By Tom Collins
Staff Writer

When attending a senior center, there may be an expectation of a group of elderly men passing time by playing cards and arguing about politics. This was not the case at the Central Bucks Senior Center on Dec. 27 as alternative rock/post-hardcore band, Balance and Composure, took over the center with kids moshing and stagediving.

Balance and Composure had a very successful 2014, opening for Manchester Orchestra on their acclaimed “Cope” tour, and had one of their biggest headlining tours to date, which included a sold out show at the Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia, and a European leg of shows.
Shortly after the tour, the band announced the holiday show that occurred at the senior center. While it seems like a strange place for a show, playing at the senior center shows the band has certainly not forgotten where they came from.

Originally formed in late 2007, the band started off playing local shows at VFW halls, basements and other small, unconventional spaces. With tickets priced modestly at only $10, and it being a chance to see a well-known band go back to their roots, the Doylestown show sold out within a few days. In the weeks leading up to the show, the band also announced that they would be collecting non-perishable foods and winter coats to be given to the local food pantry and homeless shelter.

The night of the show, I was unfortunately late, and missed the opening bands, Petal and Superheaven. Because of my late arrival, I also could not find a parking spot. Despite this, my night quickly became something to remember.

Circling through the parking lot, I found a group of people standing outside, so I decided to pull up to them and ask if they knew any other places to park. From a distance I couldn’t see very well, but once I got closer and put my window down, to my surprise, I was greeted by Brendan Ekstrom, guitarist for another famous Doylestown band, Circa Survive.

Before I even spoke, he said hello and explained that there was a lot across the street that people were beginning to use. I thanked him and went on my way, deciding to contain myself and not be the typical fan that has to bother their favorite musicians.

Once I went inside, I was greeted not by a door man, but by all of the members of Balance and Composure. They all made it a point to say hello to everyone coming in, taking their tickets, and marking their hand with a Sharpie for re-entry.

Being the last one in line, once drummer Bailey Van Ellis took my ticket and marked my hand, he continued to make conversation, asking me my name and where I came from to see the show. After talking for a few minutes, he told me to enjoy the show and get home safe later in the night. If there wasn’t already enough evidence that the band appreciates their popularity, the way they decided to work the door themselves and personally engage their fans most definitely shows they are very grateful for the people who enjoy hismusic.

About 15 minutes later, the band walked onto the 3 foot high stage, and vocalist/guitarist Jon Simmons introduced the band simply by saying, “Hi, we’re Balance and Composure, and we’re from right here in Doylestown.” What followed was an intense, 15 song set spanning both of the band’s full-length records, 2011’s “Separation” and 2013’s “The Things We Think We’re Missing.”

Throughout the show, the band barely paused in between songs, preferring to just allow the music to flow the entire night. Hard hitting, aggressive songs like the opener, “Back of Your Head”, “Galena” and “Parachutes” contrasted with mellower, more emotional songs like “Stonehands” and “Dirty Head” originally an acoustic track which Simmons sang and played by himself on electric guitar.
The band was still very rehearsed from their tour, and besides a guitar going out of tune for the beginning of one song, the musicianship was extraordinary. Simmons’ voice was going strong, even after over an hour of singing and screaming, and his simple-rhythm guitar parts, complemented leads played by guitarists Erik Peterson and Andrew Slaymaker. All three guitarists kept their parts perfectly in sync and kept their volume balanced, never overpowering each other. Matt Warner’s bass playing held down the groove of each song, and Bailey Van Ellis’ loud, ferocious drumming was perfectly in time, as usual.

After closing the show with three of their heaviest, loudest songs, “Patience,” “Quake” and “Notice Me,” the band left the stage and immediately began interacting with fans again. The show was definitely one that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Besides a night of incredible music, it was very refreshing to see musicians who refuse to let some fame and notoriety go to their heads, and I will definitely make sure never to miss another Balance and Composure.