Show Review: Dance Gavin Dance @ Empire 4.26.15

–Written by Michael Hogan

Before I get started, this is a rather bittersweet review, because Empire, the Springfield, Virginia venue formerly known as Jaxx, is shutting down as of May 5th. To get things out of the way, that is a real shame, and the venue will be sorely missed. I have personally been going to shows at the venue for at least a decade now; back when it used to be Jaxx, I saw a few great metals bands like Shadows Fall and the like. It has since been remodeled into Empire and while it has remained the home of the majority of the good metal and post hardcore shows coming through the area, it has recently been putting on a handful of really good EDM shows as well, one of which I was fortunate enough to play back in February. I have a lot of history at Empire/Jaxx, and I know it will be missed by me, and many others that have called this venue home for years.

Objectively speaking, it may not have been the best venue in the world. It didn’t make any world’s best lists like other area venues like the 9:30 Club or U Street Music Hall, but it had character. The set up for the bar was a bit annoying, it helped prevent overcrowding, I totally got it, but it was irritating nonetheless. The sound wasn’t always the best either; it was alright from the floor, but again, back by the bar, the sound (at non-EDM shows in particular)  was a little on the muddy side. But it really didn’t matter. This venue didn’t need a world renowned sound system, it was exactly what it needed to be for a lot of people, and for that, it will be missed.

But I could not have imagined a better send off for such a celebrated venue than this show with Dance Gavin Dance. Tillian Pearson is one of the most truly impressive vocalists I’ve heard in a long time; he’s brilliant on the Dance Gavin Dance albums, but against all common sense, he sounds even better live. Somehow he requires no time to warm up, he doesn’t lose his voice towards the end of the set, and he hits everything; every falsetto, every sustained not, every melody run, it’s all pitch perfect. It’s remarkable, I can’t remember the last time I saw a vocalist so flawlessly and so effortlessly hit absolutely everything while playing a live set. And as I said, I love Empire, it’s a great venue, and I have a lot of nostalgia in that place, but it certainly does not flatter any vocalist. But again, it was perfect, it was amazing. And then he had an even greater task in front of him, he had to sing another vocalists parts, and not just any vocalist, Jonny Craig. And of course, he nailed it. Dare I say, nailed it better than Jonny ever did.

And the rest of the band is no slouch either, the guitar work from Will Swan and Tim Feerick requires dextrous acrobatics, and while Jon Mess’ screams are on the rough side, they’re very calculated in their execution, and they were all spot on for the entire set. The drumming is a huge point of awe for me with Dance Gavin Dance, it’s almost jazz like the way it keeps and pace and drives the music while still suspending itself above it and allowing some freedom to play with the groove of the track. As a drummer myself, I can attest to the fact that this is exhausting, and after an hour, your muscles start to slow down, you get tired, clumsy, and everything starts to cramp. You slow down, you’re tired, it’s hard to keep up, and even harder to hit every note, and so while I went on and on about Pearson’s voice – which really is seriously impressive – Matt Mingus’ drummer had me in awe, mouth agape in the most undignified way. I spent this whole set just watching everyone, and it was a remarkable sight.

This really was the perfect send off for Empire, I know I’ll miss the venue, I’m just glad I know I’ll have another chance to see Dance Gavin Dance.