As a Keys to the Kingdom stan, my heart is so full. Ten long years later it's how I always dreamed it sounding. As a side note, after Given Up, I was hoping to hear a comment like "how the fuck did he do this every night?" because while she did an admirable job, Chester is still king of that bridge. Overall I think Zane said it best in his interview. When Emily sings, I can close my eyes and hear Chester. She channels his spirit in her voice.
I imagine standing around when you got nothing to play/DJ right then can feel quite awkward; actually great to see him keeping busy with filming in those moments, he is THE video and digital art guy in LP after all (dare I say).
One of the formative memories of my life is genuinely the listening party here on LPA on THP's release, listening to KttK for the first time. It was such a great moment seeing the shoutbox going wild. I love KttK as a song, but I think it'll always hold an extra special place in my heart because of the context of my first listen.
I wish I could just share the video. Mike vs Mic https://www.reddit.com/r/LinkinPark/comments/1feyeut/blooper_mike_runs_into_mic_during_his_solo/
Finally watching the full show. WTCFM + RTN had some proper attitude, loved seeing Colin switch from guitar to drums like it's nothing. And Emily is exceeding my expectations on a lot of songs. She definitely can handle heavy stuff, but her softer vocals are great too, there is some natural inflection and cracking in her voice that convey a lot of emotions. She sounded fantastic on My December and Friendlly Fire, for example. In fact, both Emily and Collin seem to be immensely talented musicians. Yes, for now, the nostalgia factor is still there, and it is still a bit confusing at times to see those old songs reinterpreted. I suspect it will be the case for some time. And of course, I wil always miss Chester - that goes without saying. But I can't help but feel there is tons of potential that can be unlocked from this current line-up. Crossing fingers the band stabilizes as it is and that we are in for a new long-lasting era of Linkin Park. Because this simply rocks.
I figure we'll stop seeing some of these old classics once the album comes out as it'll switch to Emily's strengths, which is the new songs. Oh man, the harmonization on LOATR was so good. Their vocals compliment each other really well. Weird seeing Mike do the verses for POA. But it works with Emily doing the loud bits. Very interesting to see songs switched up in new ways like this.
I liked her versions of the softer songs way more, LOATR, COG, Friendly Fire were amazing. She still somehow tries to imitate Chester in many of the heavier ones. Still it was probably the best decision for the new vocalist.
I never really enjoyed New Divide live before. I feel like it strained Chester's vocals too much, but I was getting full chills hearing Emily's performance.
Can anyone explain to me why some of these songs, like Lost in the Echo, sound vastly different? I would understand the drums and some of the vocal tone, but some songs just sound like a cover to me. Not that they're bad, it's kind of refreshing. Just wondering.
Yeah wait what, that synth sounds really different, it sounds loke more than just a tone change to me I think? Def agree with you tho, it sounds pretty refreshing, it’s an interesting version of the song
Could it just be that they're maybe pitched up or down for Emily's singing? Or maybe it's the specific recording you're hearing?
Yeah, Lost In The Echo is definitely pitched up. Most likely to fit her range better. They probably tried different variations and pitches and this is probably what sounded the best. They wouldn't change it if it sounded good. If Chester had to sing "The Emptiness Machine", it'd be pitched lower cause right now(as the song is) it would've been to high for his range. Good thing to note - Its also not necessarily about her not being able to sing it. Its probably more to do with what sounds sonically better overall as a performance.
After peeking at some of the different tracks they tried this time around, I feel a kind of sobering effect on my impression. I really want them to choose more carefully around what her strengths are, but that’s just me. “Given Up” especially had this feeling. They could never play that one live again and I’d be fine with that. She can bring her own to, arguably, most of their tracks but “Given Up” isn’t one I really want to hear her true-to-the-source performance of. Not without some creativity. The band may be very 1-1 chemistry based and it’s all their music, but Chester left an absolute chasm on this song. Even if they just handed him the sheet music, he walked out the booth owning it. That said, I still believe she could make massive strides toward changing my mind and their creativity can always meet her partway somehow. But it didn’t at all that show. Not for me. Feels like they’re trying to show off being back with that risky choice, not being reinvented, and it left me feeling weird.
Personally I do disagree with you! I think regardless of what Chester embedded in our heads - Given Up was a fun and amazing choice in my opinion. I do understand the repel against it - I, however, am not so affected by this. We all know Chester made the song his, and I doubt anyone could ever deny that. Emily sings it great and it feels like a nice touch. In any case, i still wish some other songs will be played in other sets hopefully. Gotta give me the No Roads Left Emily Version