway through the song, feeding off the energy of the crowd. They continued to fly through their impressive set, combining a blend of hardcore, metal, punk and emo that is unparallel to any band in existence. Dustin screamed or sung straight through most of the bands set which included the songs, "Where Idols Once Stood," "See You in the Shallows," a new song "Siloutte" which had that patented Thrice sound more towards the metal side and awesome guitar work by Teppei, "In Years To Come," "(That) Hideous Strength," and "Madam." After taking a quick breather to announce the release of The Artist in the Ambulance on July 22nd the band belted out a possible single to the new album "All That's Left." The song builds the listener up with an intense intro and the song explodes quickly as Dustin and Teppei trade off vocals on the track. It appears that Island Records signing of Thrice has had no effect on the band's signature sound. After a recess while the security guards removed the barricades that the crowd broke, the guys slammed into round two with "Kill Me Quickly." Before another new song "As the Ruins Falls" destroyed our drums harder than it does on record. I missed a song here, but Thrice closed with "To Awake & Avenge the Dead" which is as good as a closing song as they come and it really left me wanting more from this incredible band.

During the break my anticipation continued to grow for Chicago's Alkaline Trio to grace the stage. I'm starting to lose my excitement to go to shows anymore, but my craving to want to see Matt, Dan, and Derek perform some of my favorite songs put that urge back into my body and reminded me of an important and awesome feeling that makes the scene survive so well. It was hot and sticky inside Club Laga as eerie music started to play with flashing red lights while the crowd grew silent. Cheers exploded when the guys took the stage and exploded into the opener "Snake Oil Tanker." With no pause the vocals switched up as Dan shook the audience with "Maybe I'll Catch Fire" he had everyone in the building singing along. "Remember last April when we say Anti-Flag" Matt sung as a little dedication to the Pittsburgh band during "Goodbye Forever." So far my first impression of the Trio was an incredible one, the guitar and bass were loud, crisp and clear, Derek's drumming was stellar and the vocals were just right. Matt gave a shout out for Derek's birthday before leading the crew into "While You Were Waiting," one of the better Alkaline Trio songs as they trade off the vocals and it still sounds so well despite Matt and Dan's very unique voices. Matt was then going to inform the crowd that their new record Good Mourning was coming out soon, but he was quick to catch himself and knew that everyone already had it, and then we got a taste of "If We Never Go Inside." An amazing rendition of "Sundials" was next, followed by another new song "We've Had Enough" the three really came together here and it shows just how tight they are and how astonishing their follow up to From Here to Infirmary will be. Although the crowd has been into the set the entire time they came alive for the Dan Andriano led song "Another Innocent Girl" hanging on to his each word and often overpowering his thunderous voice. As "Continental" hit our ear waves I realized that although the Alkaline Trio may not be one of the best bands to watch live, as they don't do all the flash or glam they sure as hell are one of the best groups I've ever heard play live. I thought they shook the place up with "Another Innocent Girl" but wow; they really agitated every soul in the club when they executed "Private Eye." The opening track of their debut record Goddamnit was next and it was done so well live that I'm sure no one would disagree that it sounded better here than on record and Dan's bass solo was unbelievable. "I Lied My Face Off" came before "My Friend Pittsburgh" or "Peter" which ended with the band quickly exiting the stage. Obviously an encore was coming and I hate when bands do this, there's no point, just wastes more time, they could have snuck "Queen of Pain" or "Stupid Kid" in there (which they didn't play at all). The reactions for the new album continued to be thumbs up as the spine chilling "All on Black" was played. Following up and leaving me in a state of wow was "97." Wrapping the intense evening up was the sinister "Radio." And in what happens to be tradition for the bands coming through Pittsburgh these days, #2 of Anti-Flag was invited on stage to help Dan croon this Alkaline Trio masterpiece. This ensued the crowed to rush the stage and hug their favorite band members before Matt Skiba dove into the crowd himself.

The things that impressed me about the band, was how tight they were on stage musically. I heard a lot of rumors about them playing drunk and usually being sloppy, but there were few mistakes and Derek was right on key on many of the older songs, as if he wrote the drum tracks himself. I was pleased with the variation of songs sung by Matt & Dan, although I didn't get to hear two of my favorite ("Queen of Pain" or "Jaked on Green Beers"). There was definitely a good mix of older material in tonight's set, but I'm not complaining when they were done so well. And despite gossip that the Trio was a bunch of snobs, they showed that they were truly a band for the fans. All in all thought it was a really fun evening, even though I went to the show alone, I had company thanks to some of the greatest musicians around.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

this was a good show. this is my opinion.

ihateadam (October 26, 2003)

Alk3 seems to be getting worse and worse live

Anonymous (May 20, 2003)

I attended that show. Since by Man could very well be a good band, but they are horrible live. Its just a bunch of screaming with poor guitar parts. Thrice and Alk were RaZa.

