As Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott took the stage to a roaring applause inside the very intimate Zebulon, the room with the high ceilings suddenly became a full of individual space capsules as each person was ejected into the wonderful world that is the band, Failure. Not many bands can create such an individual feeling amongst a sea of a couple hundred people but, Failure can. For the next hour and a half, this beyond influential and inspirational trio hit every note, melody, chord and rhythm with such a a visceral intensity that sent chills and joy through us all. While it has been a minute since Failure has been on stage, and one for me to see them as well, this evening showed why they are one of the best to ever do it.

The set began with eager anticipation and immediately went into the live debut of  “The Air’s On Fire,” the first single from their seventh album, Location Lost. The way this song injects such a prolific mood and vibe set the tone for what was to come. The combination of “Undone” and “Smoking Umbrellas” as next two songs were an absolute knockout. Both of these are classics and that was firmly cemented by the crowds reaction. I do love both of those songs but, there’s just always been something special about the way “Smoking Umbrellas” is written and sung.

Then came the live debut of “A Way Down.” Just as I mentioned about the previous song, this new song is an absolute instant classic. The way this song pulsates with early post punk influences is infectious. At this point it’s only been four songs, and we are all in an anti-gravity phase then they hit us with “Stuck On You,” Heliotropic” and “Counterfeit Sky.” It was at this moment that my heart and brain melted. “Heliotropic” in particular was a highlight. The instant that bass started, not only was that tone inside of you, but the rumble was enough to jump start your heart if you were like me. Wow! And then “Counterfeit Sky” being another modern classic and the way Greg Edwards guitar plays into Ken Andrews bass and then the thunder of Kellii Scott, it’s no wonder the crowd was floating now.

Then came “Headstand” from their very underrated album, Wild Type Droid, which had me quite excited as I didn’t get to see Failure when they toured for that album. “Solar Eyes” was another treat as was “Frogs.”

Closing out their main set was the awesome and heavy “Submarines.” This was another highlight in which Kellii Scott’s drums had everyone headbanging and swaying to the beat.

While the band left the stage for a moment, and for everyone to have a collective breath, the vibe in the crowd was filled with so much emotion, that when they returned to the stage and debuted “The Rising Skyline,” I was waiting for a rocket to take off. What a sight and feeling to be a part of. And what a song. “The Nurse Who Loved Me” followed with so much crowd participation. To end the night was the sublimely beautiful “Another Space Song.” Songs like this need to be studied. Now that’s quite the breathtaking way to end the night. 

Concerts/live shows like this don’t happen all the time. Being able to see an all time favorite band in a small room evokes so much. Sure there are lots of people there but, being able to get a feeling that makes you think you’re the only one standing there watching and listening is magical.

Having now seen Failure eight times, each time has been unique, meaningful and inspiring. Failure are one of those bands too that, when they play,  you want them to just play everything they have in their catalog. Location Lost, is an album that you all need to listen to and let it take over. The magic of Failure is in everything they do. Thank you Ken, Greg and Kellii for your honesty through art and music. I look forward to the next time I see you live.

What a night!!!!

By: Brian Lacy

FAILURE SETLIST:

01) The Air’s On Fire

02) Undone

03) Smoking Umbrellas

04) A Way Down

05) Stuck On You

06) Heliotropic

07) Counterfeit Sky

08) Headstand

09) Solar Eyes

10) Frogs 

11) Submarines

Encore:

12)The Rising Skyline 

13) The Nurse Who Loved Me 

14) Another Space Song