Media and Trailers
AFI New York reviews
Great show and a real treat to see "Drab Majesty" opening.
I was taken back by the line to get into GA. The line for the older crowd was short and filled with ticket scans with cell phones that seemed to be malfunctioning. The GA gang flashed their wristbands and moved fairly quickly. By the time we got pass the metal detectors the GA ticket holders where on the way to stake out their positions on the floor. We make our way to the merch tables that had a one-way entrance that was not clearly marked causing confusing and people uttering words under their breath. This venue is a cashless venue. Bring a card and if the merch tables are on the left of you apon entering, stay to the left to enter the mech line. The prices have increased for merch and the quality of the items seem thinner and thinner. I'm speaking in general, and not of this band directly. Pricing for drinks is what's to be expected. Please tip the merch and beverage staff as they are not making much and are here to serve you. Show your appreciation and hit one of the tip buttons on the screen. Made are way to the mezzanine level. We made our way up the ramp and to the left we climbed the stairs to our seats. Turning around and seeing this amazing theater is always a sight to behold. The preperformance of a concert is entertaining as you scan the surrounding and the people within it. The floor had filled quickly by the GA crowd and small veins were clear to see running between the different groupings. The seats below us seemed strangely empty with the start time coming up. The lights dimmed and the music began in a wonderful way. Two musicians stepped out and roared into a moving mesmerizing manner filled with sonic keyboards, accented with perfectly timed guitar playing to lifting the soul with the sounds coming from the stage. The mix was a bit muddy and the volume a bit high for the music being performed. They layer of the music, which I'm sure someone spent many a day getting right was lost in the sheer boldness of volume. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. The lights and fog were heavy on the right side of the stage and the guitarist was obscured by clouds most of the time. Not being familiar with the band as were the two I was with; it may have something to do with who is Drab Majesty. I would describe them as Depeche Mode, Flock of Seagulls gone prog. After their performance I visited the facilities. They were clean and well kept. I stopped back by the beverage concession to hydrate before AFI took the stage. Having found a different rout one level higher to my seat made it clearly visible that veins in the GA floor groupings had changed. They had now tightened and the position of members of each group found their spot to stand their ground. The house lights went down as the band took to the stage. The decibels from the audience were instant and insanely load for the small sampling of humans. The band blazed starting with “Strength Through Wounding”. Lead singer Davey Havok got the GA crowds really up and shouting “Through our bleeding, we are one” with arms flailing and fist pumping the view from my seat was inspirational. This was the first song, and it was an elevator ride that ended far too soon. They gave props to the East Bay and those who helped them get to the lofty height's they now enjoy. There were a few humorous moments that hopefully make their way to social media. That would be the best way to be presented than me trying to draw a picture here. There mix was muddy as they played a great set mix of new and old songs. I left happy and smelling the vapers of hot dogs and brats filling the air from the sidewalk vendors just outside this beautiful theatre. Great show and thank you to Oakland Fox Theatre for providing great acts to see at this venue.