I normally might not devote a full review to a live album, but after hearing this Taking Back Sunday live release, recorded at their Bamboozle performance in 2009 and released solely to iTunes later that year, I felt I had to say something. Simply put, this live effort is perfect-rarely do a bands’ songs gain as much energy and vigor than they do on this album.
The introductory, “You Know How I Do, ” begins with a brief explosion of guitar chords and pounding drums, before kicking into that classic riff that opens 2002’s Tell All Your Friends-a great throwback to TBS’ early days, which then seamlessly transitions into the Taking Back Sunday of now with an incredible version of, “Error: Operator. ” Other standouts include, “What’s It Feel Like To Be A Ghost? , ” with exciting guitars that keep the chorus moving, and, “Sink Into Me, ” which benefits from frontman Adam Lazzara’s commands to the audience to shout, “Hey! ” Another newer song, “New Again, ” gets a heavy dose of Matt Rubano’s overdriven bass, and hearing, “Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Team), ” not only evokes the feel of early Taking Back Sunday, but also shows how much growth the band has enjoyed over the years despite the near-constant lineup changes. Guitarist/dual vocalist Matt Fazzi proves he’s got what it takes to fill the large shoes lefy behind by predecessors John Nolan and Fred Mascherino, while Mark O’Connell earns a significant amount of brownie points through the aggressive, flawless, creative drumming that drives each and every song. An unbelievable live record that can easily stand alongside any of Taking Back Sunday’s stunning catalog of studio work.
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