Allentown, PA Friday Night.

[GMichael1230]

Allentown Pa, yet again, a perfect arena for drum corps, great city, great stadium, great weather, a little hot, but low humidity and all in all a perfect night for what was about to ensue.

I was 37 rows up right on the fifty, and this is what I can recall.

Beatrix - better than I remember, a little 2001 BD styling in their guard approach, uniforms and ensemble presentation. Fun, accesible music and an entertaining start.

Jersey surf - Yes, what a great solid, mature show. Love their look on the field, like their visual presentation and again, an easy to enjoy show.

Mandarin were next and to me, not nearly as exciting and not holding nearly as much potential as they did two years ago. The new uniform, in its second year , has totally helped to destroy any identity this corps built and now they are just another homogonized corps "in the pack" Its been two days and I cant really remember anything that stood out about their program.

Academy, next. Yet another corps struggling for identity. What happened to the promise from all the "honks" last year in thread after thread that this was the second coming of drum corps, finals is a given, etc...etc...."Vienna nights" umm, ok, sorry, theme lost on me. I do recall some familiar themes, some decent, eye-catching drill and some pretty decent ensemble work in the corps but a large dose of excitment is needed to get this show on the rise and I really dont want this corps to fall by the wayside.

I hope they can continue to grow and improve. Again, a good, show, nothing special, just another corps "in the pack".

Troopers, yay ! Troopers are stable and seem to be in decent shape, I thought they would have improved on last years triumphant return but they seem to be about the same level design and execution-wise, and that not to bad. Love the theme, and how they utilize it throughout the show. This was probably one of the best "sunbursts" in mnay , many years, tight, controlled, clean. An identitiy easy to expand on and play with, this music fit well with them. THere was a maturity about them and you can tell they had confidence, a case of "just another corps" doing something to rise out of the pack. God show.

Madison Scouts. Some still cheer as they enter the field. While this show was good, I certainly wouldnt say great. First off, these jackets, colorwise are terrible, lose em, and lose em fast, they blend in the field, they arent appealing and dont do the corps justice as the conversation always leads to the jackets and not who is wearing them and what is happening.

Opening statement is solid, confident and entertaining, one problem as the show progresses, Color, or I should say absence of. A large dose of color is needed here as many times throughout the performance the corps looks like one big muddy mess. Guard is way better than what I have read here on DCP but that a story within itself to be touched on later. Drill design is good, brass is confident, level of skill, selling of show and overall prsentation is al that is needed to vault back into finals, could even happen this year. Nice improvement over last year guys !

Glassmen, what a busy field. This corps is truly one of my favorites since that "elements" debacle of 2002. Every year the get a little more entertaining, a little more accessible, and a lot more fan friendly.

Love the them, the familiar music, the guard, the chests with the balloons, the entrie guard presentation was on the money and drew the crowd in. THe sound is deep and solid and you take notice when they are playing, ensemble-wisw, percussion may be a little overbearing at times, but thats minor. Drill is clean, arrangements are clever, theme is clever and audience wins!!! Thanks Glassmen.

Blue Knights. As God as my witness, as I wrote last year and maybe the year before, Blue Knights start their show, my Mother falls asleep. What is going on there in Denver that they think year after year of this inaccessible programing is winning, again definintion of insane: trying to get a different result but going about it the same way time after time, after time. ENough with these flags already, they were great in 1991, and maybe 1996, I remember maybe a bit in 99. ENOUGH ! Boring, predictable, and the same dank designs every year. Yuk. Can the guard wear anything other than white ? Can they do something other than the same movements and presentation they do year after year ? Boring, predictable, enough.

On a somewhat positive note, I do appreciate their field coverage and unique style in their transitions, but its really getting monotinous year after year. Break out, be daring, go for it.

