Review by Rachel Jablonski
Though I have lived in the Lincoln/Omaha area and been to countless shows for the majority of my life, I had to venture all the way to Chicago to catch the band Criteria from Omaha, NE. On tour with Poison the Well, Horse the Band, and The Fall of Troy, the stop at The Metro in Chicago, IL was ample for a first time listener to be intrigued. Criteria amazed me with their progressive sound and passion on stage.
The energy was intense and seemed directly proportional to the protruding vein popping from singer/guitarist Steven Pedersen’s neck as he sang. A guitar based sound extremely easy to jump into; the crowd became and stayed connected. Rhythmic chord progressions and some guitar solos engulfed listeners. Even while playing guitar and singing Pedersen was extremely limber on stage flailing about and flaunting unyielding energy. But he was not alone.
Though the constant head banging by the guitarist and relentless beats from the drummer were absorbing, it was the bassist that had me most intrigued. Look out Devin Townsend! The one and only Strapping Young Lad front man is facing some fierce competition it seems in the title for the best skullet. As I watched the enthusiastic, bald on top, long haired bassist of Criteria play all I could think was, ‘I love that dude!’ There is simply nothing like a skullet.
Cohesive was Criteria’s performance reflecting a refreshing sound to bob your head to. Without a doubt, go see Criteria live.