Review: Brand New hits Detroit with emotion-laced performance

Jesse Lacey of Brand New sings at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Oct. 15, 2017. (Amber Ainsworth/WDIV)

DETROIT – Brand New gave an emotion-laced performance Sunday in Detroit in support of "Science Fiction."

The Long Island rockers played at the historic Fox Theatre. The elegant, almost creepy 1920s building that was the perfect atmosphere to hear songs from their eerie new album.

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The show began with a cage-like screen blocking the stage. Lights flickered and flashed on the screen as the theatre darkened and "Lit Me Up," the first track on "Science Fiction," began playing.

The stage setup wasn't excessively complicated, but it was accented with lights that added a new layer to the songs. A screen behind the stage and the cage screen both flashed scenes and images.

One of the most notable came during "Under the Water," when a storm and images of outer space flashed across the screen, adding an element that took the show beyond a venue in Detroit.

The band put on a strong performance that exemplified the depth of their emotional tracks, including seven from the new album. The band's energy was powerful. From Jesse Lacey's vocals to heavy solos, there was an emphasis on true, honest feelings in every song. The emotion felt even more genuine and personal than last fall's tour in honor of the 10-year anniversary of "The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me."

In addition to songs from the new album, the set list included songs from all of the band's previous albums.

The regular set concluded with the screen back down as the band performed "Sowing Season." The song would have been a good ending to the show, but the screen lifted and Lacey returned to the stage alone to perform an acoustic version of "Soco Amaretto Lime." 

The song finished with the audience singing, "You're just jealous because we're young and in love," with Lacey, a beautiful, simple way to end what appeared to be an emotional night for many in the sold-out house.