The Family Crest Go Above & Beyond at SF's Great American Music Hall
Typically when someone uses the word “underrated” or “epic”, it’s said in jest and never truly lives up. However, what we witnessed this week at the Great American Music Hall from The Family Crest embodied the definition of those words and beyond. A magnificent and exemplary performance that we honestly can’t wait to tell you all about.
The Family Crest took the stage at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall, delivering a performance that firmly established them as one of the most exciting live bands we’ve seen this year. With a lineup featuring John Seeterlin on bass, Jerry Liu on cello, Christian Miceli on drums, Liam McCormick on vocals and guitar, Laura Bergmann on flute, percussion, and vocals, Lawrence Pi on saxophone, and Owen Sutter and Eli Ann on violin, the band's orchestral rock sound filled the historic venue with an incredible display of musicianship and energy.
From the moment they launched into their set, it was clear that this hometown show was going to be something special. The band expertly wove together songs from their acclaimed albums "Beneath The Brine," "The War: Act I," and "The War: Act II," creating a rich tapestry of sound that captivated the audience from start to finish.
The musicianship on display was nothing short of extraordinary. Each member of The Family Crest brought their own unique flair to the performance, yet it was the seamless cohesion of the ensemble that truly stood out. The interplay between the strings, woodwinds, and rhythm section created a dynamic and expansive soundscape, with Liam McCormick's powerful vocals soaring above it all.
Liam’s voice, both commanding and emotive, was beyond incredible. His ability to convey deep emotion and narrative through his singing added a profound layer to the performance. Whether leading the band through the anthemic highs of "Beneath The Brine", “Howl”, or “I Sleep With The Windows Open”, no note is too high to reach.
The set was filled with euphoric highs that had the crowd roaring with approval. The energy in the room was palpable as the band moved through their repertoire, each song building upon the last. Laura Bergmann's contributions on flute, combined with her vocal harmonies, added an ethereal quality to the performance, while Owen Sutter's riveting violin and Jerry Liu's cello provided a lush, orchestral texture. Lawrence Pi's saxophone brought a jazzy edge to the proceedings (as well as energy from dancing around), and Christian Miceli's drumming was the driving force behind the band’s dynamic shifts. John Seeterlin's bass lines were both intricate and grounding, keeping the entire ensemble anchored. For us, the bassists never get enough credit and that’s why he needs a double shout out.
The crowd was loving every moment of it, fully engaged and often singing along. The hometown connection added an extra layer of enthusiasm to the show, with the audience's pride and affection for the band evident in every cheer and applause. As the final notes of their set echoed through the Great American Music Hall, it was clear that The Family Crest had delivered a performance to remember. Their blend of orchestral rock, combined with exceptional musicianship and Liam McCormick's stunning vocals, made for a concert experience that was both thrilling and deeply moving.
In a live music scene brimming with talent, The Family Crest stands out not only for their technical prowess but also for their ability to connect with their audience on a profound level. This concert was a testament to their artistry and a powerful reminder of the unique magic that live music can offer.
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