Atreyu‘s album Lead Sails Paper Anchor was the soundtrack of my high school years.
I STILL love this album so much – I literally played ‘Two Become One’ a few weeks ago on the way to my little brother’s wedding! So, naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to watch Lead Sails Paper Anchor Livestream in full – and holy fuck did they deliver!
Starting at track number one, “Doomsday”, Atreyu came out all guns blazing and sounded immaculate… I could not fault them! The stage production was amazing – complete with freakin’ ‘dream lasers’ & visuals to complement each song.
By song number 3, my body could no longer produce goosebumps… I graduated to happy tears!
I will say, reading the negative comments on Atreyu’s social media about Alex ‘leaving’ the band and Brandon taking the role of lead singer – made me want to reach through the screen and punch these ‘die hard fans’ in the face. Bands will change over the years, ya’ll need to learn how to let go of the past. It’s disheartening to see all these opinionated dickheads shitting on what Atreyu are accomplishing as a band. You can’t please everyone but for what it’s worth I was absolutely blown away by Brandon’s vocals.
They are not easy songs to execute and he nailed it!
The ‘new’ Atreyu line up – including Kyle Rosa (all-round legend/ drum god) – takes Brandon off the drums, puts him up the front – a smart move for Atreyu. He (Brandon) knows every song, has been there since day dot and can play any instrument like a boss! Imagine if they had put someone with a completely different vocal style? Atreyu is still very much Atreyu and they sound stronger than ever.
There is a connection between the boys, they are genuinely having so much fun performing their music. The whole band looked like they were overjoyed/ thankful to have the chance to play this legendary album – some songs performed live for the first time ever!
A huge credit to Atreyu, this album is timeless. Every song is tied to a memory for me, and I still remember every word/ note played on this album. Which is incredible to think Lead Sails Paper Anchor was released in 2007 and still has such a huge impact!
2020 is such a strange year but Livestreams allow us to get our live music fix and still get me excited!
Slowly I’m getting used to the no cheering from the crowd after songs – which I’m sure is very strange for the bands too, having said that, the illusion works – you put the mic out for the crowd to sing – I’ll still scream at my computer screen like an idiot!
If you guys missed Atreyu’s Carry The Fire Livestreams, then you seriously missed out!! I urge you to revisit Lead Sails Paper Anchors and while you’re at it – have a listen to “Save Us”, a new song from the boys that will get your blood pumping!
