Belted lyrics, tireless drum beats and a lively stage presence complete with Penn State jerseys were the gifts that Fuel and special guest Sevendust came bearing last night when the acts brought their talents to the Bryce Jordan Center stage.
Sevendust's charged opening performance set the crowd off swaying, writhing and crowd surfing to the band's metal laden, yet accessible sound. Strobe lights flashed in time with drummer Morgan Rose's determined performance, while streams of red light illuminated the shoulder-to-shoulder audience as they crowded closely around the stage.
"Sevendust was more than I expected. I liked their music, but I did not get the impression from their CD that they were this type of band. They were a lot more enthusiastic than I expected. Their drummer really got me going," said Firas Alola (junior-accounting).
The crowd on the floor waxed and waned during the somewhat drawn out intermission before the lights went out and an energizing electronic song began pouring out from the speakers, slowly building in volume and revving the crowd up for Fuel's entrance to the stage.
Suddenly the stage was bathed in light and Brett Scallions, Fuel's leather-clad lead singer, started the show off with "Last Time," a song off the band's new album, Something Like Human. He stood leaning over the crowd, reaching out to them, backing up and throwing a microphone stand, working hard to capture the audience's attention. The effects of the ever-changing hues the stage lights threw over the set were an understated, yet effective way to enhance the aesthetics of the stage without detracting from the ultimate focus on the music.
"Hello State College," said Scallions during a short pause in the music. "It's good to see you again. We've played at this stadium many, many times before, and we've always had a great time," Scallions assured the concertgoers.
A little way into the show, Scallions encouraged the audience members to whip out their lighters and hold them up in a "candlelight" vigil dedicated to the victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Scallions' coarse voice capably carried the song's soft words as the band performed the song "Innocent," while the small flames of the lighters continued to glow above the audience's heads.
The ecstatic crowd nearly drowned out the band's performance of the popular "Shimmer," which was performed with a significant edge in comparison to the radio version.
The band disappeared before returning to the call of "encore," unexpectedly donning Penn State jerseys adorned with the number "01" and each member's name.
Concert attendants showed mixed levels of satisfaction in response to the show.
"Fuel rocks! They're good performers. They really get into it," said Rob Morasco (senior-electrical engineering).
"We basically came for Sevendust. I enjoy them. I was excited to hear Fuel play 'Jesus or a Gun' and 'Shimmer,' though," said Ellen Owens (sophomore-art education).
"They're much better live than I expected. Good light show. Sevendust sucked though," said Natalie Ryan (alumna-2000).
The concert offered an unlikely blend of pop and metal that seemed to appease most tastes. It was especially refreshing to note the extra thought that Fuel put into tailoring aspects of their show to their Penn State fans. Both Fuel and Sevendust put forth an effort that "shimmered" in its own light.
