Saturday November 12, 2011

Review and photography by Frances Roach

Support from: The Pretty Reckless, Me

After 5 years away from our shores and various lineup changes, the somewhat symphonic rock band are back with a much anticipated string of UK dates. Abruptly walking onto the stage with opening song and current single ‘What You Want’ and making their way through a row of new songs including ‘Made Of Stone’, ‘My Heart Is Broken’ and ‘Oceans’, the crowd seems satisfied yet relatively mild with much less movement than you would expect from a rock band that is still in high demand, which is evident in the fact that this current UK tour is completely sold out.

With a rather extensive set list of songs, it was mainly new material that covered the majority of the set, playing 10 songs from the newly released self-titled full length. This was a disappointment to many, who have been waiting to hear the band’s back catalogue for a good few years. Lighting throughout was focused on frontwoman Amy Lee, donning a purple tutu with several members of the crowd dressing likewise; it is apparent that she is the focus of the show, with chants and repetitive screaming of her name emerging from the audience.

Rolling out a piano for ‘Lost In Paradise’ and ‘Lithium’, the songs are performed with precision, with Lee playing solo before the climax into the latter half of the song including menacing guitars and bass. After slipping in old favourites ‘Call Me When You’re Sober’ and ‘Imaginary’, the most uproar, unsurprisingly, came from the performance of debut #1 single (and the official Spiderman movie song) ‘Bring Me To Life’, with every member of the crowd who occupied the sold out O2 Academy Leeds screaming back every lyric with all the strength in their lungs. Choosing to bow out with classic My Immortal provided the eerie sounds of piano and perfect opportunity for the ultimate singalong. Solid performance but fans will hope it doesn’t take as long for the band to return next time around.

www.evanescence.com

3/5