Anonymous (May 8, 2003)

Respect others opinions? Where's the fun in that? Why don't you cry into your vintage Virginia is for lovers t-shirt that you're wearing and go fuck yourself. Sensitive boy. Twat

Jesus Christ are parents breeding super pc children these days?

Anonymous (May 7, 2003)

haha dude, how long have you been listening to punk rock? 3 weeks? was your first punx rowx cd sum41? seems like it. ok, how about you know something about music before trying to write about it. that seems like a good idea.

Anonymous (May 7, 2003)

90% of people commenting are missing the point.

The point of a review is to provide a personal account of the show/record. Just because you don't agree with the reviewer doesn't mean the 'review is shit' or 'the reviewer is clueless'. Grow up, and learn to respect others opinions.

I'd rather hear someone tell it how it was for them than write pleasing words that are in agreeance with the punk rock scene police.

Anonymous (May 7, 2003)

woohoo since by man's street team kids RULE!!! wooohooo!!

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

I don't trust this fucker. Anyone that says queen of pain and jaked on green beers are his favorite songs, obviously is a dirty,dirty, whore. They played older shit? You say that like theres something wrong with that. Why don't you go open your tiger beat and keep trying to figure out which good charlotte twin is cuter. Twat

go fuck yourself

To anyone who left comments along those lines...

...get a life and quit assuming it's getting you no where.

- Scott
http://www.local-felons.com/
(I have never heard Good Charlotte, obviously you guys have since it's all you talk about)

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

this review is the worst piece of garbage i have ever read in my life. if anything, if you die tomorrow, just know that you made a lot of people laugh very hard with this solitary shitfest of opinions.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

As the ruin falls is not a new song, its off of identity crisis. There is no song by thrice called "madam", maybe you're thinking of "madman", which was on the original limited version of Identity Crisis, but was cut when rereleased, and i'm sure they didnt play that live, they have virtually abandoned that song.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

thrice??? hahaha. holy crap, thrice is some cheesy bro band that throws in horrible hardcore parts, while since by man is a fucking amazing hardcore band. poor mans? go work on those good charlotte reviews, that seems more your area.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

this is the most retarded thing i've ever read. good job corky.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

Twat is back!!

-sickboi

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

i'm the guy who said college is easy. i graduated pitt with a 3.1 and i thought it was easier than highschool. i guess if i went for the 4.0 it woulda been hard but who cares. and the alk3 show was good, but they played 5 new songs, which i still think is excessive, good or not, the album isnt even out yet. i woulda rather heard 2 or 3 and maybe they could throw in some more old ones. 5/18 song set, not even released, is excessive.

Anonymous (May 5, 2003)

Thrice is a terrible band. Since By Man is a great Band. CLearly in the matter of opinion you're wrong

SpamMan (May 5, 2003)

I think its lame when people are like "college is so easy". It depends how you look at it. If I didn't give a fuck about my GPA, yeah I could do nothing and manage a 2.0 real easy. But I do care. Getting a 3.5 in college is tough, I would say for almost any major.
Since by Man sucked.
Alk3 seemed stiff on stage.
And Thrice's vibe was broken because it took 15 minutes for the club to get rid of the barriers.

Thrice still stole the show...so many more people were there to see Thrice than the headliner...

REALPUNX4LIFE (May 5, 2003)

I'm a street team kid because I understand that Since By Man can beat the shit out of Thrice and Alkaline Trio but everyone that goes on and on about how awesome Thrice and Alkaline Trio are (I just mentioned that SBM is awesome. Others write paragraphs about how great Thrice and AT are.) and they're not street teamers. Your logic = awesome. You must be a street teamer for the Anti-Street Team League since you mentioned being against street teams. My logic also = awesome.

Anonymous (May 5, 2003)

enough of the since by man street team. they're a decent band, but definitely not at the level of a band as the alkaline trio or thrice.

Anonymous (May 5, 2003)

a poor man's thrice? did you even watch since by man?

FortyMinutesWest (May 4, 2003)

Since by Man is probably the best of the three. I like Thrice too, but Alkaline Trio is fairly mediocre.

Anonymous (May 4, 2003)

"They(thrice) continued to fly through their impressive set, combining a blend of hardcore, metal, punk and emo that is unparallel to any band in existence."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... ass

Anonymous (May 4, 2003)

Since By Man was the better band there. Alkaline Trio and Thrice have all done much, much better in the past.

Propagheny (May 4, 2003)

Yeah, I was at this show and I pretty much agree completely with the reviewer. Since by Man was alright, but Thrice and Alk3 were the bands to see. I hadn't heard much Thrice before this show, but I was really impressed. Alk3 was the band I was there to see and they did not disappoint. I would have liked to see a little more stuff on Infirmary (Bloodied Up, Take Lots, Mr. Chainsaw), but it didn't matter because they fuckin rocked. Also, the stuff off their new cd (especially continental and weve had enough) was amazing, some of their best stuff yet. All in all, Alk3 put on another great show.

