It's something of a cult experience; almost every year for the past decade Thursday, the lauded post-punk group of the early 00's, have played high-energy shows to sold out crowds at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. This year's show was particularly special for the band, as they brought a combination of local talent and friends along to share the advent of the New Year.
Opening Acts: The Casting Out and United Nations
These two groups were a good addition to the night's lineup - Nathan Gray of BoySetsFire, an acknowledged influence of Thursday frontman Geoff Rickley, opened with his post-punk side-project, The Casting Out. Next, United Nations, a super-group consisting of Geoff Rickley as the only confirmed member, took the stage with a handful of other rotating musicians, including Glassjaw's very own Daryl Palumbo on guitar.
Dillinger Escape Plan
Hailing from Morris Plains, NJ, Dillinger Escape plan was certainly a significant draw for many fans who attend these shows for a raucous display of loud, fast, and generally intense music. Although this may seem an impossible feat, the sheer intensity of Dillinger's physical performance rivaled their musical intensity. Their set featured multiple stage dives, not only from their bulky frontman Greg Puciato, but from their guitarists as well. Mic stands flew like javelins; at one point, released like a Frisbee, the microphone itself found its way into the center of the dense audience.
Glassjaw Starland Ballroom Setlist
After tinkering with a percussion intro, Glassjaw accelerated into a vociferous performance of their newest track, "(You Think You're) John F*%%ing Lennon". After playing material from their last album, Worship and Tribute, Glassjaw treated fans to a new song and three tracks from their immensely popular debut album, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence. Bouncing around the stage like a wound-up toy soldier, Daryl Palumbo moves like an experienced frontman.
- (You Think You're) John F*&$ing Lennon)
- Tip Your Bartender
- Mu Empire
- Stars Above My Bed
- Ape Dos Mil
- The Gillette Calvacade of Sports
- Pink Roses
- Jesus Glue
- Pretty Lush
- Two Tabs of Mescaline
- Siberian Kiss
- Babe
Thursday Starland Ballroom Setlist
Headlining the night, Thursday took the stage with a mixture of hard-earned confidence and bravado. After playing through the intro of "Autobiography of a Nation," possibly the most melodic minute of their set, Thursday delved into the heart of the track, mixed with the blend of emotion and energy that have attracted so many fans over their 20-year stint as a band. The band played a great set, although Rickley admitted that his vocals may be a bit off. "I really need you guys to help me sing along!" he said. Regardless, this is a band that has matured greatly over the past few years; their live show has been streamlined and fine tuned.
- Autobiography of a Nation
- The Other Side of the Crash/Over and Out (Of Control)
- Paris in Flames
- Understanding in a Car Crash
- Counting 5-4-3-2-1
- Running From the Rain
- Resuscitation of a Dead Man
- At This Velocity
- Division St.
- Circuits of Fever
- Standing on the Edge of Summer
- Signals Over the Air
- Cross Out the Eyes
- Jet Black New Year
Perhaps the highlight of the night was Thursday's performance of Jet Black New Year. This is a hard-and-fast tradition at these shows; at this particular show, Rickley invited several friends onto the stage for guest vocals. This was a cathartic experience for both performers and fans alike, welcoming the advent of the New Year with old friends and experiences.
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Todd Christopher Petty - Todd Petty is a student studying Journalism and English Literature at The College of New Jersey.
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