There are a few tips and tricks that one learns along the way on how to spot a stellar show- and if something just probably won’t be up to par.  After passing my third “lot full” sign in front of a garage off Sunset Boulevard- I was pretty sure After Midnight Project was about to exceed everyone’s expectations at their record release show at the Roxy that night.  Now aside from the zero parking situation (I made up for my missed cardio session that morning by walking a mile in pursuit of hot music, a thank you note will be sent to AMP post-haste) another indicative factor would be the obscene mob scene in front of the venue.  After countless texts GPS-ing myself and my fellow music partners in crime to the scene of, we were finally navigating our way inside with apparently the rest of Los Angeles, which was pretty much everyone and in some cases, their mothers.  No, seriously.

After about a half hour, and securing viewer friendly spots among the masses the anxiously awaited moment had arrived and After Midnight Project stormed on stage in style, and those that hadn’t already gotten the memo via twitter and other cyberstalking strategies, found out in-person that their socks were about to be rocked right off.

After starting with a couple tried and true AMP joints, their newer tunes were about to be let loose amongst Roxy residents, and the reception was a more than welcome one at that.  (I’m only semi-fluent in girlie screams and yelps, but I’m assuming the repetitive high-pitched whoo-hooing and name chanting equaled good, great, and better.  Just to be safe I’ll be investing in a new Rosetta Stone tomorrow.)  From the heartfelt and upbeat “Fire In The Sky” to “Open Door” you can see that though the album may have been conceived while lamenting on unanticipated loss, the new lease on life spawned a rock/pop dance party that left no one in the packed sardine style audience left standing still.  At one point the four dudes left the upbeat dance party and handed each of us a one way ticket to electro land where the rock infused with twenty-second century style elements (reminiscent of Linkin Park’s “Reanimation” at some points) offered a sweet little unexpected segue to a song bordering on the more somber side.  The track entangling audience members in an auditory web of musical tricks and treats went as fast as it had come, and we were back musically mating with the upbeat faster than Sheen can get into trouble.  This just in, the track “keep my feet on the ground”will be available on their full length coming out in a bit- and I’ll go on record saying it WAS my fave of the night- so get on it!

All in all After Midnight Project managed to set the bar high and it’s no doubt their latest release will be on everyone’s heavy rotation list.  Words of wisdom, turn up the AMP.  Can’t get enough of the guys?  Check out their interview with me here, and feel free to check out their Facebook for a little more info on upcoming shows and tours.  And get there early.  Or miss your training sesh and make up for it like I did!