January 20, 2017. A day that will go down in history for many reasons. But, for this rock and roll writer, that day meant Starset at Express Live! in Columbus, Ohio. Not only was this the first concert for the year for me, but it was also a grand celebration for the hometown favorites – Dustin Bates, Brock Richards, Adam Gilbert, and Ron DeChant – and their new release, Vessels, which currently (as of this write up) sits at number one on iTunes.
I had the foresight and fortune to be able to purchase VIP for this event, and if you are on the fence about whether or not you’d like to go about this, I highly recommend it. Not only do you get to get a picture with the guys and a bit of conversation along with your autographs, but they also put on a short acoustic set that you only get to see if you’re VIP. That perk alone – and it is a perk, as they sound fucking phenomenal acoustic – is well worth the price tag for the pass. I recommend it 110%.
As both groups of VIP passholders finished up their sessions with the group, I watched the Express Live! venue fill up quickly around me. The atmosphere was still a bit laid back as people wandered about, chatting with friends – both old and new – and purchasing merch for one of the four bands we would see that night. That’s right, friends. Four bands. One night. Epic awesomeness was sure to ensue.
I made my way to my usual spot, right on the rail in front of the stage, and got ready to be blown away by the evening. It didn’t take long for the air to start buzzing, and not that way, ya heathens (at least, not at this point in the night, but I digress). The first band was Liberty Deep Down out of Powell, Ohio. Man, let me tell you, that band is going places. I instantly became a fan, and not because they sang their own version of “Everybody (Rock Your Body)” from the Backstreet Boys. They played a short set that really left me wanting more.
Next up was Harmless Habit, a pretty great band with a sound a bit edgier than Liberty Deep Down. Harmless Habit got the crowd moving, jumping, and singing along. They were really good, and I was a touch more excited than I should have been when they sang another Backstreet Boys hit, “Larger Than Life” along with the vocalist from Liberty Deep Down, Dom Frissora. I wondered if this would be a theme for the night; would every band bust out some BSB for us to enjoy? Alas, no, Harmless Habit was the last one to do that for us. However, they did cover a song, “Sleep” from Starset frontman Dustin Bates’s former band, Downplay, which was really, really well done and good to see. It was a killer rendition, and one that longtime fans of all Dustin Bates projects could appreciate!
Followed by Harmless Habit was 8 Lb. Pressure, another local band out of the Columbus area. I was told that they’re a semi-regular act on the scene for supporting bigger artists, and I can understand why. The crowd was eating them up, singing and rocking their faces off. They got us all more than ready for Starset to come out and do what they do best. Give them a listen, if you haven’t.
After the supporting acts cleared the way for Starset, and the final stage setup was completed, the place filled up. I mean, FILLED UP. I became good, fast friends with the girl beside me, and thank God since we didn’t have much choice. We were on top of each other for the rest of the night. It was clear that all of Columbus came out to support Starset, and man, it was incredible to witness.
Even more incredible was the stage setup. Adam Gilbert, on drums, had his very own Pandora’s Box to play from, flanked by two large screens for video and lights. Dustin’s prized emulator sat front and center, and both Ron DeChant (bass, keyboard, backing vocals) and Brock Richards (guitar, backing vocals) had their spots on either side of the stage. I was so pleased to see a cellist and violinist touring with them, as those two play very important roles in the sound of Starset. Once the lights went down and the new Starset logo comprised of three parallel lines shone from the back of the stage, we knew. It was time….
Leading off with “Into the Unknown,” Starset wasted no time getting the crowd acclimated to their new tracks from Vessels that had just dropped that day. The crowd went absolutely apeshit as Dustin belted out the lyrics, including those growls that I have really grown quite fond of, and the others did their parts as well to completely rock the crowd to the core. Dustin took sporadic, very short breaks in between each song where he thanked the crowd, pointed out that he had been able to walk to the show from where he lives, and took the time to show appreciation for a few key people who were there in the audience (including representatives from their label, Razor and Tie, and local radio station, The Blitz). I always appreciate that touch as a concert-goer. I like it when artists take the time to show appreciation, and the fact that Dustin said, “thank you” after almost every song was not lost on me. Midwest manners at their finest, folks, and a meaningful gesture to boot.
Their set was nonstop energy and driving, pulsing force. From “Down With the Fallen” to “Richochet,” (oh, that song is so damn good live) and “Dark On Me” to “Carnivore,” Starset took the crowd through a more-than-impressive seventeen-song set that was an excellent mix of prior releases and tracks from their new album. I was honestly super pleased to hear “Everglow” and “Frequency” live, since they’re two of my favorite tracks from Vessels, and “Monster,” of course, since it’s such a smash hit on radios. “Everglow” would be the song I’d choose for my first dance at my wedding, if I wasn’t already married. It’s so, so good on the album, and I promise you it’s even better live. From start to finish, their set seemed flawless; I don’t think anyone who was paying attention would disagree.
Every single person around me – and including me – seemed to know every single word and wasted no time proving it. At one point, I stopped moving and just listened; it was such an interesting symphony, coming not only from the stage but also from the crowd, and goosebumps rippled over my skin. I had to imagine that this is what musicians do this for – the love and energy of the crowd. It was electric.
Speaking of electric, the video images on the screens, alongside the light show on the Pandora’s Box, brought such an awesome aesthetic to the show that many fans of the band have come to rely on. Even the new white suits worn by Adam, Brock, and Ron garnered attention from the crowd. It was easy to see why they were chosen – they simply glowed underneath the stage lights. You don’t just get a concert at a Starset Demonstration; you get a live experience for the ears and eyes that you won’t soon (or ever) forget.
The band was tight, Dustin’s vocals were even more incredible than I’d remembered them from the last time I saw them, and the entire night was absolute magic. Starset is a band that is definitely amazing recorded, but you have to see them live to fully appreciate their sound and what goes into them being as successful as they are. I’m still waiting (along with others, I am sure) for an acoustic album or a live album. I’ll take one of each, thank you very much.
As the final notes of their usual show-closer, “My Demons” ripped through the air and the band said their goodbyes, it was like I’d come down from a cloud of pure, exhausted bliss. My body was rocked, my voice was completely gone, and my ears were ringing, but man, I’d do it all over again, again and again, since every time I have seen them has been so different and so incredible. I am STILL enjoying a little post-concert hangover (they’re totally real, folks!), and I have no regrets. If these guys are coming to your area, and for many of you they are, do yourself a favor and go. You will not be disappointed. Not one bit. And spend a little extra coin and get the VIP. Tell ’em I sent ya.
Review by Devon Anderson, RockRevolt Managing Editor/Journalist
Photos by Tara “Pit Princess” Williams, Play It Loud Media Group
Starset Set List
1. Into the Unknown
2. Halo
3. Down With the Fallen
4. Antigravity
5. Ricochet
6. Dark On Me
7. Rise and Fall
8. Telescope
9. Frequency
10. Satellite
11. Everglow
12. Carnivore
13. Bringing it Down
14. Back to the Earth
15. Monster
16. The Future is Now
17. My Demons
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