Aug 19

Aug 19 Show Review: Emery, Norma Jean Kick Off West Coast 'Labeled Fest' Dates in San Francisco

‘Labeled Fest’
w/ Emery, Norma Jean, Aaron Gillespie, Watashi Wa, Idle Threat
August Hall
San Francisco, CA
August 16th, 2022

Photos and Review by Jared Stossel

When I look back at the early 2000s explosion of post-hardcore and metalcore acts that dominated the landscape, it amazes me how much of a hold that Christian rock acts had on this scene. With a couple of exceptions, nobody preached on stage about their faith, their lyrics didn’t fall under the category of worship music, but their faith and belief system intrinsically tied them all together. I’m not Christian, nor do I really subscribe to any kind of religion, but it’s crazy to think that so much of my love of metalcore and post-hardcore was influenced by Christian acts that came from labels like Tooth & Nail Records and Solid State Records over the last several decades. The inaugural Labeled Fest, a collaboration between these two record labels, celebrates some of the best acts that this scene has to offer, and fans got a chance to see Emery and Norma Jean kick off the west coast run of dates this past Tuesday at August Hall in San Francisco.

The show was kicked off by one of Tooth & Nail’s current label mates, Idle Threat. Their music is incredibly evocative of early 2000s post-hardcore and alternative, and they did an excellent job kicking off the show and setting the mood for what was to come throughout the rest of the evening. Later in the night, Aaron Gillespie even noted that he felt Idle Threat sounded like “old Tooth & Nail”, and I completely agreed with that statement. Next up was Watashi Wa, an act that borders the line between alternative and indie rock with bright melodies and an endearing attitude. Their stage was adorned by two inflatable waving tube men along with the phrase “People Like People”, a clever marketing tactic for the band’s current album of the same name (out now on Tooth & Nail Records). Watashi Wa have apparently been around for many years, but I couldn’t say that I’d heard of them before this evening’s show. Indie rock usually isn’t the style of rock I find myself gravitating towards, but I thought they brought something unique to the evening’s festivities and put on a fun show.

The next set was entirely acoustic and came from none other than Aaron Gillespie, the frontman for The Almost and the drummer/vocalist for post-hardcore legends Underoath. As a special treat, Gillespie performed The Almost’s Southern Weather album in its entirety, proving to be one of the highlights of the evening. Even without a backing band, Gillespie is an exemplary performer and showman, effortlessly performing song after song from that iconic debut album.

What followed next was a stark contrast to the acoustic offering that Gillespie brought forth, as the almighty Norma Jean took the stage for a crushingly intense ten song metalcore-fueled set. Norma Jean has evolved a lot over the past decade, with vocalist Cory Brandan really acting as one of the only remaining members of the band’s older lineup (he’s been their vocalist since the band’s second album, 2005’s O’God, The Aftermath.) While there is something special about those older lineups, Norma Jean are still as intense as ever, and each song is just as powerful and decimating as the last. They’re an act that leaves it all out on the stage, and it’s nearly impossible to turn away from the stage whenever they’re playing; you’re commanded to see what’s going to happen next.

Post-hardcore act Emery closed out the evening with a truly astounding set. I miss the days of bands like Emery, where six members filled up the stage, multiple vocalists comprised the lineup, and there was never a dull moment. I had seen Emery once before, several years ago in Santa Cruz. I thought they were quite good, but this performance took things to an entirely new level. Their energy was off the charts at this San Francisco show and they sounded fantastic, as they played track after track from throughout their extensive career.

This scene is no longer as “massive” as it once was, but it still has an incredibly dedicated fanbase that shows up to support these shows. ‘Labeled Fest’ is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication to a style of music that has thrilled listeners for decades and will continue to enthrall fans for years to come. I’m happy to see that these bands are still out here sharing their stories, and that people are showing up to listen to them.

Emery Set List
So Cold I Could See My Breath
Ponytail Parades
Enemy
Concussion
Playing with Fire
Butcher’s Mouth
Listening to Freddie Mercury
I Don’t Know You At All
In Shallow Seas We Sail
Studying Politics
Walls