Tiger Army – 45 Grave – Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows – at The Grove – Anaheim, CA

There’s nothing better than going to a show during the Halloween weekend. It’s different from going to any other show during the year.  People dress up however they want and it's not a problem. On Friday October 30th, Tiger Army, 45 Grave, and Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows were set to play at the Grove of Anaheim. This was the third night of Octoberflame but the first night in Orange County. As I entered the venue I noticed people already buying merchandise from each of the bands and already wearing their new shirts.

More and more people were coming inside as the show was about to get started.

Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows were up first.  They’re an all girl band from Australia. As they began their set people worked their way towards the stage to give their attention to the band.  Not only was their music amazing but they knew how to keep your attention.   Their songs were dark and started off kind of slow but then crept up on you with a harder sound. Each member had their own unique style of playing their instrument and even added facial expressions showing how much effort they put into performing.  People in the crowd already loved what they were hearing but their interest in the band grew when they covered “Freedom of Choice” from Devo.  They ended their set with a song called “Mad At You” and left the crowd wanting to hear more.

Up next was 45 Grave. The venue had filled up much more just in time to see them start. Almost immediately a small pit broke out when they began their first song. 45 Grave fit perfectly with the Halloween theme not only with their music but with their appearance as well.  It was easy to spot the big 45 Grave fans because they were dressed up and right in the middle of the pit.  Some people even had their faces painted. They performed songs like “Evil and “Party Time”. For their last song, their drummer put on a mask that made him look kind of creepy but also funny. Before leaving the stage, Dinah Cancer had said “Thank you for letting us entertain you and have Happy Halloween”. 45 Grave was the perfect band to have played that night. They really gave off a spooky vibe and made it feel like it was Halloween.

The venue was now filled up and everyone was anxiously waiting for Tiger Army.  While waiting, music from Misfits, Johnny Cash, the Cramps, TSOL, and many more were playing in the background.  The lights dimmed and everyone cheered and clapped with excitement knowing Tiger Army was about to start.  They came out and began playing “Prelude: Signal Return”.  Just as fists were raised in the air, everyone shouted, “Tiger Army Never Dies!”  A pit erupted instantly on both the bottom and second floor of the venue.  They went straight into “Afterworld”.  The floor was packed and people were still determined to squeeze their way through the tight crowd just to be closer and be a part of the fun. Nick let us know that his mom was there that night. He told her he loved her and then dedicated a slow and sweet song to her called “Through The Darkness”. Tiger Army went from playing new songs to very old songs and fast songs to slow songs.  It was the perfect mix.  They even played songs that have never been played live and it was cool knowing we were the first crowd to hear it. Just as I thought it couldn’t get any better than this, they announced that for the next two songs they wanted to see one of the biggest circle pits ever. They played “Nocturnal” and “FTW” and Tiger Army got what they asked for.

They took a short break and when they came out there were different members. It was the Nick 13 Solo. They played own of their own songs and also a Tiger Army song, “Cupid’s Victim”, and made it their own style. After taking another break, Tiger Army came out to play their last two songs. Once again, they asked for another huge circle pit for these songs.  They began playing “Never Die” and so many people ran straight into the pit making it as big as they could.  People were falling and picking each other up.  This continued when they played their last song, “Annabel Lee”. Before ending the songs, Nick 13 introduced each of the members. The drummer played a drum solo that was so intense it made my arms hurt just by watching him play. The bassist played a solo as well and I was amazed. They ended the song and people were tired, sweaty, but had a look of satisfaction on their faces. Before they were even outside, people were already discussing how much fun they in the pit, how well Tiger Army played, and how they wished it hadn’t ended.
 

 

-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
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