Last Saturday I was able to attend the CD release party for the latest effort from This Holiday Life, Friction. I've not had the time to write up a full review of the album but will soon. All I'll really say is that it is excellent. I enjoy San Diego shows because JonnyUps introduces me to some of the neatest people and I get to see them at many of these shows. Last night I got to speak to Jesse from Parker Theory, Tracy Johnson, the guys from This Holiday Life and Michael Stecker.
Usually, the if I've not heard the opening bands then I usually ignore them but tonight two of the opening acts were quite good. The first band was The Masses (made up of members of the band formerly known as The Life. I couldn't help but listen to them. They were just some good time rock 'n roll and played a great rendition of "Amazing Grace". The other impressive opening act was Ryan Ferguson. I've heard a lot of hype about him but never paid much attention; shame on me! He was also quite good.
The main act, This Holiday Life (THL) got to have the longest set I've seen them play and they took advantage of it to play a lot of the new album, Friction. Kudos to the soundman at Soma as the balance of the music and the vocals was excellent. (Want to hear the best sound at a show? Stand near the sound guy.). I'm as big of a fan of CDs as anyone else but a band like THL thrives in a live setting. I really enjoy the guitar work as it's not typical guitar riffs. THL does things a bit differently and it just works. If you ever get the chance then please give them a shot.
Posted by Tim at January 30, 2006 10:57 AM
