Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
“COUNTERFEIT was amazing!”
Literally the only thing that kept going through my mind after leaving Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory on Tuesday September 10th. The band quickly became a favorite of mine after having watched them perform their hearts out the previous year. Now, back with new music and a more positive outlook on life, the Brits once again have made quite an impression. Quite honestly one of the very few acts for which I am willing to face the nightmare that is driving into Brooklyn on a weeknight. It’s always a guaranteed good time when COUNTERFEIT are on stage doing their thing.
Singer guitarist Jamie Campbell Bower is the embodiment of the perfect front man. The guy is just truly magnificent at what he does. He is constantly engaging the crowd, and I don’t mean only the front row. He frequently climbs down into the crowd and interacts with whoever braves the horde, clawing their way through to see him in all his glory up close.
Guitarists Tristan Marmont and Sam Bower, drummer Jimmy Craig, and bassist Roland Johnson are all insane powerhouses with their respective instruments. They rip through songs like their lives depend on it, and more often than not you’ll catch bright smiles on their faces. They enjoy what they do and it shows. As an avid concert-goer and music journalist, nothing makes me happier than to see musicians enjoying what they do.
The setlist included their latest single ‘It Gets Better,’ and Campbell Bower admitted to being in a better state of mind during the creation of the new album. The tracks come off with a more positive outlook on life, and are a lot less angry. This however does not diminish the intensity of their musical style or stage presence at all.
In between songs, we were treated to a ‘Pictures of You’ that brought an overwhelming level of unity to the crowd. I couldn’t help but notice people soaking in every note and chord, some with tears rolling down their faces. Very powerful and moving.
The pace picked up once again with the raw and honest-as-all-hell ‘Get Out,’ which is unabashedly about Campbell Bower’s former cocaine addiction. Another powerful number was ‘All My Friends,’ which he introduced by openly discussing his constant battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and how he’s learned to use coping mechanisms to endure the difficulties of mental illness.
That kind of honesty is refreshing as it is frightening or disturbing as it may seem to some. Attending a COUNTERFEIT show is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, great times, and since all good things must come to an end, I can only find myself waiting for them to come back to town once again.
You can always count on COUNTERFEIT for a hell of a great time.
COUNTERFEIT online:
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube |
