Dispatch gets what it means to create and make music that touches their fan base: they are truly a sight to see.
Review and photos by Danielle Boise
It was a perfect blend of multi-part harmonies and layered melodies that transpired to create an acoustic, folk rock sound that fit perfectly into the night’s singular sound of lush, gorgeous lyrics. The Philadelphia band Good Old War opened for Dispatch at the Tabernacle on Friday October 12 for the last stop on the North American tour of Circles Around the Sun to a nearly full house of endearing fans.
Good Old War started the night off by playing songs from their third full-length album, Come Back as Rain, which was released on Sargent House Records on March 6. The three-piece ensemble took the “Tabby” stage with a quiet, laid-back feel to them as they sang from the heart and really connected with the audience. They are a band you really want to keep an eye out for. For more information on Good Old War, visit goodoldwar.com.
“This is one of my favorite shows; such good vibes down here.” – Chad Urmston
The energy at the Tabernacle was electrifyingly palpable as Dispatch took the stage with an enticing fire in their belly. I can truly say I’ve never seen a crowd interact so thoroughly with an artist and be as fully invested with them as the audience on Friday was. They sang back word for word each lyric as they shook the “Tabby” to its core as Dispatch performed an epic set. These were true fans that came out to see Dispatch perform; some flew from Brazil for this last stop on the North American tour. There was so much good energy flowing from the band to the crowd and back again.
“I have to say, this is kick ass!” – Brad Corrigan
Dispatch was not at all what I expected them to be. They filled the Tabernacle with sonic goodness as they sang songs from their latest release, Circles Around the Sun with songs like ”Josaphine,” “Circles Around the Sun,” “Flag” and “Never Or Now.” Fan favorites like “Bang Bang,” “Out Loud,” “Two Coins,” “Flying Horses,” “Here We Go,” “Bats in the Belfry” and “The General” were also interspersed.
But it was the encores that were truly passionate. After performing “The General” they ever so briefly left the stage, only to come back for the first of two encore sets. When they came back, Urmston thanked the people behind the scenes for all their hard work before having Stu, their tour manager, come out and perform a cover of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider” before going into their song “Mission” after which everyone exited the stage once again. The fans in Atlanta were even more enthralled with Dispatch, however, and wanted more. They just couldn’t get enough of the band after “Mission,” so the entire “Tabby” took to doing the Braves’ chant, including the tomahawk for several minutes to draw Dispatch back out for one final song, “Elias,” which was the perfect way to round out the night.
Dispatch may not be a top forty band or be on a major label, but they get what it means to create and make music that touches their fan base. In return, their fan base will follow them anywhere. They are truly a sight to be seen. Starting January 23, 2013, Dispatch will kick off their European leg of their tour in Vienna, Austria. For more information Dispatch, visit dispatchmusic.com.
