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Dope/Mushroomhead with support from Nocturne & Crossbreed at The Trocadero in Philadelphia, PA 08.07.2005

By Becky

    Do you have those days where nothing seems to go right?  Well this was one of them. On my way to see Dope, it seemed like no matter what road I took I just hit traffic and more traffic. Of course it didn't help that I left the house late to begin with.  Rushing to make it to the Trocadero and hoping there would be parking, I decided to throw American Apathy, Dope's latest release, in my CD player to get hyped for the show and take my mind off of the traffic.

    I finally arrived at the venue around 7:45 and Nocturne was just about to finish their set.  A rather interesting bunch, but didn't sound too horrible. Up next were some very whacked freaks hitting the stage. Everything seemed to be fluorescent and glowing in the dark.  A very cool look, but not of the norm supporting acts Dope and Mushroomhead have on their bill.  Crossbreed is their name and musically they were great, stage presence was awesome, vocals...well, we'll be nice and say..."what the hell are they singing?"  Yeah, one of those bands. However, overall, very entertaining.

    Next up, the whole reason why I was attending this show, Dope.  "Are you ready to get high with Dope?"  I sure was. Since I heard about this tour, I have been patiently waiting for it to come along. I try to never miss a Dope show in my vicinity and this one I was even more hyped for, since they just released their latest CD and I absolutely LOVE it!  If you ever seen a Dope show, you know about their lighting.  Not only are you getting the great performance, but you're getting an incredible light show as well. Edsel has the voice and the head banging down, but Virus is the one that absolutely mesmerizes you!  I don't think there is one person in the venue that he does not make contact with.  And the way he moves, jumps, spins, and his facial expressions, just make you keep all eyes on him. They all know how to get the crowd started, but Virus knows how to make friends with each and every person in the room. All attention on the fans.  It's incredible. Besides their stage presence, they are a very tight band.  The only downfall to their whole set was that I felt it was rather short compared to previous shows. Other than that, they were beyond up to par.

    As for the next band, I can't say too much.  Mushroomhead have never caught my attention.  I just don't understand them. If I ever made it through their whole set, I think it would be a miracle. I usually stay until "Sun Don't Rise" is played and then I'm out of there. Tonight was the same case. Don't get me wrong, I like their music to a point, but their show does nothing for me.  You have all these lights and fog machines going and freaks with masks and what not on??  What the hell?  We can't forget about the use of the flashlight and what's the deal with the singer that stands and makes these twitching moves?  Very strange band, but the audience goes nuts for them. I must be missing something with their performance, but I truly don't think I want to take the time out to try and find it.

    All in all, fan or no fan, this show was incredible. The audience was insane. If you haven't caught the show, check your local listings and make sure you check it out.  It's a show that shouldn't be missed.

Official Site: www.dopearmy.com                                                                                                                                       Myspace: www.myspace.com/dope

Official Site:  www.mushroomhead.com                                                                                                                               Myspace: www.myspace.com/mushroomhead

Official Site:  www.nocturne.cc                                                                                                                                            Myspace:  www.myspace.com/nocturne

Official Site:  www.crossbreed.com                                                                                                                                      Myspace:  www.myspace.com/crossbreed