Ready To Burn
Finch's Intensity Will Stop You Cold

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>> Finch's Nate Barcalow gets down close to the fans. >>

>>  Hollywood, CA >> March 2003 >>
For the guys in Finch, the time is now.  

Having spent over a year supporting their debut release, What It Is To Burn (Drive-Thru), and helping to firmly establish and fine tune their emo-core sound, radio has finally started to take notice.  The record's title track has made its way into heavy rotation at many stations, but the going hasn't been easy.  It's been relentless touring, label support and a killer live show that have pushed Finch to the brink of success.

So, like any young, determined band, they're making the most of their shot.  From the moment they made their way on to the stage this night, the feeling was one of complete control.  Singer Nate Barcalow, though probably the most diminutive person to take the stage on this night, has a voice that nearly knocks you off your feet.  Barcalow has the power delivery of Glassjaw's Daryl Palumbo combined with the intense stage presence of Mayanrd James Keenan, which makes for an eye-opening combination.

>>The Movielife's Vinnie Caruana. >>

The crowd responded to the visceral Finch sound immediately - the pit started moving with the very first note, and rarely paused during the evening.   Guitarist Randy Strohmeyer initially seemed a bit taken aback by the whole scene, as he was keenly focused on the crowd.  It only took a short time, though, and Barcalow's presence almost rendered the other members of Finch as nonexistent.  His stage command and the passion, intensity and angst that drip from his vocals is so palpable that it's easy to forget about everything else going on and just stare, with the feeling that Barcalow may just literally explode.

Barcalow's seething intensity is an interesting contrast to Vinnie Caruana, front man for opening act The Movielife.  Caruana is much more the showman, playing with the crowd and rocking along with The Movielife's driving, pop-punk sound.   Caruana and his mates received enthusiastic support from the crowd as well, though their music isn't really comparable to Finch; The Movielife have a much more commercial vibe akin to labelmates New Found Glory.

>> Barcalow decides to come and meet the fans. >>

For Finch, however, 'hardcore' would be a much more apt label.   The renditions of "New Beginnings" and "Perfection Through Silence" were the musical highpoints of the evening, along with "What It Is To Burn," but the vibe and energy that Finch puts out are what you come away remembering.  For a band that is only a few years along in the music game, they've got the live show down and again draw comparisons to the likes of Glassjaw and Face to Face, both bands with focused, charismatic and intense singers who deservedly draw the attention.

By the time the music had ended and the mass of Hurley-clad fans made their way for the doors, the topic on everyone's tongue was Finch's seething energy.   Nate Barcalow and his mates in Finch had solidified their hold on their fans and made converts out of those who were new to the fold.  >>