When a highly anticipated album is less than two weeks out, excitement generally starts to grow. So, sometimes bands try to stick in a couple more shows to really push their fans over the edge. That was the case with Story Of The Year (SOTY). Their new album Black Swan officially drops April 22nd, but their single "Wake Up" has already made a presence and created some well deserved hype. Therefore, when they hit the stage at The Cotillion in Wichita Kansas, fans were clamoring for new material.

Being in the pit for a SOTY show is the kind of experience that tests your ability as a photographer. Not only are you catching stage shots, but you have to be prepared for when they're suddenly right in front of you or climbing over you to get to the crowd. That's how these guys operate. Besides Josh (drums), each of the members made it off the stage and into the crowd at some point. Dan's (lead vocals) method was a little more traditional, leaning into the people as he sang. Adam (bass) jumped into the crowd and one point... we lost him. Next thing you know, Dan is playing bass and Adam is serenading some poor girl. Philip's was the most entertaining of the crowd interactions, because not only did he just get down off the stage, but he literally hopped over the barricades and walked around the back of the group. Where he then paused, to play his part of the song amongst the people. Talk about a photographer's nightmare, though it was very entertaining.

The set list was just as entertaining as the crowd interactions. Naturally the favorites were played from Page Avenue: "Anthem Of Our Dying Day" and "Until The Day I Die." There was my new favorite that was jammed out: "Wake Up." And intermixed were a variety of other masterpieces. About half way through the set (when Adam went M.I.A.), the band decided to have a little random fun. What followed was a cornucopia of major rock hits. You know the kinds of songs that EVERYONE knows the words too. This was a chance to see these four guys, just being guys. It was as though they were hanging out with the audience and just having fun. It was something that I wish more bands would do, because sometimes concerts are too formal.

What topped off the night was actually the openers. Josephine Collective is brand new to the big scene and to a big label. They've got an unexplained energy that goes great with their obvious talent, though it helps a little that home for them is about a 20 min drive from my place in KC. The mid-band was a favorite of mine, Madina Lake. I was first introduced to them about a year ago and have yet to take their CD out of my car. Yet this was actually the first time that I was able to see a complete set of theirs. Finally I was able to enjoy "Stars" live!

It's now April 23rd when I'm finally finishing this piece and I've had a good 24 hours to really get a feel for the Black Swan. And all I can say for both SOTY's concert and their new album is they truly outdid themselves. Brilliant and exciting, both kept me going through the entire thing. If you can't get out to catch them on their tour, at least be sure to pick up the new album. It's impressive!

-Rachel Fredrickson

Story Of The Year
w/ Madina Lake and Josephine Collective
April 11, 2008
The Cotillion
Wichita, KS

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