Switchfoot and Paper Route deliver rousing sets in Anaheim



Switchfoot’s Tim (leaping) and Jon Foreman kick off their sold-out show at City National Grove of Anaheim.

 Last night (Oct. 28) was a great night to be at the City National Grove of Anaheim. The Sunday night musical affair marked the end of Switchfoot's tour and the band had selected the stop to document as part of an upcoming documentary (titled Fading West) about the band's love of the stage and surfing. Needless to say, the San Diego-spawned outfit was firing on all sonic cylinders from start to finish in front of a sold-out house that was in a mood to sing along when asked and cheer at the top of their collective lungs. Across 80 minutes, the quintet performed high-octane songs that showcased the band's memorable songs and energetic approach. Lead singer Jon Foreman spent much of the night singing while out in the crowd, making a mostly-winning effort to connect deeply and directly with the band's audience.

Additionally, I was introduced to the power of Paper Route, an electronica rock band out of Nashville that impressed throughout its 45-minute opening set. Featuring material from the band's latest album The Peace of Wild Things (released on Tree of Hearts on Sept. 11, 2012), standouts included the emotive ballad "You and I" and uplifting "Two Hearts."

Here is a link to read music writer George A. Paul's full-length review of the show that ran on The Orange County Register's site earlier today.

Photo credit: Joshua Blanchard