Anyone who's familiar with going to shows and seeing the scene for what it is will tell you that it's a relatively depressing epiphany. There's no sunshine in seeing one of your favorite bands play a show for a bunch of underaged fans, walk off stage, pack up their equipment and half-heartedly chit-chat the same conversation with you that they did with the kid in front of you until they put away their routine smiles, grab a road soda and strap into their vans for a less-than-dreamy ride through repetition.
???So many bands play their hearts out on tour and are barely able to eat off of their merch money. At some point, this usually turns into them "selling-out" and making commercialized radio music, or the downfall of a group of life-long friends whose relationships died alongside their dedication and dreams. For the faithful fan and open soul that's been touched by someone's music, this reality has a tendency to ruin the concert-going experience and prove to you that the music that's helped you through the worst moments in your life was created by strikingly normal people that stopped believing in something that you'll forever be indebted to.
???Hitting the point where you stop believing in the person, the band, the music you love is crippling. And though you might continue to go see your favorite bands when they come through town, it's never the same.
???With that being said, renewing your hope is possible. Every now and then you'll come across something so genuine that you can't help but have faith in people and their music again - you just have to see the light(s).
???As LIGHTS performed and mingled at the Mohawk Place on Monday night, there was no doubt that she was unlike what the common show-goer is used to.
???When left alone, LIGHTS sat silently alongside her merchandise table, nose deep inside the comic she was reading. A kid at heart, she blocked out all of the side conversation and traveled strip-by-strip through whatever sword-wielding journey that snagged her interest.
???Before and after her set, LIGHTS talked to each and every person that nervously came up to her and squeezed out a conversation. The overly effeminate almost-teen boy, the highly impressionable and lightly dressed teen girl, the creepy older guy that had an unhealthy crush, the kid who wanted three autographs and came back for another one - she welcomed them all.
???Hugs were given and every requested picture was taken with a smile and genuine embrace. LIGHTS exuded humility and seemed to be one hundred percent grateful for every fan, every person, creepy or not, who took the time to come and show their support.
???Unlike bands like Brand New that write amazing music, but completely shun their fans, LIGHTS gave everyone the time of day and made each and every kid (and man) feel special.
???Her beaming enthusiasm and complete embracement of her surroundings managed to burst off the stage as well.
???Whether she was performing songs off of her forthcoming full-length album, or working her way through fan favorites like "Ice" and "Drive My Soul," her bliss-lined joy was overly apparent. Smiling from ear to ear for nearly 40 minutes, LIGHTS proved to be what's missing in most of today's acts - a truly and genuinely happy soul that not only plays with passion, but plays to each fan in the crowd.
??? Everyone there felt her solemn-sadness as she told the back-story behind "February Air," her current single and airy track that dates back to a lonely and reflective Valentine's Day. Interacting with fans and being propelled by her first-name-only drummer and keyboardist Maurie and Adam, LIGHTS completed half-formed hand-hearts with out-stretched hands and sung her heart out.
???Ending her set with the all-out emotional out pouring that is "The Last Thing On Your Mind," LIGHTS shot her atmospheric high through the veins of those in attendance and returned for an encore performance of the Phil Collins masterpiece "In The Air Tonight."
???Sweet, charming, cute and talented, LIGHTS proved that she's still the adventurous little Canadian girl whose arms get cold and really just wants to know who'll drive her soul.
???And isn't that what music should be about? Falling in love with a song, a band and finding out that they're every bit as amazing as the composition you fell in love with? Though this never really happens, when it does, it makes for a memory and faith that lasts a lifetime.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
