Magic Sword + Dance With The Dead Delight At The Fineline

Friday night and feeling right.

So so ready for an evening of colorful characters and techno tunes.

Megan McDuffee was first of the night, opening up the show with a very full audience. Always nice when folks show up for all the acts, especially when one is slightly the unique duck in the group. Thankfully, the crowd’s promptness was rewarded with relaxing and beautiful beats.

Starting off with a banger of a cover, “Army Of Me” by Bjork echoed throughout the venue with a familiar ring channeled McDuffee’s own tantalizing twists. A beautiful assortment of rainbow lights swirled around her as she danced and swayed by her table. I really enjoyed having her create an atmosphere versus what I thought would have been presented. Soft transitions between songs of silence and gentle cheers by the audience before launching into the next. A short but well thought-out half hour set. Would love to see an hour or two of their mixing live to get a full helping of her vision.

The mysterious Magic Sword is one of those bands I wasn’t ready for how much they would astound me. The masked and cloaked trio who hail from Idaho took the stage, opening with “Side Quest” and lit the room up with energy immediately. They truly brought the power of the magic sword with them, prop and all. Along with a captivating light show, their set also included some inspiring pre-programmed voice messages between songs (very applicable for modern times). They wove their story of fantasy with other songs like “Invincible” and “Only Way In” which kept the crowd grooving for their entire 11 song set.

Whenever a trio takes the stage, always wonder how they will fill the entire stage. I’ve not seen such masterful sharing of a space as well as Magic Sword. Typically one outshines the other, not the case with these three. Everyone got their own time to outdo themselves, talent oozing from every limb. Who knew three guys could produce such an ambience and wall of sound that Magic Sword did live. Will see these guys every time they are in town!

Dance With The Dead completed the triple threat of the night as the final act. Founding members Justin Pointer and Tony Kim, along with drummer John Terry wasted no time jumping onto the stage and ripping right into their set. The atmosphere in the venue remained electric as the theme changed from fantasy and magic to horror and shock. Those who are familiar with DWTD know they embrace all things spooky, as their tour merch showcased. Had some very cool shirts.

Like a zombie speed-walking through a graveyard, DWTD spared little time. Playing all 14 songs nearly back to back to back. The fans got their money’s worth tonight. Songs like “Go!”, “The Man Who Made a Monster” and “Neon Cross” reverberated off the Fine Line walls. We also got treated to some new songs off DWTD’s newest album, “Malombra” including tunes like “Psycho Disco” and “Black Clouds”. DTWD stay consistent to their identity and sound. Tony Kim certainly knew how to keep the crowd going, often times playing atop from one of the stage monitors, almost as a crowd overlord.

This tours blend of electronic/synth and metal/rock made for a wonderfully entertaining evening.

People from all walks of life (not just the black-clad metal heads) were joined together for a night that filled the soul.