Emery is a band that I have been listening to since I was in middle school, and at this point I don’t even think I could begin to tell you how many times I’ve seen them in concert. There have been some memorable times, and the Songs and Stories type tour that they do from time to time is at the top of the list.
Back several years ago a friend and I attended one that was essentially in the attic of a duplex. It was in a fairly unsavory downtown neighborhood and had another couple not showed up at the same time, my friend and I would have totally bailed. That’s how you get murdered! All in all it was a really unique concert experience, and this Songs and Stories installment was no different. Well, it was a little different. For starters, it was in a coffee shop this time, and the sun was in the midst of setting by the time it was over. Did I mention that other venue was in the dead of November so it was pitch black by the time we got there? Well, it was. So already this was off to a better start.
Something else that was different compared to last time was that Devon had to skip out. Given that he shares lead vocals with Toby, I was a little skeptical with how it was all going to turn out. Sure, Matt was on hand to lend some keyboard accompaniments, but I had no clue how his voice would be added to the mix. They really made it work! I was pretty impresses. Toby obviously sounded great, but Matt was able to add some nice backing vocals and alternate verses in harmony. Fear not, according to the band they are “contractually obligated” to play their most famous song, “Walls,” so that golden nugget was saved for last. In between songs I learned that resident douchebag of Attila also loves that song. Respect.
So yes, what makes the Songs and Stories tour more unique compared to other live performances are a few things. First, they are played at very intimate venues (hence, attic and coffee shop), so that means the audience is super small. We’re talking thirty people max. Second, is that the arrangements are acoustic. This time around it was one guitar and a keyboard where last time was two guitars. Thirdly, in between a setlist playing some rare gems along with some fan favorites, they also take questions from the small audience. I might have had the guts to ask a question last time, but my mind was completely blank this time around for some reason. I was interested with how so much of the conversation circled back to their religion, but they stressed over and over again with how Christianity means being open, challenging, and accepting of others and their ideas. Really thoughtful stuff.
Overall, it was a great time seeing these guys again in a setting like that. There’s a high chance I will see them again later this year as part of the For Lovers Tour, so keep an eye out for that!