The Concussion Theory is a rock/alternative band hailing from Richmond, Virginia. As per usual, I came across their name while searching for local shows to check out. When I checked out their self-titled debut album, I instantly got a Brand New vibe. From fast paced guitar riffs to soft, passionate lyrics, each song on the album throws the listener into the life of the band. Needless to say, I was excited to see what they could do live. On December 2nd, 2017, The Concussion Theory performed at Revolution Bar & Music Hall in Amityville, NY. With a night of lack luster openers, they easily stood out among the rest.
I have to admit that after watching three opening bands that seemed quite nervous and stoic, my hopes for seeing the band that impressed me with their album were quickly diminishing. Fortunately, The Concussion Theory won over the small crowd from the very start. FINALLY, a band that was willing to jump around and show the thrill of playing the music they love. A crowd is only going to have as much fun as the band is having and these guys sure were having a good time. The final opener has the job of getting the crowd amped and ready for the main headliner and The Concussion Theory made sure that happened! Leading with Oh Brother off of their debut album, the fast paced song sparked some life into the lifeless crowd.
Oh Brother was followed by Anchor, another song off of their debut album. Anchor introduced the crowd to the harder vocal sound that the band is capable of. Throughout the show, Burke Solo (bass/vocals) and Nate Teikari’s (guitar/vocals) vocals complimented each other with every song they sang. The emphasis they put on every word they sang resonated throughout the concert hall. They did not have to overcompensate to match the sounds of the album; they did it with ease.
What is great to see with a small, unknown band, is how they interact with a small crowd. If the band had any worry about interacting with the crowd, they didn’t show it. Each member of The Concussion Theory made it a point to interact with the crowd, from telling stories of the background of the band, to making jokes about the legal status of weed in NY. The band was going to make sure this small crowd did not have the chance to stay silent.
If anyone is an alternative fan, surely you have heard of Have Mercy. The band did an astounding cover of To Convey, off of Have Mercy’s 2014 album, A Place Of Our Own. It is not easy to perform another band’s song and do it so well. The Concussion Theory did not hold back, and sang their hearts out. Have Mercy would be honored.
After putting out their debut album in 2015, The Concussion Theory has been touring the east coast. They have gained countless fans and left their mark on every concert hall they have performed in. For being in the early stages of their career, The Concussion Theory shows a lot of promise. As they continue to create and release original music, as well as tour with more experienced bands, they will hone in on their craft.
When asked about the new EP, Nate Teikari stated “we’ve been sitting on these songs for quite a while and have really taken our time to make sure we’re all excited about the direction each of these songs and this whole record has taken. We decided early on that we didn’t want to just talk about relationships and feelings; we wanted to write songs that spoke about current issues. We also knew we wanted to push ourselves musically, and break our habit of writing mid-tempo rock songs. This record will feature the fastest and angriest songs we’ve ever written, and also the most melodic stuff we’ve ever written.” With an EP due for release in early 2018, I can’t wait to see what The Concussion Theory has in store!