Tremonti + The Fallen State @ o2 Institute, 30 June 2018
Acting as support across the whole of this UK tour, The Fallen State had a large crowd to play to on Friday evening at the O2 Institute in Birmingham. And boy did they grasp it with both hands. Alongside some fantastic songs, the band certainly had the performance nailed down and led without caution at the size of the room in front of them.
But the main reason that the O2 Institute was full on Friday evening was due to the return of Tremonti to our fair city. Led by guitarist Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge and Creed fame, this band acts as a solo vehicle for Mark to express a heavier direction than he’s allowed in his day job. That’s not to say it’s without melody though, with Mark’s voice soaring throughout the choruses.
Throughout the lengthy seventeen song set, the band treated the audience to cuts from all four records without being biased towards a particular one, perhaps showing the strength of the material. This was also highlighted through the fact that there was no need for Tremonti to play any songs from his other projects to please the crowd as is often the case.
It’s also key to note that this isn’t just a solo project however, with the rest of the band being formed of Eric Friedman, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Keegan who all put in excellent performances.
Personal highlights included ‘Take You With Me’, ‘Cauterize’ and ‘Bringer Of War’ with Tremonti’s fantastic voice and guitar playing ability taking centre stage almost constantly.
It’s clear that the crowd gathered in the Institute on Friday were full of adoration and appreciation for Tremonti’s ability, and it was a very heart-warming sight to see just how gleeful people were to see him in person. Whatever project Tremonti decides to return to Birmingham in, it’s clear that he’s a man of many talents and consistently worth a watch.
Reviewer: Dan Earl