Candlebox brought their powerful energy this past Thursday night to Northern Quest Casino’s outdoor summer concert series in Spokane, Washington. Candlebox are currently supporting 3 Doors Down on tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of their album “Away From The Sun”, while Candlebox is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their self titled debut album. The warm late July night was filled of songs being performed across both of the fan favorite albums – much to the delight of those in attendance.
In celebrating the album vocalist Kevin Martin let the crowd know they would be playing their debut in it’s entirety with exception of the song “Rain” being the only track not played. Kevin’s powerful vocals and personal lyrics throughout this album puts him up there in the conversation of the great vocalist to have come out of Seattle during the grunge period of the early 90’s. Before performing their hit “Far Behind”, Kevin paid tribute to many Washington area vocalists and his friends who have since passed over the years including Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Layne Staley (Alice in Chains), Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and Andy Wood of Mother Love Bone – the latter whom the song was originally written for after his death in 1990. They would finish out the night playing their break through hit “You”, before wishing the crowd a good night.
Candlebox debut album always felt to be lost in the mix when compared to abundance great albums to come out during the early 90’s. Personally, it has always been in my rotation of albums to listen to every since I first purchased the cassette. This past Thursday was my 3rd time hearing it performed live, after previously attending the 20th and 25th anniversary shows in Seattle. Each song has wonderful story telling by Kevin, performing them live he does an amazing job bringing the songs to life with providing insight to the meaning of the lyrics before he starts a song. Whether it’s the story of the Vietnam Vet who lived outside his apartment in Seattle then one day disappeared in the song “He Calls Home” or “Mothers Dream” where he explained the hatred he had for his grandmother throughout his life. These type of stories really make the lyrics hit harder every time I hear them performed live or when listening to the album at home.
Candlebox‘s upcoming album “The Long Goodbye” will be available August 25th and the first single “Punks” available now on all major streaming platforms. Catch Candlebox as they continue their 30th anniversary while on tour with 3 Doors Down through October. A full list of upcoming dates and tickets are available via the bands website.
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