Anonymous (May 4, 2003)

since by man is boring. enough of the street team kids...

Anonymous (May 3, 2003)

I was at this show, and this reviewer was pretty well off. His veiw on Thrice's set was almost right on (they ruled, and literally destroyed the place). Since by Man was fantastic though. People lost interest after three songs? Yeah, that must have been why some fairly intense pits broke out during the final two songs of their set. For barely anyone knowing their material, these were fantastic and really got the crowd going. And no, they really aren't that similar to Thrice, or anyone else for that matter. As for Alkaline Trio, they bore me live. I could listen to their recorded material for days. But in a live setting, they just look like they'd rather be somewhere else, not playing music. There's no power and little energy in their live sets. And yes, Dan was drunk off his ass, but their drummer is phenomenal. That's about it. Go but Since by Man's new album; it rips.

GreenVandal (May 3, 2003)

I agree witht eh dude below me. Thrice is the shiznit. the trio is eh.

Anonymous (May 3, 2003)

static lullaby doesnt deserve to be mentioned in a review of the alkaline trio and thrice. asl is such a terrible band.

lackofsleep (May 3, 2003)

"...they executed “Private Eye.” notice the period, meaning the end of the senteince) The opening track of their debut record Goddamnit was next"

learn to read.

Anonymous (May 3, 2003)

this review makes me want to see the trio again. i was skeptical at first after hearing the new album, but now i have to see them.

Anonymous (May 3, 2003)

ill give ya a pretty good review score disputing the false information:

-Since By Man is way different than Thrice
-Private Eye is the first track off "From Here..." no "goddamnit"

Anonymous (May 3, 2003)

I agree with you. Almost everyone I know who has it has said it grew on them. I think it's much better than FHTI. 97 is probably one of the best songs I've ever heard, why don't they write songs like it anymore?

tenderbransonx (May 3, 2003)

The new alk3 album grows like cancer till you catch yourself singing it non stop. I cant wait to see them in Orlando. I graduated college. Parts of me were hard during it.
Steven
www.murdertheturtle.com

Anonymous (May 3, 2003)

Ive seen A Static Lullaby Live before. There pretty good. I saw them before I heard the CD and I know I would have liked their set a lot more if I had heard their stuff. But they put a ton of energy into their set. Lead singer talks a bit to much in between songs though. But if your a fan of um you won't be disapointed. www.getarounderecords.com

fallingtopieces (May 3, 2003)

anyone here know when vagrant is gonna have the new alkaline trio cd for preorder in their online store??

thriceequalsgod (May 2, 2003)

speaking of good bands, has anyone ever seen static lullaby live? what are they like ?

-inagreendase (toolazy to sign out)

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

doesn't matt have coke addiction?

REALPUNX4LIFE (May 2, 2003)

"If you can't tell I'm mocking others who post on this site."

Remember that one guy who used to post in all caps and say shit like "oi oi oi"? Whatever happened to him? I think he liked to make fun of people on this site. And he never brought up that he was mocking other people on this site. I guess some people understand sarcasm and some people don't. OI OI OI!!!

CaptainCrunch (May 2, 2003)

KirbyPuckett, I am a CE at Michigan. I just took an Operating Systems class, and it was pretty lame. I feel your pain, bro.

As for the 'you make your bed, you sleep in it', thats absolutely correct. I don't mind busting my balls now with what could possibly lie ahead in terms of financial and job security for the future, if I play my cards correctly. School is what you make of it. I don't agree with the education system in general, but its just something that has to be done. I think the worst thing in college is to have to work a lot while taking classes. That is hell. I could go on for a long time about the flaws of the higher education system but I will stop now.

This score is for the review, great job.

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

thrice and the alkaline trio on the same show?! thats so awesome. matt skiba and dustin kensrue are two of my all-time favorite lyricists.

GregSka (May 2, 2003)

I didn't read the review because it's way too long, but people are talking about beer and college which is pretty cool. 5 stars!

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

trio sucked when i saw them (they were drunk off their asses)
but it was still lots of fun
thrice...i'll catch them at warped tour i guess.

sk8punx4evr (May 2, 2003)

i dont know if it was mentioned or not but as the ruins fall isn't new. this sounded like a good show. i saw thrice a couple days ago and they owned, although the crowd sucked because the majority of them were there for the used. heck, one steroid-raging used fan even spat in my face for kindly asking him to move! it's true! that put a damper on my night, but i tried not to let it go to me. oh well, lesson learned. and that lesson is: kindness and courtesy are useless, be a fucking asshole to get somewhere in life.