Whats going on in Beantown, or wherever these folks are from nowadays ? I heard horible rumours and I pray they are just that. This show is straight, in your face, no nonsense drum corps, and I happen to enjoy it, the guard, their costuming and design but its so dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty, lines arent straight, impacts are sloppy and lacking conficence, moves that carry velocity are all over the place...its a return th "that 70's drill with predictable stars, boxes, rank and file maneuvers, line burtst, etc. What happened ?? And why is it so sloppy on Aug 1st ? I dont see thk anywhere near the top 8 and could even be caught by some other hungrier corps.

Ok, I'm sure going to be persona no -grata here after being such a semi-Coats honk after the last four years, but I mean...really ? Boxing ? And do you really think you are selling the theme with these folks as the fighters ? Whos idea was it to turn the losing boxer into a prancing ballet dancer ?? Terrible, terrible ideas that probably worked well on paper but again, boxing ? Boring. I feel that the Bluecoats have lost it.

I can recall two years ago to me, they had the hottest design around, the greatest themes and the best use of colorguard as an integral part of the entire picture, now, this theme is just silly, add the terrible narration its, sorry to be so harsh, just stupid, plain and simple, not fun, not cutting edge, not intriguing and whos talking anyway ??C'mon kid, yeah kid. Yuk, sounds like a really bad porno with actors already on hand. Totally a step back design-wise and nowhere near as intriguing as last year. I can so see SCV over this corps and Folks really need to rethink the ideas that are at hand. Narration is here, doesnt mean you have to use it.

A case of a really great corps, with so much potential falling back "into the pack" .

I love when the Blue Devils take the field, I really get excited anticipating what Im going to see and hear and I have never been disappointed........until tonight. This is an undefeated show ? Maybe it was an off night but something is missing here and I totally bought into the DCP hype and expected a second-coming, maybe that is the problem. First off, this is a really great show, full of fun and demand and exposure and lots of wow moments, but I found myself at many times waiting for more and didnt get it, musical phrases that werent expanded on or taken up to the next level, I dont think musically they went "there" throughout the whole show. Percussion was aggressive and flashy and in your face and even fun, but ensemble-wise they seem to be lost in their theme and antics and there was just a lack of music being presented. Same with the brass, never turning it up musically but seemed to put more emphasis on visual antics. The guard was great,as usualy but totally reminded me of 2005 too many groups, free form work, not nearly enough ensemble presentation and group demand. I was let down. I cant wait to get another read but right now, I can see this show as low as fourth and nowhere near the top at this point.

Even the trademark execution wasnt as polished or as professional as past years, Im hoping an off night.

Why is it, again, I give DCP credibility in some cases ? So many have claimed Cavaliers are having an off year or just dont have it this year blah, blah, blah......nonsense !!! What a great show, anothe epic, trademark, vintage Cavalier masterpice, complete with total integration, perfect staging for brass and percussion, a theme full of intrigue, mature costuming, storytelling without voice and climax after visual climax. Could win it all again, in my eyes, I was drawn in and they never let up. I see some areas of criticism, dont get me wrong, visual highlights in the brass when they arent playing, playing hard parts when standing still, trikery, etc..but as a total show using what they got to tell a story, satisfy the audience, challene the memebers and get the marks from the judges, another typical Cavalier offering, could easily be another title in the making.

Part two to follow shortly.

Geoffrey

Edited August 3, 2008 by GMichael1230

[jwillis35]

Nice Job, G! You really say what you are thinking and don't hold back. That's a good thing, so I hope people don't nail you for your own opinions.

I will say that, IMO, I really like the Bluecoats show, and the Boxing theme, but I agree with some of your analysis. Probably a bit too much talking for me too, and the 10 count needs to be much less, say 1, 2, 3, and then the official simply uses visual gestures to make it seem like he is counting the rest of the way. The boxer dancing around and all at the end is strange, no doubt. It's a tough show to pull off, no doubt, but I think they have done well, and the performance captions are excellent, especially in brass and drums.

I haven't seen BD, but for you to be quite critical of them (your favorites) says something. I look forward to seeing them this Friday in Bloomington.

Good stuff though, bold and confident comments as always.

