Switchfoot is on tour currently to promote the release of their new Fading West EP and corresponding documentary featuring the brand new music. I had the chance to catch this tour when it was in Des Moines, Iowa last Thursday and my mind was absolutely blown.
First of all, the event was held in Hoyt Sherman Theater in downtown Des Moines, and you could not have chosen a more beautiful setting for such an amazing evening.
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| Photo from Tim Foreman's instagram |
The premise of Fading West is a simple one: part rock documentary, part surf film, and part travelogue.
Directed by Matt Katsolis of Interpret Studios, it was filmed during Switchfoot’s 2012 World Tour and follows the band to locations around the world, including the U.S., South Africa, Bali, Australia and New Zealand.
I was incredibly impressed by the quality of this film. The imagery and design is absolutely beautiful, and it really opens fans up to what life can be like on the road--triumphs, struggles, and all. The emotion was palpable, and I found myself both laughing and crying along as I watched.
The documentary featured interviews with other bands, including Foo Fighters, Bad Religion, Tom DeLonge (of Blink-182), Johnny Reznik (Goo Goo Dolls), and many more. There was also significant amounts of concert footage from their shows all over the world, surreal scenery, amazing footage from their surfing adventures, and exclusive interviews with the band and an inside look at the creative process for them.
"I'm looking for that music, looking for that melody," said lead singer Jon Foreman. "And for us, that is always the journey."
All the songs on Fading West are brand new, original songs from Switchfoot. Three of these songs are featured on the Fading West EP ("Who We Are," "Love Alone Is Worth The Fight" and "BA55"), and the remaining tracks will be on the upcoming full-length album of the same name, set for release on January 14, 2014.
After the documentary, their was a 20-minute intermission, during which the band encouraged audience members to tweet any questions for the band with #askswitchfoot.
The second half of the evening started with excitement as the band appeared on stage to an amazing acoustic version of "The Sound". Rhythm guitarist Jerome Fontamillas was notably missing from stage, but later conversations revealed that he had flown home to California to be with his wife for the birth of their newest child. Instead, his cousin Jyro Xhan (formerly of the bands Mortal and Fold Zandura) helped to fill in on keys, rhythm guitar, and even accordion.
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| © Maria Mickelson Photography |
This concert was definitely unlike any other Switchfoot concert I've ever been to. It was an extremely intimate setting, the band took turns answering the tweeted questions from the intermission, and many songs were played acoustic.
Here is the complete setlist from the evening:
-The Sound
-Love Alone is Worth the Fight
-Shadow Proves the Sunshine
-Who We Are
-Only Hope
-Dark Horses
-Meant to Live
-Dare You to Move
Encore:
-Hello Hurricane
-Where I Belong
I think my highlight of the evening came from the encore. After thunderous applause and chants of "one more song!" the band cheerfully returned to stage, surrounding a single mic center stage, and performed a unique acoustic version of "Hello Hurricane". This was absolutely amazing. The evening was closed out with a powerful, emotional performance of "Where I Belong," a fan favorite.
After the concert, VIP audience members had the opportunity to meet the band. I took advantage of this and had a picture taken with the members.
You can find more information on Switchfoot and their complete list of tour dates by visiting their website.
I so wish I could have been there! Couldn't make the trip to Des Moines this time. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find your picture at? I can't find the one i took with them /:
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