Review: Resurrection Fest Brings Resurrection Records Family to Greer, SC
Resurrection Fest brought the Resurrection Records family together at Resurrection Church in Greer, SC, on August 29. Three of the label’s artists, Ziggie and the Suffering Gift, Brent Tatum, and headliner Tricord, made up the core of the lineup, which is where the festival gets its name. Local post-hardcore band Igniting the Sky opened the night.
I arrived early with three of my kids to help get everything set up. One of the things I enjoy about smaller festivals like this is getting time to hang out with the bands during load-in and while everyone is setting up their merch tables. There is a different atmosphere before the doors open, with musicians helping each other, catching up, and getting ready for the night ahead.
Igniting the Sky was up first, and they were different from what I remembered from the last time I saw them. Instead of Cody holding everything down vocally, they had three singers this time. The harmonies and screams flowed well together and gave their post-hardcore sound another dimension. Kristen killed it on her axe as always. They were a great local band to start the festival. If you were not awake when they started, you were by the time they finished. Igniting the Sky knows how to get your attention.
Ziggie and the Suffering Gift followed. The Charleston-based rock band was down a guitarist for the night, but anyone seeing them for the first time probably would not have known it. These guys are professionals and simply figured out how to make it work.
Ziggie, with his Led Zeppelin-influenced vocals, did not disappoint. He continues to impress as both a vocalist and guitarist. William kept everything tight behind the kit, while Mike stayed right in the pocket on bass. Even without their complete lineup, the band still sounded full and delivered another solid performance.
Brent Tatum brought an honest and genuine presence to the night with his worshipful rock set. Circumstances outside of his control meant his band could not be there, so Brent had to fly solo.
Instead of letting that derail his performance, he figured it out. Brent played guitar while also using a miked kick drum to give the songs some additional rhythm and punch. Mad props to Brent for doing his entire set without any backing tracks. It was just him, his guitar, the kick drum, and the songs.
What stood out just as much as the music was his willingness to tell the stories behind his songs. You could see the audience listening and connecting with what he was sharing. That personal approach made the songs mean more because people understood where they came from.
Then it was time for Tricord.
The band was founded in South Georgia, although two of its members now live in Tennessee, and they made the trip to Greer ready to close out the night strong. As soon as Tricord hit the stage, everyone moved toward the front. Jermaine knows how to entertain and command a crowd, and it did not take long before people were on their feet and rocking out.
Tricord’s mixture of alternative metal, nu-metal, rapcore, and straight-ahead rock works especially well live. Their set included fan favorites such as “Liar,” “Watcha Got,” “Fix Me,” and “Born to Be a King.”
This was my fourth time seeing Tricord, and one moment I always enjoy is seeing Jermaine’s son, Keighan, join him for “Born to Be a King.” There is something special about seeing a father and son sharing the stage together, and it continues to be one of the highlights of their live show for me.
Resurrection Fest was more than just four bands sharing a bill. It was a chance for several artists from Resurrection Records to come together, support one another, and bring their different styles of Christian rock to the same stage. Igniting the Sky got the night started with plenty of energy, Ziggie and the Suffering Gift showed their professionalism, Brent Tatum proved he did not need a full band or backing tracks to connect with the crowd, and Tricord closed things out with the kind of energetic performance I have come to expect from them.
Photo Credit: Matthew Easterland / Kudzu Captured Photography
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