LIVE! : Framing Hanley with MeTalkPretty

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by Sara J. McCarthy
Staff Writer

March 29, 2011 at The Lost Horizon in Syracuse, NY.

Under new management and freshly renovated, Syracuse’s oldest Rock club, The Lost Horizon, the venue, was filled with a palpable energy on a recent Tuesday night. Since the ‘70s, The Lost Horizon has hosted a list of bands that is awe-inspiring with the likes of Ronnie James Dio, Godsmack, Guns N’ Roses, Marilyn Manson, Korn, The Black Crowes and many, many more. On this night, fans were ready to rock out to the sounds of Framing Hanley and supporting acts The Black Lockets, Against the Wall and MeTalkPretty.

Opening the show was Syracuse’s own, The Black Lockets. A very energetic four-member band gave a 30-minute set that was full of original songs with a punk feel. The band had a chemistry that rippled through the crowd and lasted the entire set.

Continuing the energetic evening was Against the Wall. Their 40-minute set consisted of original songs filled with grinding guitar riffs, substantial lyrics and a sound that encompasses just about every element of rock. Lead Guitarist Jon Bass kept the crowd entertained with his jam band-like solos and strong stage presence.

This NYC band delivered all that was expected and more.

The 2009 MTV VMA for Best Breakout Artist award winners, MeTalkPretty of NYC, was the final opening band for the night. Unfortunately, the band struggled with their sound the entire set. Drums and guitars overpowered vocalist Uliana Preotu, who did her best to out-sing the instruments. Despite the sound difficulties, MeTalkPretty put on one hell of a show. The 50-minute set was filled with original songs off of their EP, “We Are Strangers,” and Uliana dedicated the single “Wake Up” to her mother, who died a few years ago. This band kicked ass and showed it obviously earned their VMA. Don’t be surprised to see more from MeTalkPretty in the future.

After a quick stage changeover, it was time for Nashville’s Framing Hanley to show Syracuse just what they are made of. Currently on tour in support of their sophomore album, A Promise to Burn, Framing Hanley took the stage and opened with the cover that launched their success, “Lollipop,” by ‘Lil Wayne. The crowd’s reaction was instantaneous, with cheering, screaming, jumping and, of course, singing. Song after song, this band delivered an adrenaline-filled performance. The second single off their new album “Back to Go Again,” is an infectious tune that had this reviewer singing right along. The band kept up the momentum with, “Bittersweet Fundown,” “Fool With Dreams,” “Count Me In” and “23 Days.”

Vocalist Kenneth Nixon kept the crowd mesmerized with his intense vocals and constant interaction with the fans who were pressed up against the front of the stage. Guitarists Brandon Wootten and Ryan Belcher are well suited for the band, trading licks and obviously enjoying themselves, while producing the grinding, almost-metal sound Framing Hanley is known for. Drummer Chris Vest and bassist Luke McDuffee cranked out the bottom rhythms with a driving force and precision that was matched by the entire band.

During the closing number, “Stupid Girl,” which is the first single off of A Promise to Burn, the crowd erupted into screams, whistles and screeches. Throughout the song, the crowd’s attention never left the stage, while fans sang right along with Kenneth.

Framing Hanley knows how to put on a fantastic show; they know what their fans like and how to deliver. If Framing Hanley continues with the force and energy of this show, there isn’t anything that this band cannot accomplish.

Set List:
Lollipop
Home
Back To Go Again
Bittersweet Fundown
LSD
Fool With Dreams
Built For Sin
Count Me In
Fold
Hear Me Now
23 Days
Stupid Girl

Photos appear courtesy of Sara J. McCarthy