JW

[Lance]

Thanks for the review. I hope BK doesn't take your advice, btw. ;)

[Matt_S]

Thanks for the review G, I always look forward to hearing your thoughts. As for the Bluecoats, I agree with you: the past two years they've gone with very literal themes, quite different than the approach that took them to the threshold of the elite. I'd like to see much broader concepts return to their programming, much like the spectacular 2005 and 2006 productions.

[jcn8]

Great review, G. I fully agree with many of your observations, especially –

Madison – Horrible, horrible uniform color, what were they thinking? In fact, to your point about Mandarins’ uniform, I believe the Scouts’ uniform color makes the pumpkin color of the Mandarins’ uniform look fresh and exciting. Can you imagine? Did anyone look at this color green outside of a studio… perhaps on a field? They perfectly blend into the turf and really blow the visuals of an otherwise nice program.

Bluecoats – You are spot on with your observation that Bluecoats took a big step back this year. This was the most disappointing show for me of the night and, yes, SCV should and will stay ahead of this show. The boxing ballerinas are a big mistake, the narration is amateurish and annoying, and the overall show is a big diversion from the progress they were making in recent years.

Blue Knights – I have avidly defended this corps the last few seasons for sticking to their guns and, IMO, putting great musical programs on the field. I’ve frequently alleged that they’ve gotten a raw deal from most DCP critics. However, there isn’t much I can do to defend this show because I too found it to be a bit slow and without excitement (I am trying to be tactful.)

Cavies – Yes, DCP reviewers also let me down in their reviews of Cavies and allegations they are having an off year. This show was a complete surprise to me and is probably going to be one of the first Cavies shows in years that I will listen to and watch over and over again. The visual package is stellar and the music sets a perfect mood for the premise of the show. This might be tough to beat in Bloomington (even by Phantom.)

I disagree, however, that you were in row 37 on the 50 Y/L because I was. You were on the 49 Y/L.

[rayfallon]

Allentown Pa, yet again, a perfect arena for drum corps, great city, great stadium, great weather, a little hot, but low humidity and all in all a perfect night for what was about to ensue.

I was 37 rows up right on the fifty, and this is what I can recall.

Beatrix - better than I remember, a little 2001 BD styling in their guard approach, uniforms and ensemble presentation. Fun, accesible music and an entertaining start.

Jersey surf - Yes, what a great solid, mature show. Love their look on the field, like their visual presentation and again, an easy to enjoy show.

Mandarin were next and to me, not nearly as exciting and not holding nearly as much potential as they did two years ago. The new uniform, in its second year , has totally helped to destroy any identity this corps built and now they are just another homogonized corps "in the pack" Its been two days and I cant really remember anything that stood out about their program.

Academy, next. Yet another corps struggling for identity. What happened to the promise from all the "honks" last year in thread after thread that this was the second coming of drum corps, finals is a given, etc...etc...."Vienna nights" umm, ok, sorry, theme lost on me. I do recall some familiar themes, some decent, eye-catching drill and some pretty decent ensemble work in the corps but a large dose of excitment is needed to get this show on the rise and I really dont want this corps to fall by the wayside.

I hope they can continue to grow and improve. Again, a good, show, nothing special, just another corps "in the pack".

Troopers, yay ! Troopers are stable and seem to be in decent shape, I thought they would have improved on last years triumphant return but they seem to be about the same level design and execution-wise, and that not to bad. Love the theme, and how they utilize it throughout the show. This was probably one of the best "sunbursts" in mnay , many years, tight, controlled, clean. An identitiy easy to expand on and play with, this music fit well with them. THere was a maturity about them and you can tell they had confidence, a case of "just another corps" doing something to rise out of the pack. God show.

Madison Scouts. Some still cheer as they enter the field. While this show was good, I certainly wouldnt say great. First off, these jackets, colorwise are terrible, lose em, and lose em fast, they blend in the field, they arent appealing and dont do the corps justice as the conversation always leads to the jackets and not who is wearing them and what is happening.

