Date: April 24, 2007
Location: Avalon - Boston, MA
Bands: Brand New, Kevin Devine, Manchester Street Orchestra

Brand New’s first U.S. tour in almost a year stopped by the Avalon Tuesday night for a night of debauchery and sing-a-longs. Though the show started off slow with a brief set by the Manchester Street Orchestra and an entertaining performance by Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band, a ripple of anticipation spread through the packed house as Long Island natives Brand New took the stage.

Opening with “Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t,” Brand New launched a grueling 105-minute set that captivated the audience from start to finish. Scruffy and hidden beneath an oversized blue beanie, vocalist Jesse Lacey crooned his way through most of the band’s sophomore release Deja Entendu before unexpectedly weaving his way into the fast-paced “The Shower Scene,” from 2001’s Your Favorite Weapon.

Guitarist Vin Accardi and bassist Garrett Tierney whipped around the stage during “Sic Transit Gloria” as Lacey chanted in unison with the fans, “die young and save yourself!” They slowed it down with several acoustic favorites including “Play Crack the Sky,” which had the crowd swaying from side to side with lighters and cell phones in the air.

The second half of the show consisted of several appearances by Kevin Devine and a selection of songs off of the band’s newest album, The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me. Lacey’s heart-wrenching and almost neurotic screams during “You Won’t Know” stunned the audience into silence.

The set wrapped up with a chaotic performance of the instrumental “Welcome to Bangkok,” as the band and their tourmates trashed everything in sight before exiting gracefully stage right to the screams of the crowd.