"Lifelines" tour with I prevail, Islander, Wage war, and assuming we survive in boston at Brighton music hall

by Michael Connelly

Islander crashed like a gnarly wave into Brighton music Hall on 2/13/16. Alongside them performed Assuming We Survive, Wage War, and the much-loved headliner, I Prevail. The sold-out venue was the backdrop for the second show of the Lifelines tour. The same, inclusive theme from all bands was carried out and that no matter who we are or what we go through you are still human at the end of the day.

Assuming We Survive kicked the show off with some hard hitting skate park head bangers, bringing in a simultaneous wave of nostalgia and unique face-kicking rock. The lead guitarist also proclaimed his love, one that we all secretly share, for Denny's Restaurant on this cold and romantic Valentine’s eve. Assuming We Survive played their hearts out for their hit song "Down", and the crowd reacted accordingly as the amplifiers echoed through the rafters, leaving well-earned pools of sweat on the stage.

Next on to stage came Islander. Islander has a very unique sound, echoing Red Hot Chili Peppers while at the same time sounding like Beastie Boys with a mix of good ol’ Marley. Islander is like a tropical cocktail at a biker bar that usually only serves beer and shots. The group’s hardcore intensity stayed consistent throughout each song, echoing subtle messages encouraging social change. Mikey killed it on the vocals, as was to be expected. His voice on “Devil Red” was spectacular, reaching tones I previously thought impossible. We were lucky enough to talk with him behind the scenes - as you can see in our Exclusive Interview! The crowd's chants of "You can't change me" rang throughout Brighton Music Hall from the song "Darkness." My personal favorite song by the band started with Mikey saying “This is what electricity sounds like,” before launching into a song to raise the hair on your neck. From the ephemeral tones of space to sitting Island side and hands waving back and forth, Islander certainly is a journey not to be missed.

Wage war controlled the crowd and played some songs from the album, "Blueprints." Cody Quithsaid's clean vocals combined with Briton bond's dirty vocals synchronized amazingly, leading to lifting harmonies and palpable power in every vocal line. Listening to Briton sing, I couldn’t help but feel empowered as he captivated his audience with the sound of his voice and ordered for the creation of a legendary mosh-pit. Wage War's set brought the battle to the masses, and showcased standout songs such as "21" and "Witness." 

Then, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: I Prevail came out to play in an amazing display of strobe lights and guitar riffs as their set began. I found myself humming the melody of “stuck in your head” as the crowd jumped to the beat. The impassioned audience could be heard for blocks, singing “Stuck in Your Head.” The audience was electric and I Prevail fed off of the adrenaline.It was epic, to say the least. Brian Burkeheirs’ clean vocals were stellar throughout the entire set.  I Prevail’s performance of “Chaos” was mind-bending to witness in person. The band played this flagship song with such raw emotion, belting “Home is where you make it!” as every single living body in the building shouted along. I Prevail not only crushed their original content but, also played a few little covers before the night ended. Avril Lavgine’s Complicated made it on the set as well as Puddle of Mudd’s “She Hates Me”. To everyone’s surprise, and enjoyment, the beloved metal rock stars topped off their nightly covers with Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” To some, lyrics are just that - blank slates for you to bop along to on the train. Yet, after this experience of a show, my more pertinent takeaway is to rock hard unapologetic-ally, and most importantly, “home is where you make it!”