Senses Fail Brought Us Back To Our Senses Of Rock And Roll At The Paradise In Boston

By Michael Connelly

Like for legendary super heroes, or fan theories whispered in the line to a new Marvel film,  murmurs among the crowd groaned and waited for Senses Fail. On a cold Sunday in Boston the line was around the block waiting in anticipation for Senses Fail at Paradise Rock Club.

The excitement for their 15th anniversary tour was felt by all. Like Pacific, Movements, and Counterparts accompanied the band and kept the hype up till Senses Fail was ready to grace us with their presence.

​The crowd was welcomed first by Like Pacific. The Canadian born rockers did not seem scared to play to their Heart’s content until their last songs. They got the place hopping and teased of the music to come. “Distant” was played with an intensity and passion that many bands hope to attain. The band’s most recent release was “Distant Like You Asked.” Many of Like Pacific’s songs resonated deep within the crowd. “Worthless Case” was most notably played excitingly as the lead guitarist continued to do spins as he played. “22a” and “Hang” are some more of my favorites from Like Pacific. Check out their music if you haven’t!

On deck was Movements. The West Coast rockers came ready to play. The band’s most recent release was “Outgrown Things.” Their most memorable performance by them was “Nineteen.” It was an emotional experience and felt through the crowd. The rockers also played “Hatchet” a headbanging and jump-kick song classic.

​Counterparts took to the stage and came out with an unmatched aggression playing crowd-pleasers such as “The Disconnect” and “Burn. “I overheard some of the crowd saying that there were there specifically to hear Counterpart’s set. The Canadian punk rockers did not disappoint and had the crowd practically hopping over the barrier to crowd surf onto their set. There set resonated with the crowd. The band also played my fan favorite called “Compass.” When Counterparts left the stage, they left the crowd wanting more and in anticipation for the headliner, Senses Fail.

“Our time is limited we are slowly dying to be truly here and now is what matters. Surround yourself in what you love with the ones you love”- Buddy Nielasan

Then the moment of anticipation arrived and Senses Fail took to the stage with Buddy Nielsen at the helm of what would be an epic sound wave. The band opened with “The Rapture,” which enshrouded the sold-out venue with good vibes. Sense’s Fail commanded the audience to “drink up the loneliness” in their performance of “Bonecrusher.” The audience sang along with inspired hearts. Senses Fail left it all on the stage after their performance and after a brief two minutes of cheering and applause returned for an encore. “All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues,” had a raw emotion that can only be written from the experience. “Family Tradition” also from the new EP continues the dialogue about the life without father. One of the many fantastic songs they played was “The Priest and Matador” which left me simply awe-struck at the combination of music and vocals. All parts came together to create a celestial soundwave that only lives in the moment. My favorite song played by Senses was easily “Jets to Peru,” from their new EP, “In Your Absence”. Sense Fail’s Buddy Nielsen said this song was written for his wife and the battles they have faced together. Buddy reminded us that we are not immortal and that the fragility of life is a beautiful thing.