Last Thursday SS Pickup fans crammed into the tiny arena at Power Plant live known as Rams Head Live. My first concert there, I enjoyed the smallness of the venue. Fans feel more connected to the band when they’re just a few rows away and it was obvious that the feeling was mutual.

Red Rocks, Colorado | September 16, 2012 | Photo by Karen M. LaRoche

Whether or not lead singer and guitarist Brian Aubert took a little something back stage or had a few beers, he was in love with Baltimore. “This isn’t just rock talk, but Baltimore is the best city we’ve played in before,” he said, before elaborating on how great Baltimoreans are and how supportive we are of our sports teams.

He especially liked the random old dude wearing a “Rush” jersey and pointed it out several times that he was awesome. He was definitely high or really into Rush.

Either way, the Silversun Pickups really out did themselves this time. I first saw them two years ago at George Mason where they opened for Muse. Maybe it was the smaller scenery that really brought the music to life, or the two Jack Daniel’s rum coolers I had during the show. Most of their new tracks from their latest album “Neck of the Woods” made the set list plus a few songs thrown in from Swoon and of course, Lazy Eye.

The only thing missing from the show was bassist Nikki Monninger, who is very pregnant with twins. Her temporary replacement Sarah did a nice job as her substitution.

If you’re a Silversun Pickups fan like myself, get out there and go see them live when they come around again. The experience you’ll have will make you love and respect their music even more.

From their new album, Neck of the Woods.