The Platform 2013 has officially begun! And how did it begin? Take the new sounds of The Adventure in December blend it with the rocking guitars of Colossal Panic mix that with some DaysEye sprinkled with some Jagg add that to Yielded and BAAAAMMM!!!

Since it was our first show of the season we wanted to start things off with something new. So after letting in the loooonnng line of people through the doors of the Life Center, jumping on the stage for the first time, THE ADVENTURE IN DECEMBER kicked off 2013 with a bang! Awesome music, well written lyrics, and a great sound are just some of the things that make up this new Indie/Rock band that you will definitely be hearing more from this year. From the sound check alone we were not only excited for the night’s performance but for future of this group.

From the first strum of the guitars we remembered why we love COLOSSAL PANIC, because THEY ROCK. Heavy guitars, an awesome violin, a little scream over the chorus, and we were all entertained by our long time friends. Colossal Panic can easily make the transition from rocking guitar leads to worship, with each song carrying their sound and style without missing a beat.

Days later and I still have the chorus to “Here I Am” stuck in my head! That’s just part of the reason why DAYSEYE are one of our favorites here at the Platform. Their catchy hooks and hard-hitting songs will keep you hooked from beginning to end, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this group.

I don’t believe that you can watch JAGG and not be entertained (and when the lead singer is jumping on your back during their set it’s hard not to be drawn to these rockers). Adding Garrett Botts (Chad & Garrett) on lead vocals gave this Rock n Roll band a little more umph to their already great performance. Right from the intro and floor guitar solo you were rocking along with these guys, keeping you’re your eye on lead guitarist Zach, as he shreds the guitar while rocking out on the stage like a true rock star.

YIELDED headlining the first show of 2013? We wouldn’t have it any other way. This band has such a heart to worship God that as soon as they hit the stage you can see them easily open up their hearts and let the sounds worship come out. When you watch Yielded you see a group of musicians who complete forget that there is a packed house of people listening to them and you see a worshipers who love to play for God. Yielded continues to lead every listener into worship and that’s why we love them.

So what do we think of our first show of the year? We think that it was a great example of what is ahead for the High Desert Christian Music Scene. -Esteban