Opening statement is solid, confident and entertaining, one problem as the show progresses, Color, or I should say absence of. A large dose of color is needed here as many times throughout the performance the corps looks like one big muddy mess. Guard is way better than what I have read here on DCP but that a story within itself to be touched on later. Drill design is good, brass is confident, level of skill, selling of show and overall prsentation is al that is needed to vault back into finals, could even happen this year. Nice improvement over last year guys !

Glassmen, what a busy field. This corps is truly one of my favorites since that "elements" debacle of 2002. Every year the get a little more entertaining, a little more accessible, and a lot more fan friendly.

Love the them, the familiar music, the guard, the chests with the balloons, the entrie guard presentation was on the money and drew the crowd in. THe sound is deep and solid and you take notice when they are playing, ensemble-wisw, percussion may be a little overbearing at times, but thats minor. Drill is clean, arrangements are clever, theme is clever and audience wins!!! Thanks Glassmen.

Blue Knights. As God as my witness, as I wrote last year and maybe the year before, Blue Knights start their show, my Mother falls asleep. What is going on there in Denver that they think year after year of this inaccessible programing is winning, again definintion of insane: trying to get a different result but going about it the same way time after time, after time. ENough with these flags already, they were great in 1991, and maybe 1996, I remember maybe a bit in 99. ENOUGH ! Boring, predictable, and the same dank designs every year. Yuk. Can the guard wear anything other than white ? Can they do something other than the same movements and presentation they do year after year ? Boring, predictable, enough.

On a somewhat positive note, I do appreciate their field coverage and unique style in their transitions, but its really getting monotinous year after year. Break out, be daring, go for it.

Whats going on in Beantown, or wherever these folks are from nowadays ? I heard horible rumours and I pray they are just that. This show is straight, in your face, no nonsense drum corps, and I happen to enjoy it, the guard, their costuming and design but its so dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty, lines arent straight, impacts are sloppy and lacking conficence, moves that carry velocity are all over the place...its a return th "that 70's drill with predictable stars, boxes, rank and file maneuvers, line burtst, etc. What happened ?? And why is it so sloppy on Aug 1st ? I dont see thk anywhere near the top 8 and could even be caught by some other hungrier corps.

Ok, I'm sure going to be persona no -grata here after being such a semi-Coats honk after the last four years, but I mean...really ? Boxing ? And do you really think you are selling the theme with these folks as the fighters ? Whos idea was it to turn the losing boxer into a prancing ballet dancer ?? Terrible, terrible ideas that probably worked well on paper but again, boxing ? Boring. I feel that the Bluecoats have lost it.

I can recall two years ago to me, they had the hottest design around, the greatest themes and the best use of colorguard as an integral part of the entire picture, now, this theme is just silly, add the terrible narration its, sorry to be so harsh, just stupid, plain and simple, not fun, not cutting edge, not intriguing and whos talking anyway ??C'mon kid, yeah kid. Yuk, sounds like a really bad porno with actors already on hand. Totally a step back design-wise and nowhere near as intriguing as last year. I can so see SCV over this corps and Folks really need to rethink the ideas that are at hand. Narration is here, doesnt mean you have to use it.

A case of a really great corps, with so much potential falling back "into the pack" .

I love when the Blue Devils take the field, I really get excited anticipating what Im going to see and hear and I have never been disappointed........until tonight. This is an undefeated show ? Maybe it was an off night but something is missing here and I totally bought into the DCP hype and expected a second-coming, maybe that is the problem. First off, this is a really great show, full of fun and demand and exposure and lots of wow moments, but I found myself at many times waiting for more and didnt get it, musical phrases that werent expanded on or taken up to the next level, I dont think musically they went "there" throughout the whole show. Percussion was aggressive and flashy and in your face and even fun, but ensemble-wise they seem to be lost in their theme and antics and there was just a lack of music being presented. Same with the brass, never turning it up musically but seemed to put more emphasis on visual antics. The guard was great,as usualy but totally reminded me of 2005 too many groups, free form work, not nearly enough ensemble presentation and group demand. I was let down. I cant wait to get another read but right now, I can see this show as low as fourth and nowhere near the top at this point.

