To prevent confusion in our readership, Alesana is not some drop-dead gorgeous model hailing out of Milan. Nope. In actuality, Alesana is six somewhat-OK-looking guys from North Carolina who do the post-hardcore thing with some gusto and panache. Take the usual experimental leanings of the genre and view them through acoustic and piano-driven goggles. At least Alesana trades vocals among four of the members to keep it varied, but no guarantee that singer Shawn Milke's sister Melissa will be there to sing her album contributions.
Before the main event, expect an evening of pure post-hardcore because all four supporting acts tread those waters: California's A Skylit Drive and Of Mice and Men are both heavy on the scenery and literary aspects, Michigan's We Came as Romans could be trying to compensate for ne'er-do-well grades in high school history classes, and the Word Alive may or may not have a message of goodwill for mankind. Kitschy remarks aside, the evening should be one long, solid rocker, and don't be surprised if some Italian models show up to listen.
