On Wednesday, January 23rd, Crossroads Music Hall in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, proudly welcomed Candlebox, who are touring in honor of the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. Huntsville natives Rearview Ghost were invited to be the opening act and gladly accepted.
Rearview Ghost took the stage at nine p.m. for a forty-five minute set. The band members were pumped up, feeding their energy to the crowd, which gladly reciprocated and became rowdier with each passing second. The band opened with their song "American Way" and kept up a fast pace for the entire set, except for the time it took to play the ballad "Make Time." They rounded out the set with their soon-to-be-released single, "Devil's Backbone," a funky anthemic track that vocalist Josia proudly describes as their first "party song."
The instant Candlebox walked out onstage, there was a roar of sound and the crowd surged forward. Front man Kevin Martin sauntered to his mic stand, eyes hidden behind a pair of dark glasses, and began to sing. From that moment on, it was as if a spell had been cast over everyone in the venue.
Due to the fact that the tour was meant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first album, Candlebox stuck mainly to songs off of the self-titled disc, which included "Change" and "Cover You." However, the band also slipped in a few songs from their latest album, Love Stories & Other Musings, released in April 2012.
The atmosphere was calm and laid-back, but no less electric for being so. The band showcased its talents, every member having the opportunity to prove himself an exemplary musician.
The highlights of their set were "Far Behind" and the conclusion, "You." Kevin had hardly to sing because every person in the audience was shouting the lyrics so loudly. The night ended with many thanks from both band and crowd. There was no doubt left as to why Candlebox has remained on the scene for over twenty years, and why they will still be drawing crowds for twenty more.
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