Fine Line in Minneapolis, MN
May 24, 2023
Photos by Brett Zisler
Review by Nick
CONVERGE doesn't tour often especially to MN so when this show was announced for the very small Fine Line in Minneapolis, I snapped up tickets immediately. CONVERGE did not disappoint. A full headlining set with a different set list then when they came thru with MESHUGGAH last Sept. It was evident from the first note with the emotion that outpoured out of Jacob Bannon that this was going to be a special set.
CONVERGE is an insanely tight group of musicians that create complete choas on record and to think that they can replicate that sound live with just the four of them is mind blowing. Incredible bassist Nate Newton matches Bannon's insane energy, producer mastermind guitarist Kurt Ballou and insanely talented drummer Ben Koller all focus on bringing the maximum intensity throughout the entire set.
The set was heavy on the Axe to Fall record but still packed most of what you would want to hear in a Converge setlist considering their huge catalog. I was just happy to hear "Under Duress", "I Can Tell You About Pain" and "All We Love We Leave Behind" everything else was a bonus! CONVERGE could have went in to an hour of outtakes and I would've been happy as long as those 3 were in the set ... and there probably would've been a good chunk of the crowd that would have been excited about that.
The crowd hung on every note and every word of every song that was played. It was that I miss during bigger shows. The connectivity between the band and the fans in this small setting with no barricade is something that you never forget. Making this easily one of the best shows I've seen this year so far.
Belgium's BRUTUS were direct support to CONVERGE and made me a fan. I've heard since their album 2019 album Nest was released but never got to see them live until tonight. BRUTUS did not disappoint. Their swirling sound builds up to creshendos and definately best caught live in person. They played the first six songs from their latest record Unison Life along with a couple older tunes to a very attentive crowd.
My only small complaint was I wish vocalist and drummer Stefanie Mannaerts' vocals were a little louder in the mix during the heavier parts but in the more quiet moments, they were excellent. Like CONVERGE, BRUTUS also creates a wall of sound with only 3 members in the band. Along with Stefanie, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden and bassist Peter Mulders create intensity that weaves in and out of each other in harmony.
As far as pairings go, it doesn't get much better than CONVERGE and BRUTUS together .. add in a very energetic and attentive crowd and you got a mixture that only bands and fans dream about.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PICTURES OF CONVERGE and BRUTUS HERE!
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