95x Fest – Sick Puppies, Adam Gontier, Trapt, Nonpoint, Otherwise, Fight or Flight and more…

It was a day packed full of music at Syracuse’s 95x Fest! From national Acts on the main stage to a showcase of local talent on the second stage, it was a perfect day for a rock festival! This Year’s festival, “20 bands for 20 bucks” featured Sick Puppies, Adam Gontier (formerly of Three Days Grace), Nonpoint, Trapt, Fight Or Flight (featuring members of Disturbed & Evans Blue), Mindset Evolution, Devour The Day (featuring former members of Egypt Central), Girl On Fire, Another Lost Year, Allele and more. Be sure to check out the photo galleries (Links at end of article).

We got there as Mindset Evolution had taken the stage. The Peoria, IL quintet was giving it their all and the crowd was right there with them. You may remember them from the opening slot on last year’s Uproar tour. This year, they are out on tour in support of their first full-length album, “Brave Bold and Broken.” They will continue to tour across the USA, making many stops to performing with Alice in Chains, Device, Avenged Sevenfold and Pop Evil to name a few. You can get the full run down at their website.

Fight or Flight began as a collaboration of Dan Donegan of Disturbed (guitar) and Dan Chandler of Evans Blue (vocals). While Disturbed is on hiatus, the two got together and started writing songs. They would then teamed up with Mike Wengren (also from Disturbed) on drums, Jeremy Jayson on guitar and Sean Corcoran on bass guitar. I was pleasantly surprised that Fight or Flight takes a harder edge than what I was excepting. Dan Donegan still ripping up some mean solos on stage, these guys definitely stood out and were impressive live. Dan Chandler has a strong melodic vocals as is apparent in Evans Blue, but live he really takes hold with the heavier side of Fight or Flight! It’s evident that they write and play from the heart, making Fight or Flight one of those bands that could stand the test of time. Their debut album, “A Life By Design?” hit stores mid- July 2013. Watch for Fight or Flight to come to your town; there are a few dates posted in the USA.

Hair was flying, Goat hands, middle fingers and fist flying were in the air while Otherwise blew up the stage! These bad boys of Las Vegas really truly know how to rock and put on a great show! There was just so much energy and truly electric personalities on stage as it was a rockin’ party vibe on stage! They pulled up some USA Soldiers on stage as they honored them, by playing their breakthrough single, “Soldiers.” The band has been out on tour in support of their latest album, “True Love Never Dies” on Century Media. They have a relentless tour schedule slated for Sept and October across the USA. Be sure to keep an eye out as you will miss out on one killer “party” (show)!

Trapt was up next. Vocalist, Chris Taylor Brown has a strong solid sound that really stood out. The crowd really lit up when they went into radio favorite 2003 hit “Headstrong”. Too bad they didn’t start the set this way instead of closing cause they probably would of kept the entire crowd more hyped through out their set. Not that their set was poor; it sounded awesome, but that song drew pretty much the whole crowd in attendance to the stage. It’s a shame that they didn’t see all that Trapt has to offer live. Be sure to check out Trapt’s latest album, “Reborn.” You can get a taste of the songs on the band’s official YouTube Chanel.

Nonpoint fiercely took the stage. These guys just have way too much energy on stage – it’s insane! Kicking off with “What A Day” how could they go wrong! They really had the crowd from the get go as the crowd also just letting go! They demanded that everyone “jump” from the front to the back and they weren’t any exception to their own rule! Jumping all around on stage, the energy was high, there was no where to soar but up!! They closed the set with the high octane “Bullet With A Name On It” which had the crowd the loudest I heard it all day!! There really isn’t anything like a Nonpoint show!!! You need to experience it at least once and you’ll be hooked. Out in support of their self-titled, latest album, Nonpoint continues to blow up stages across North America!

Adam Gontier may have left his band, Three Day Grace, but he’s tearing it up with his solo career. Taking the stage with just a guitar and his amazing voice, he knocked it out of the ballpark! His band joined him on the stage for a full on night of rock n roll!! Playing several of his Three Day Grace hits which was spot on!! We caught Three Days Grace last weekend at the KRockathon with Matt Walst (My Darkest Day) on vocals. Matt had big shoes to fill and did it excellent; but after watching Adam tonight, it really is in the voice! In Matt’s defense, part of that could of been that the sound was mixed much better at this 95x show. Either way, it was fun to hear those Three Day’s Grace hits live both weekends. Keep an eye out for more Adam Gontier as I’m sure this is just the beginning of a new chapter is his life. There are only a few tour dates listed for this fall, so keep a sharp eye out if you want to catch Adam live.

Headlining the night was Sick Puppies! This trio packs their set with a plethora of solid radio hits that you will find yourself singing for days. The trio took a break from touring to record their latest album, “Connect” but they take the stage as if they never stepped foot off. They played the expected hits like “Riptide,” “Odd One” and “Maybe” but they kicked off the night with their new song “Die To Save You” plus included other new songs like “There’s No Going Back” “Gunfight” and “Walking Away” in their set. The Aussie trio will continue to tour well into the fall around the USA; they return to our area on Nov 8th at the Oneonta Theatre in Oneonta NY.

Over, I have to say that I was really impressed the 95x radio show. Not only do they bring in a killer line-up, the local bands they had on the local stage (who played between set changes on the main stage) were great. This s the second 95x event I have attendant and I have to give them kudos for putting on such a family friendly show; the crowds they attract have a great vibe giving such a positive experience to a large show.