Even the trademark execution wasnt as polished or as professional as past years, Im hoping an off night.

Why is it, again, I give DCP credibility in some cases ? So many have claimed Cavaliers are having an off year or just dont have it this year blah, blah, blah......nonsense !!! What a great show, anothe epic, trademark, vintage Cavalier masterpice, complete with total integration, perfect staging for brass and percussion, a theme full of intrigue, mature costuming, storytelling without voice and climax after visual climax. Could win it all again, in my eyes, I was drawn in and they never let up. I see some areas of criticism, dont get me wrong, visual highlights in the brass when they arent playing, playing hard parts when standing still, trikery, etc..but as a total show using what they got to tell a story, satisfy the audience, challene the memebers and get the marks from the judges, another typical Cavalier offering, could easily be another title in the making.

Part two to follow shortly.

Geoffrey

G -

I don't usually get much out of show reviews on DCP - although John Bermudez did a hilarious one of Lawrence. For some reason I really enjoyed yours. Your style is straightforward and opinionated without being mean-spirited - okay, maybe the part about your mom falling asleep comes close to the line, but you justify your opinions with reaons that make sense to me. I don't necessarily agree with everything you say, but given that I couldn't be 37 seats up on the 50 at J Birney Crumb (as I have been too many times to think about) I found that I really enjoyed part 1. Guess I'll keep scrolling for part 2. BTW, I'm more of a Crusader Loyalist than any other corps in the mix, but if the lines are crooked, they're crooked. Hope they get the drill a little more under control so that the post-Howard era gets off on the right foot.

[GMichael1230]

Great review, G.

I disagree, however, that you were in row 37 on the 50 Y/L because I was. You were on the 49 Y/L.

LOL, Jon. It was more like your towel and my camera was on the 50, and we were on each side !!!!

Thanks

Geoffrey

[#1PhantomPhan]

Mandarin were next and to me, not nearly as exciting and not holding nearly as much potential as they did two years ago. The new uniform, in its second year

This is the third year the corps has worn the rust uniforms. Personally, I think they make the corps look amazing on the field, and still the details are all about the Mandarins styles.

[DCIHasBeen]

Woof! Congrats Cavies!

Looks like it's going to be an interesting week in Bloomington, Indiana (and just how often can that be said?)

[baja]

Glassmen, what a busy field. This corps is truly one of my favorites since that "elements" debacle of 2002. Every year the get a little more entertaining, a little more accessible, and a lot more fan friendly.

Love the them, the familiar music, the guard, the chests with the balloons, the entrie guard presentation was on the money and drew the crowd in. THe sound is deep and solid and you take notice when they are playing, ensemble-wisw, percussion may be a little overbearing at times, but thats minor. Drill is clean, arrangements are clever, theme is clever and audience wins!!! Thanks Glassmen.

Blue Knights. As God as my witness, as I wrote last year and maybe the year before, Blue Knights start their show, my Mother falls asleep. What is going on there in Denver that they think year after year of this inaccessible programing is winning, again definintion of insane: trying to get a different result but going about it the same way time after time, after time. ENough with these flags already, they were great in 1991, and maybe 1996, I remember maybe a bit in 99. ENOUGH ! Boring, predictable, and the same dank designs every year. Yuk. Can the guard wear anything other than white ? Can they do something other than the same movements and presentation they do year after year ? Boring, predictable, enough.

On a somewhat positive note, I do appreciate their field coverage and unique style in their transitions, but its really getting monotinous year after year. Break out, be daring, go for it.

Geoffrey

Your perspective on these two corps is great. One has changed fairly drastically over the years and the other has stayed with the things that brought them to finals. Goes to show the great diversity of opportunities that are available to designers and yet the constant drum beat for electronics, amplification and whatevers next to evolve and grow the activity.

BTW, hearing psotive comments about the Glassmen after years of the boring stuff is refreshinig.