Evanescence Concert Review

It's safe to say that the Foo Fighters now serve as a benchmark of excellence every time I see a big-name band in concert. I can't help it -- after seeing FF live twice in one year, and being blown away both times by the music and Dave Grohl's ease in chatting up the audience, the Foos are on a pedestal that rarely gets touched.

Oh, but Evanescence comes close. Performing at the Warfield on Sunday, the goth-pop/goth-lite band drew a sell-out crowd that was almost too much for the small-ish San Francisco venue. It was as if the atmosphere was hopped up on Red Bull and Pixie Stix. Regardless, we patiently sat through forgettable opening band Revelation Theory, who closed out their tour with Evanescence in SF, and eagerly awaited the first utterings of Amy Lee's unmatched, crystalline voice.

In all her tartan-skirted glory, Lee belted out favorites from the band's debut album "Fallen," including "My Immortal," "Whisper" and "Going Under," and hits from their most recent album "The Open Door," most notably featuring "Lithium" and "Call Me When You're Sober."

At one point, Lee sat alone at her piano, flowing through "Good Enough."

"Good enough, Am I good enough?" she sang.

"Yes, you are!" someone shouted. Amen, brotha, amen.

The thing about Amy Lee is that she makes it look so easy. She never seems to be straining to reach a note, or contorting herself in odd positions to get a phrase out. She simply stands there, sometimes slightly bending forward, and out comes that voice. Meanwhile, the stage is erupting around her in metal-like guitar riffs and seizure-inducing lights, drummer Rocky Gray making good use of his extensive set of skins and cymbals.

You just can't help singing along at an Evanescence concert. You can't help but get wrapped up in the music's energy and familiar hooks. You can't help but admire Lee's songwriting, piano and voice talents. It's nice to see a real rocker chick have such success. The concert is worth every penny because Evanescence sounds exactly like its CDs. Which is more than can be said about lots of popular rock bands out there.

Plus, one should note that the diversity of the audience is also pretty entertaining. From 40-year-old parents down to gothed-out tweens in capes, the Warfield was a mini-Halloween party in itself. Not to mention the number of people who think they can dance (but can't) is proportionately higher than one would expect. Huzzah, amusement all around.

If there are any suggestions for improvement -- after all, we're chasing the FF pedestal here -- it's that Lee should spend a little more time talking to the fans. It personalizes the concert, and lends a little more insight to the talented woman onstage. She also should introduce the band members, since she usually draws most of the attention.

Overall, Evanescence is headed down a long path to success, with enough draw already relatively early in its career to sell out venues and earn popular-radio airplay. And with the announcement that they'll be on tour again next year, one need not wait long to let Evanescence pierce your musical soul.