Silverstein In Vancouver

Silverstein In Vancouver Bring the House Down!

Silverstein In Vancouver was a massive night for the Burlington, Ontario post-hardcore rockers. Selling out the Vogue Theatre, the group known as one of the frontier bands of the emo scene celebrated 25 years as a band. The aptly named 25 Years of Noise Tour featured founding members Shane Told (vocals), Paul Koehler (drums), Josh Bradford (guitar), and Billy Hamilton (bass), along with Paul Marc Rosseau (lead guitar). With so many original members still driving the band forward. They made it clear they planned to hit this show as hard as they did in their early days. But, they needed the crowd to rise to the same level. With the venue reaching max capacity well before Silverstein’s start time. Fans were already warming up for moshing, surfing, and screaming. Some of that energy even slipped out during opener Thursday’s set.

Thursday

While we were unable to catch the entire performance, the tail end of the show set the tone for what we’d expect from Silverstein. Raw, brash, and unapologetic are just a few qualities present in the effort. Energy was heightened by the guest appearance of Alexisonfire’s Wade MacNeil. Who left many in the audience starstruck. The set was cut slightly short due to strain on singer Geoff Rickly’s voice. Mainly the result of work being done on their soon-to-be-released project. Overall, Thursday proved to be the perfect opener. At certain points it felt less like opening material and more like a co-headliner. A bucket-list experience for many fans, and I know I can speak for them when I say we can’t wait to witness their prowess again. They set the stage for what an emo show could be. Gone were the stereotypes of being depressed or the mysterious loner. Instead, it became a gathering of people who love music and want to celebrate it together. That feeling only grew stronger once Silverstein In Vancouver hit the floor.

Silverstein

A video brought us back to where it all began. The voiceover from Silverstein’s Shane told us about their roots, their triumphs, and tribulations. Vans Warped Tour, basement practice sessions, sold-out shows, it all flashed across the screen. It put the biggest grin on Vancity’s faces. Once that bright “Silverstein” logo appeared, the Vogue floor and every seat erupted like an earthquake. We started the night on the “new” school side with “Negative Space.” It was a bold move not to begin with something from When Broken Is Easily Fixed, but it made sense once Shane explained the logic. Their plan was to work their way backwards, playing one song from each album. It was a choice that paid off incredibly well.

Every album had its moment to shine, even the more obscure works. Silverstein In Vancouver powered through tracks like “Bleeds No More,” “The Afterglow,” and “Infinite.” It wouldn’t have been a true anniversary experience without surprises, and Vancouver received a jaw-dropper. The city’s very own Lights came out to perform a duet on “The End,” the track she originally featured on for A Shipwreck in the Sand. A Good Clean Fun cover even found its way into the set with “You Gotta Stay Positive,” which surprisingly sparked an instant sing-along. Even though the energy was at a ten from the moment Silverstein In Vancouver began, everything grew even louder as they approached the older hits. “Worlds Apart” included a quick cover of “Helena,” sending the room into chaos. Tracks like “Already Dead,” “Your Sword Versus My Dagger,” and “Smile in Your Sleep” delivered the deepest waves of nostalgia. By the end of it all, fans could no longer contain their adrenaline.

In Closing

The 21-track night was a complete success for this “little” Ontario group, but it was during the final three songs that fans proved the band was larger than life. An acoustic rendition of “My Heroine” left no dry eyes and no silent voices. Choosing that style of performance created a moment fans carried with them on the way home. Of course, the night couldn’t end on a sappy note. “Smashed Into Pieces” and “Bleeds No More” closed out the memorable occasion. With those two alone, it was a breathtaking choice, something that solidified the night as a masterpiece. Fans could barely breathe as every ounce of their energy was pulled from their souls and poured into these tracks.

By the time the final note faded, the crowd agreed there was no better way for Silverstein In Vancouver to conclude the night. Both band and audience soaked in the applause for several moments. Memories were made during this unforgettable performance. It’s one I’ll be counting as a highlight of the year, and I know fans are still thinking about it days later.

Thank You

I’d like to extend my thanks to Silverstein In Vancouver and their wonderful team for allowing me to capture the night. To find out more on the group, or catch a future tour date, please visit here: https://silversteinmusic.com/