Pop? Punk? Book-Tok rock?
Power rock is probably the best way to describe the sounds of The Home Team as they circle the country on “The Crucible of Life Tour,” celebrating the album of the same name. Along for ride is Arrows in Action and Makari providing opening support.
It is worth mentioning that, as well as having Makari opening, this specific Los Angeles show had True North perform as a local opener for the night. Unfortunately, due to some travel issues, I was late arriving to the Belasco and did not get to see their whole performance. However, I have seen them before, and what I did get to catch was even better than the prior shows I have seen. Check them out if you want a new wonderful group to listen to in the alternative rock vein.
Keeping up with my running tradition of not knowing any opening acts lately, Makari is yet another welcome addition to my ever-growing roster of bands everyone should know about. Rock without the fluff, and persistent sounds that will stick in your head indefinitely, Makari put on the type of show you would expect and want out of a supporting act. It was easy to see why they were included on this card. While they were not on my radar before the show, that wasn’t the case with crowd. Between the crowd singing along and the smiles of pure joy from every member on stage, this was just a precursor to how great of a night we were in store for.
How do I describe the set I was privy to from the guys in Arrows in Action? Bliss? Happiness? Boyish charm and playful energy? I think all of the above does a pretty good job of it. I would say these guys, in their eight years together, have nailed down the exact formula for what it takes to be a spectacular group of performers. With tracks played from the entire catalogue, there was not a second of the set that left you wanting. Honestly, it was very reminiscent of seeing punk legends Bowling for Soup play. They had a perfect blend of song, story, and fun.
“The Crucible of Life Tour” is something that cannot quite be described entirely accurately. For those that secured your tickets for this sold-out event, you are in for a hell of a treat. For those of you that did not, I am so sorry for your loss.
First and foremost, I have to say I was not expecting to enjoy myself the way I did here. Immediately upon taking the stage, there was an electrified explosion of energy coming from every member of The Home Team. Guitar spins, hip thrusts, drums banging; it was a non-stop ride from the very first note! Frontman Brian Butcher might as well be the reincarnation of Elvis with the amount his hips were moving. For a solid 20 songs played, I think the personal highlight was Victor Viramontes-Pattison of Arrows in Action joining Butcher for “All Squeezed Out.” In that moment, you could see just how close of friends those two are.
All in all, “The Crucible of Life Tour” is a non-stop ride of energy, fun and smiles. It rivals even the largest stadium shows for just how much fun you will have.
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