The crowd was electric, the band was wired, and the music was mediocre as Aiden, the glam-goth emo band out of Seattle, took the stage at the Buffalo Icon, Sunday night.
However, it was the hardcore metal band Drop Dead Gorgeous that drew an impressive crowd of its own, leaving the Icon a little less full as some fans shuffled out shortly after the band finished their set.
Popular singles, such as crowd-favorite "Die Romantic," filled the night, as did several songs off their new album Conviction, released in August.
And yet, it's not their music or their look that gives Aiden momentum in the music industry, but rather the band's ability to remain intimate and connected with their loyal fan base.
This electrifying give and take with the audience was not a one-sided occurrence.
It is this give and take with the audience that drives Francis to do these smaller shows.
"I can't just go up and say goodnight. Anybody can do that," said Francis. "It's more of the experience of connecting with the audience."
According to Merchandise Manager Rik Kern, who has been friends with Francis singer since they were ten, "Francis is the driving creative force behind the band."
Francis was not Aiden's original front man. The original members included guitarist Jake Wambold, drummer Jake Davison, and guitarist Angel Ibarra. After adding bassist Nick Wiggins, the group rose in popularity, signing with Victory Records just six months after the release of their debut album, Our Gang's Dark Oath, in June 2004.
Since then, the band's fan base has only been growing, and Aiden is thankful for the support.
"That's what matters right here, in this room, is that we're all brothers and sisters," Francis told the audience in a heartfelt address he gave at the close of the show.
Regardless of the common music they play, Aiden remains strong through their personal bond with fans all over the country.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
