LIVE SHOW REVIEW: Starset w/ Gemini Syndrome

It’s not every day I get the chance to drive two hours into a city I have not spent much time in to review a show for a band I have not witnessed live (but have always wanted to), Gemini Syndrome, who happens to be playing a show with my favorite band, Starset. However, fortunately for me, the stars aligned to deliver one of those chances to my doorstep on Friday, February 17, 2017. And align they did!

As I arrived at the Rex Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – roughly two hours from my Akron, Ohio-area home – I was not sure what to expect. I ended up walking down the sidewalk right past the guys in Gemini Syndrome like it was no big deal, this happens to me all the time. I nodded and smiled, unsure what to say in my own socially awkward way, and got in line for what was sure to be an incredible night of music. Little did I know that my mind was about to be blown in ways innumerable.

The house slowly packed up around me after I took part in the Starset VIP experience (again, do this, people!!). It was a lovely time as always, and I do appreciate getting the chance to say hello to them and make those memories. As people made their way inside, I kept thinking to myself, this place is not that big. How many people can they shove in here? Well, Pittsburgh clearly answered me, “Challenge Accepted!” There were two opening bands before Gemini Syndrome came out, both very talented in their own rights, but I was working out some details for the night and was not able to pay them the attention they deserved. So, for that, I apologize. I do know that they were exactly what the crowd needed to get ready for what was to come, and what I did hear out of both bands, I did enjoy. So, kudos to both of those acts for their performances.

It wasn’t long before the air was abuzz with energy and frenzy as the Gemini Syndrome crew set up the stage. Since my vantage point was very, very good – quite literally at the feet of Charles Lee Salvaggio – I was able to see everything, and I have to say, this gig here at RockRevolt has led me to really appreciate the time, energy, and precision of a well-oiled crew. From drum set up to cords being spread across the stage floor, everything was done with such precision that I couldn’t look away. I stood next to a family – a father, mother, and their young son – who had seen Gemini Syndrome quite a bit and were regular fixtures at their shows. The boy seemed to be mesmerized as well, and I do believe members of the band and crew recognized him as more than once, he got a little wave or nod of recognition. It’s always awesome to see a band recognize their fans, especially the regulars who come out and support their favorite acts. I like these little touches and try to find them wherever I can. I have been on the receiving end of it, and I know how special it makes people feel – a touch of kindness is always free and is usually rare these days.

As the stage lights dimmed, the crowd roared around me. For being a smaller venue, it sure sounded like we were all packed into an arena! The pure cacophony around me was enough to make my hairs stand on end – it was a beautiful moment. Gemini Syndrome – Aaron Nordstrom (vocals), Brian Steele Medina (drums), Alessandro Paveri (bass), Daniel Sahagun (guitar), and Charles Lee Salvaggio (guitars/backing vocals) – filled the stage with their physical presence and the theatre with their sound like nothing I’d seen in a while. The crowd was aching for them, and they delivered a short set that, honestly if time would have allowed, could have gone on for twice as long and no one would have complained – we all would have totally been fine with it.

To watch Aaron take command of the people around him was pure magic. Every word he sang got delivered right back to him by those around me. The energy Brian Steele Medina brought behind the drum kit kept my chest vibrating the whole set long- I was close enough to see the drums actually vibrating with each hit. His smile showed the crowd how much fun he was having, and it was obvious: there was nowhere else he’d have rather been. Alessandro and Daniel were on the other side of the stage from me, but I got to see the fans throwing their hands up, rock fists proudly displayed at their feet as they did the things they do best – rock the crowds with their incredible talent on the strings. I was right in front of the box that Charles was on, and I was a frequent recipient of a drop of sweat from his hard-working brow and oft-tossed locks while head-banging. I couldn’t have cared less; you don’t stand that close to the stage without some understanding that a bodily fluid may be passed once or twice. All is fair in love and rock shows – no regrets!

The set was peppered with some inspirational and motivational speech bits by Aaron reminding us that yes, we all die, but the time to truly live and do something with our lives is now. And that message resonated with the crowd. My favorite moment of their set would have been when they played one of my favorite songs of theirs, “Remember We Die” off of their current release, Momento Mori. That song has such a powerful message of “get off your ass and live” behind it, and the crowd reacted! Rock fists were pumping, all eyes were on the stage, and we all sang every single word alongside Aaron. Every heart in there beat as one to the rhythm driven by Brian Steele Medina – it was such a beautiful moment to share with a group who gives so much of themselves and expects literally nothing in return. But, we gave it to them as hard as they gave it to us, that’s for sure. At one point, I reached up and Aaron grabbed my hand in his; that connection was enough to show that we were all in it together – moments like that one just testify to the giving nature of the band and the connection they have with their fans.

