Evanescence & Plush Set Atlantic City’s Ovation Hall Ablaze

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

On Friday, September 8th, the Ovation Hall in Atlantic City bore witness to an electrifying double bill featuring Plush and Evanescence. As I arrived in the parking garage at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, typically a 3-hour drive from me which torrential thunderstorms turned into a 4-hour drive, you could already feel the energy of those that were in attendance.

Plush, a formidable quartet made up of Moriah Formica on vocals and rhythm guitar, Bella Perron on lead guitar, Ashley Suppa on bass, and Faith Powell on drums, ignited the stage with their fiery performance.

Plush’s tracklist was a relentless onslaught of hard-hitting tracks, including “Athena,” “Champion,” “Sober,” “Better Off,” and a jaw-dropping rendition of “Barracuda.” Each member of the band played an essential role, with Moriah Formica’s commanding vocals at the forefront, driving the band’s powerful sound. Bella Perron’s lead guitar added intricate melodies, while Ashley Suppa’s bass lines provided a solid foundation for their music. Faith Powell’s powerful drumming, since Brooke stepped down in August of 2022, even further elevated their sound.

But what truly set Plush apart was their undeniable chemistry, both among themselves and with the crowd. The passion among the band members was palpable, with Moriah’s vocals and guitar work perfectly complemented by the intricate guitar melodies of Bella Perron and the solid bass lines of Ashley Suppa. Faith Powell’s drumming provided a powerful backbone to their performances. Their harmonies resonated with energy, creating an incredibly powerful performance.

Plush’s connection with the audience was equally remarkable. They engaged the crowd not only through their music but also through their genuine enthusiasm, and the love of what they do. Their energy was infectious, and it was evident that they were genuinely thrilled to be performing for their fans.

The positive atmosphere that Plush created, their unwavering passion for their craft, and the seamless transition with Faith Powell as their drummer have all contributed to their continued success. As they continue to evolve and grow, Plush remains a band to watch, with their dynamic performances and undeniable chemistry setting them on a trajectory towards even greater heights in the world of rock music.

Evanescence, fronted by the ethereal and undeniably powerful vocals of Amy Lee, was nothing short of spectacular. Since the departure of Jen Majura in May of 2022, there seems to be a newly found energy and spirit to the band, and this show was absolutely no exception! With Tim McCord and Troy McLawhorn delivering electrifying guitar work, Emma Anzai anchoring the bass and backing vocals, and Will Hunt on drums, they took the stage with the intro “Artifact/The Turn,” playing. As the intro crept to an end, fans loudly joined in on the countdown, seamlessly transitioning into “Broken Pieces Shine,” which filled the venue with shouts of excitement and joy as Amy took the stage singing “There is no way back this time, what is real and what is mine? Ooh, survival hurts.”

The band also put “What You Want” back on the set list earlier this year In February after having it off of the set since September of 2019, so it was great hearing this track live again!

Throughout the night, Evanescence demonstrated an unprecedented chemistry among its members. The interaction between Amy Lee and her bandmates was electric, with Tim McCord and Troy McLawhorn’s guitars engaging in a captivating musical dialogue, while Emma Anzai’s bass lines added depth to each song. Will Hunt’s drumming served not only as the heartbeat of the performance driving the audience into a frenzy, but as an instant reminder that Will is probably one of the best drummers in the music scene worldwide.

Amy Lee’s connection with the audience was palpable. Her ethereal vocals and heartfelt lyrics drew the crowd in, making them feel every emotion. Between songs, she shared thoughts on how we’ve been through so much since the pandemic, and how no matter what bad happens around us, that we “…always have moments like right now to hold on to! I’m here with you,” Amy says. The audience responded with thunderous applause in agreement.

One of the unforgettable moments of the night was the “Big Medley,” a masterful mix of hits that combined “Haunted,” “My Last Breath,” “Cloud Nine,” “Everybody’s Fool,” and “Whisper.” It was an exhilarating journey through Evanescence’s catalog, and hearing these beloved songs woven together in this medley was a true highlight of the evening.

The powerful and anthemic “Use My Voice” saw Amy encouraging everyone in attendance to not let anyone speak for them and that their voice is important and that they should use it. Yet another moment of unity came when the entire venue erupted during the “ohh ohh” call and response.

“Blind Belief” created yet another poignant moment of the evening. This heartfelt song carries a powerful message about the resilience of love, even in the face of adversity. As Amy Lee’s voice soared with emotion, the lyrics spoke to the enduring strength of human connections. It was a reminder that, despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, love has the power to conquer all. The audience swayed in unison, united by the song’s message of hope and love, making it a truly heartwarming moment in an already remarkable night of music.

Other highlights included “Take Cover,” a powerful “Triple Threat Medley” combining “Lose Control,” “Part of Me,” and “Never Go Back,” and the hauntingly beautiful “My Immortal,” where Amy’s voice soared to incredible heights, leaving some of the audience in tears.

“Bring Me to Life” closed the night with a bang, with Amy Lee and the band reaching the pinnacle of their energy and artistry.

In my opinion, which I know some disagree with, this current lineup of Evanescence is their best, and their performance reaffirmed their place at the top of the hard rock music industry. The band’s connection with the audience created a deeply intimate atmosphere, reminding everyone in attendance of the enduring power of unity.