Underoath: The tour journal
In February of 2004, HM was asked to jump on the road with Underoath. The band had recorded a preproduction demo and was preparing to enter the studio with James Wisner (Dashboard) to complete a new release (They’re Only Chasing Safety). The three day stint served as preparation for an upcoming tour. But, more importantly, enabled us to step into the lives of six young men. During those days I was met with joy, acceptance and brotherly love. This is a journal of those events; written and photographed by David Allen.
9:32am - A couple of the guys stood by the airport baggage claim to get me, the journaling tag along. After spotting each other from the escalator, we met and headed outside. The rest of the guys were waiting in the van. Introductions were quick and the general feeling was intrigue. Would the band feel comfortable with a visitor, and what would the visitor write…
9:40 - After jumping in the van, we spread out and talked it up.
10:18 - Food was on their minds before the trip to the airport, so the decision to eat Mexican led us towards Los Compadres. The small restaurant outside of Birmingham was the exact place Underoath had signed its contract with Tooth & Nail Records (Solid State). We drove around to find a parking spot for the van and trailer. The waiter was cool, but the cowboy statue with gold teeth was even better. Queso was the appetizer of choice and our discussions were still fringed with curiosity.
10:45 - Jump in the van. The exhaust on that thing was crazy. It had galvanized the area surrounding the chimney exhaust pipe. Later we would spit on the spot for fun. Watching saliva bead up and drip off is surprisingly amusing.
11:06 - Ah, Wal-mart. Heading towards the rear of the store, Spencer, Aaron and Chris decided to buy duct tape. They almost went with the tape sporting a fine camouflage print, but the consensus decided that regular duct tape works the same and is actually cheaper. Then suddenly Spencer and Aaron looked at each other and vocally decided it was time to use the restroom. It was both odd and hilarious. As Chris and I went to the electronics area, he drew me near to speak of the unconscious competitive nature between Aaron and Spencer regarding the necessity they were off to complete. Whoever could “contribute” the longest… well, that person won the round. We caught up with James and kept walking. The opportunity seemed open, so I asked the question everyone has wanted to know: What really happened with your last vocalist?
Underoath: The tour journal - Finish this feature by David Allen in the new HM Magazine. Available now, Issue 107 can be found at select stores or for a reduced subscription rate.
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