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

I hate good reviews. Bad reviews are punk, well written reviews are for sell outs with their edumacacions. If you can't tell I'm mocking others who post on this site.

lackofsleep (May 2, 2003)

please dont complain about them not playing "Stupid Kid" as that is one of the worst songs ever by Alk3.
Oh and when I saw them at that show at Northern MI, the closed with fucking "Private Eye" cuz some kid yelled it out. They didnt even play "Radio" or "Bleeder."
Oh and one more thing, its a good thing they didnt play much off of FHTI, because (even though its not bad) its Alk3's worst album.

lalombriz (May 2, 2003)

i was at this show... got there kind of late because we were driving in from columbus... missed since by man (but last time i saw them, they put on a really really good show opening for avail... don't consider myself much of a hardcore fan, but they did put on a good show... from what i can remember they sound nothing like thrice)... but seeing alkaline trio was incredible! great review... but you forgot the part about the barrier breaking down during thrice, making it all a much nicer show since we could be closer to the stage :)

good review overall... more than incredible show! sorry i missed since by man...

evildeadalive (May 2, 2003)

Mr. college is not hard guy, could you please, please, type out you. It's really not that difficult, and you don't come off as such an idiot. Thanks.

SOYBOMB (May 2, 2003)

Alkaline Trio does not have 1 song with a bass solo.

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

FortyMinutesWest (May 2, 2003)

College without controlled substances is like a day without sun.

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

I don't drink beer in college, but I'll still beat you in a bar fight.

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

college: go for the education stay for the beer
-moldy

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

Since by Man sounding like Thrice? Wow not even close. There are aboslutley no similarities b/w these bands other than the fact that they both played this show. Id hope since it was live mabey thats why you couldnt tell the difference, but if not you need some educatin'. hee haww.

-feedmynightamre

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

but in any case, if u go to college and don't drink beer, u are lame in my book. straight edge, beer is poison, whatever. you are lame.

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

touche scott. your're right, i'm a psych major, and it is easier than comp sci, one of my friends is comp sci and he's always doing work. but on the other hand, u choose your own major, so sleep in the bed u made. pitt was easier than highschool for me.

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

Great review! no jibba-jabba!

but i pity the foo' who likes thrice!

- mr. T

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

God, I'm in finals now (well, actually, they're just exams in law school since they're 100% of your grade) and I can't wait to be done.

13 more days till drinking time...

REALPUNX4LIFE (May 2, 2003)

What the first guy said. If you think Since By Man sounds anything like Thrice, you weren't paying attention. Aside from the fact that they sounds completely different, you failed to notice one huge, though subtle, difference: Thrice sucks and Since By Man is fucking awesome. Rookie mistake. Try again next year, kid.

StabbingGoldfish (May 2, 2003)

I love the trio and I love thrice, this sounds like a really good show, and a good review, and like scott said, the new album has grown on me too.

KirbyPuckett (May 2, 2003)

"i went to pitt for an education and beer dork. i was shitfaced all finals week and graduated. don't act like college is hard."

Try Computer Science, I dare ya.

- Scott
http://www.local-felons.com/
(Done & Done)

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

This is how a show review should be written. Nicely done.

-Dino Radja

Anonymous (May 2, 2003)

well i was at this show. i agree with you that the trio was tight, however, the rumors of them playing wasted are true. the last time they rolled through pittsburgh, about a year ago (where were u?!) there were a few differences. 1. they were wasted and 2. their were half the amount of people there . its all good though. my only complaint was that 5 new songs was a bit excessive. i woulda liked to have heard more than 2 songs off of from here to infirmiry. last time they came, they played stupid kid, mr. chainsaw, queen of pain, she took him and bleeder, all of which were absent from this set to make room for the new songs, which are good, but arent even officially released. if your gonna play an 18 song set, don't do that. so in conclusion, they played better this time, but not as good of a set. they played cooking wine last time too. oh well. thrice was good,but lacked the energy of their hot water show several months back. i skipped since by man. oh yea, i went to pitt for an education and beer dork. i was shitfaced all finals week and graduated. don't act like college is hard.

pope_schlomo (May 2, 2003)

i hate finals week too. it's amazing that i could go to school early prior to all those 3am liquor store runs. it also would've been awesome if AK3 would've played "jaked on green beers." it really does pay homage to "goddamnit."

Ramo
(the st.ides special brew is kickin)

maverick (May 2, 2003)

Wow, the Trio's set was rather diverse, moreso than I would have expected. I wish I could've been at this show, all three of those bands are super-good.

This new Trio album is really, really growing on me, too. I hated it two weeks ago, and now... notsomuch.

-Scott

FortyMinutesWest (May 2, 2003)

Since by Man sounds nothing like Thrice...