In the ‘90s, Collective Soul was probably the most understated chart-busting band.

It’s hard to recall now, but between 1994 and 1999, seven of the band’s singles hit number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

The Georgia boys enjoyed a slight resurgence earlier this year when the song “Hollywood,” from their current (independently released) “Afterwords” album, was used in some spots for the Hollywood rounds of “American Idol.”

Last night in front of a crowd of about 800 at The National, the Roland brothers – singer Ed and guitarist Dean – plus drummer Ryan Hoyle, bassist Will Turpin and guitarist Joel Kosche, exhibited their tight rock chops during an 80-minute set.

Performing in front of a cool backdrop of glistening stars, Collective Soul sliced through “Heavy” and “Compliment,” with an array of flickering white lights adding to the songs’ adrenaline.

Ed Roland, still in Eddie Vedder-lite mode vocally, is an animated performer, swaying around the stage with arms outstretched, the floppy ends of his white, long-sleeved shirt acting as a visual prop.

His constant futzing with the microphone stand sometimes distracted, but it’s pretty apparent that the guy enjoys his frontman status.

He strapped on a guitar for “December,” still a great pop-rock song that has plenty of vitriol lurking beneath its gently picked guitar melody. A prolonged version of the 1995 smash also included some of The Killers’ “All These Things I’ve Done” sandwiched between the second verse and final choruses.

The crunchy guitar of “Precious Declaration” and swooping melody of “The World I Know” were strong reminders of how deftly Collective Soul has straddled Top 40 and rock radio throughout its career.

Though the limelight has faded, the band’s live efforts haven’t.

Posted by Melissa Ruggieri in • Entertainment • Music
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