Live Review: Blindside at Fonda

Since the trend started with bands playing albums in their entirety in concert, I’ve really come to enjoy it. Getting to hear the songs you normally wouldn’t hear during a normal set really takes the show up a few notches. Sunday night Blindside returned to Los Angeles for the first time since 2011 and they answered the call with such fire and passion that it was like yesterday they were here.

Opening the evening was Hearts Like Lions. This four piece from Los Angeles reminded me of a heavier Sunny Day Real Estate mixed with Sparta. Their set was electric and the right amount of energy to get the crowd into a frenzy for Blindside. Musically these gents were tight and full of great presence. Hearts Like Lions are one hell of a band live. So much so that the songs sound even better live than on recorded fashion, thus making their live show that much more exciting to watch. Check out these guys!!!

Blindside took the stage about 30 mins after the openers and came out swinging with “Caught A Glimpse.” Next up was “Pitiful,” which really got the crowd going. Throughout the entire night of the band playing their wonderful 2002 album Silence entirely, the crowd was singing along so loud that it really helped push the band to go all out. Even with a bit of a technical problem during “Sleepwalking,” singer Christian Lindskog used the audience participation to keep the flow of music going with chorus sing alongs. one of the highlights for me this evening was when they played “Thought Like Flames.” Blindside really delivered the good with their Silence set. Their encore was 4 classics and one new track entitled “Grave Digger.” Closing out the night was “About A Burning Fire,” and wow did they go out with a bang.

This was definitely a night to celebrate being a fan of Blindside. They played with so much fire and energy that it was like they haven’t left at all. I really can’t wait for what they come up with next and for their next LA show. Not only that but Hearts Like Lions really captivated me to put them on my bands to watch for in 2016.

Blindside-Silence:

By: Brian Lacy

Photos: Alisa Lacy