As the set came to an end, no one was ready to say goodbye. Their set was pure energy and deafening riffs combined with uplifting reality and motivation to do more than what we’ve been doing in our lives – Gemini Syndrome took us all to church and left us breathless in the pews. And it left me – and many others – waiting impatiently for our next taste of Gemini Syndrome live in front of us.

Luckily, we don’t have to wait long! If you have not seen them live, oh my God, get out there and do it. They are coming out with In This Moment, Motionless in White, and Avatar for the Half God/Half Devil tour, surely coming to a city near you. This tour is not one you want to miss, and I know I have already put things into motion to be there myself. I’ll do you a solid here and add the dates below. Go, go, go get your tickets and see Gemini Syndrome live. You may like them on recording; you’ll absolutely love them live! I promise. Check them out, and tell them I sent you. It may not mean much, but hey, it can’t hurt!

After the incredible experience that was Gemini Syndrome came the night’s headliners – and another crowd favorite judging by the bodies around me – Starset. I was blessed to be able to see them just four weeks before for the start of their headlining tour promoting their new album, Vessels, which also turned a month old as of this write up. Starset live is unlike anything I’ve experienced in my 35 trips around the sun. Combining the incredible stage presence of Ron DeChant (bass, backing vocals, keyboard) and Brock Richards (guitar), with Adam Gilbert on drums now in what I have deemed “The Incredible Cube of Wonders” (seriously, you need to see it) and, of course, Master of The Whole Damned Thing (my words, not his), Dustin Bates on emulator and vocals, their live performances are second to none.

Starting with “Into the Unknown” off of Vessels and leading into “Halo” all the way through to “The Future is Now” and “My Demons” from Transmissions, the sixteen-song set was nonstop. Dustin, as per usual, thanked the crowd after each song, which is another touch I always appreciate – artists whom many admire who are truly grateful for their fans and audience go a long way with me, and with others I am sure. Dustin even humored a fan who yelled out, “We love you!” with a “Love you, too” and a little chuckle, and that fan may or not have been me (and it was; I am not ashamed to admit this to you, kind reader. It was so me!).

The light show on the side video panels on each side of the stage combined with the projections on the cube while Adam drove the show forward on his drum kit added a cinematic element to the performance that long-time fans of the band have come to expect. Lights shined out of seemingly everywhere on stage; their shows are a feast for the eyes, ears, and spirit alike. It’s a true mind/soul connection, and it was apparent to see why a band like Gemini Syndrome was on this ticket with them – they offer a lot of the same elements in terms of making connections with people’s brains and hearts as well as their ears. The fans seemed to really appreciate both bands’ messages, for sure, and the connection between the two was obvious.

I was standing not in my usual spot at the feet of Brock Richards, but instead I planted myself right below (literally) Ron DeChant, and this position gave me a view of the stage I haven’t had yet in my experiences with them. Ron is absolutely savage on his bass and with his vocals, and it took me aback to see how soft – seeming almost sentimental at times – he plays on the keyboards. He really can do it all. I only regret that I hadn’t been able to fully witness this for myself until this particular show. I was also able to have full view of their touring violinist, Siobhan Cronin, as well as their touring cellist, Jonathan Kamfe. The talent between those two individuals lends something so special to the songs and presence of Starset that it’s almost impossible to think of the band and not think of them.

As for the music, every song, including “Richochet,” “Everglow,” and “Monster” from Vessels were met with complete adulation as the crowd sang along with every word, while “Down With the Fallen,” “Telescope,” “Dark on Me,” and “My Demons” from Transmissions were crowd favorites as well. In all, the set was everything I’d hoped it would be – and it’s never enough, is it? We all wanted “one more song” as the band left the stage and the lights came up. It was an exceptional performance from another hard-working band on a short break before they hit up the festival circuit this spring, and we can’t wait to bring you coverage from those shows as well. I’m already trying to figure out my way to get to their Saturday date for Rock on the Range (I will get there!!). Their tour schedule can be found below.

In its entirety, it was an incredible musical adventure and an excellent night at the Rex. The whole night was definitely one for the books for this rock and roll writer! I’d do it again and again, as often as I’d be able, that’s for sure!