Chapter 12: Music Rush

Evan Bell's voice had not yet fully matured; it was clear with a hint of huskiness, but this tone could still deeply touch the heart. The profound sense of desolation in the song was overwhelming. Within moments, the grand and majestic atmosphere enveloped the entire stage. Simply put, it had an undeniable aura.

When the chorus line "I parted the clouds and glimpsed the sunshine" reached its climax, it initially seemed unremarkable. Yet, when Evan Bell sang it, the impact was breathtaking. His voice managed to depict the magnificent scene of a rainbow hanging in the sky after the storm. The emotions were fully conveyed through Evan Bell's voice, capturing the joy of breaking free and the comfort of resolving inner turmoil.

Evan Bell thrived on the energy of live performance. While his usual shows might score an 80 or 90 out of 100, he often delivered performances worth 120 when on stage, thanks to the energizing atmosphere. This had been evident on his Broadway shows and was equally true today. Though his performance might not have had the raw intensity of Linkin Park's, it offered a distinct clarity and emotional depth that a singer needs to make their performance truly heart-touching. 

Gillen Haas was visibly exhilarated. Despite a couple of early mistakes with the bass, he had loosened up and played brilliantly. Jacob Tibo, too, was energized. He had been playing his drums steadily, but now he looked back with a beaming smile. Bruce Stewart's excitement was clear from his constantly moving right foot and the sparkle in his eyes.

Under Evan Bell's leadership, not only did the Melancholy Mood's performance come alive, but the audience also began to be engrossed in the song, cheering and moving with the music. What started with thirty or forty people quickly grew to over a hundred. No one expected such a remarkable band to emerge at two o'clock in the afternoon. By the end of their set, there were at least three hundred people, creating an impressive scene.

"Hello everyone, we are Melancholy Mood from Boston," Evan Bell introduced himself into the microphone. This introduction was crucial—not just for the audience but also for any scouts or record companies present. For the first time, Melancholy Mood had made a name for itself beyond Boston, gaining recognition in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles.

After the brief introduction, Evan Bell knew that their music had to speak for itself. They were not yet famous, so their music had to bridge the gap. Words were unnecessary; the songs had to do the talking. And so, the band moved seamlessly from one track to the next. While the subsequent songs might not have matched the impact of the opener, they were still excellent, carefully selected from their two years of experience. The vibrant atmosphere, fueled by Evan Bell's passionate performance and undeniable charisma, kept the audience fully engaged.

Evan Bell's innocent boy-next-door smile, striking features, and dedication while performing created an electrifying atmosphere. His fervent energy and the resulting sweaty intensity were captivating. Under his influence, Melancholy Mood's performance hit its stride, successfully concluding another memorable day at the Eagle Rock Music Festival.

Half an hour passed swiftly, and it was time for Melancholy Mood's final song. "Oceans and Skies," written by Evan Bell during winter break, told the story of the band's journey and his experiences on Broadway. Praised highly in Boston earlier in the year, it was a key factor in their invitation to the festival. The song was hailed as a representative of the independent and underground bands, capturing their struggles and triumphs.

As the guitar strings began to strum in a slow, deliberate tempo, the lyrics unfolded:

"This is my world, no one will see it, but I don't want to spend my life like this. Walking through the wind and rain, persisting through the blizzard, I firmly believe that there will be a rainbow of my own after the rain. How many times have I faced cold eyes and ridicule, yet never given up the ideal in my heart?"

The song, though not intense, carried a tragic grandeur—a courageous push against dark clouds and storms. Evan Bell's voice, while still a bit thin and youthful at eighteen, was supported by Gillen Haas and Bruce Stewart's background vocals. Their combined voices amplified the song's impact, creating a powerful and moving crescendo.

As the chorus erupted with drumbeats and deep bass tones, the song took on a heavy metal flavor. Evan Bell had envisioned using a cello for accompaniment, but the band lacked one. Nonetheless, the arrangement showcased a high standard of musicianship.

"Please forgive my unruly and indulgent life. Even if I worry about the rough and difficult future, I will wait for the vast sea and sky that belong to me. I am not afraid of storms in life; I am only afraid of lacking courage. I am not afraid of setbacks; I am only afraid of losing hope. Even if I get hurt, I will fight for a vast sea and sky that belong to me."

Despite his young age, Evan Bell's wide range from bass to treble was astonishing, spanning three octaves. His ability to transition between high and low notes effortlessly added to the excitement—an invaluable skill honed over years of Broadway experience.

This is the first time that the audience experienced a song like "Oceans and Skies," and it was evident that they were astonished. This was the essence of the Eagle Rock Music Festival for independent bands. The hardships faced by bands like Melancholy Mood were understood only by fellow musicians. The song's heartfelt portrayal of fragility and persistence struck a deep chord. Evan Bell's slightly fragile voice only added to the emotional impact.

When Evan Bell hit the high note in "The sky is vast" and held it, the applause from the audience of over 800 was thunderous. Many in the crowd were visibly moved to tears. There was no doubt that Melancholy Mood had succeeded, that Evan Bell had succeeded. They had not only delivered a stellar performance but had also touched the hearts of their listeners.

Before Evan Bell and his bandmates could even leave the stage, the audience erupted in cheers for an encore. Despite being relatively unknown, Melancholy Mood had managed to impress. In the world of underground bands, talent speaks volumes, and the roaring encore was a testament to their success.

This small music festival, with its relatively modest crowd of 800, and the cheers that followed, was a significant affirmation for Melancholy Mood. In their four years of existence, including Evan Bell's time with them, the band had gained regional attention, but nothing compared to the impact of today's performance. This moment, however small, was a powerful motivator for Gillen Haas and the others to continue their journey.

Evan Bell's heart was swelling with excitement and elation, yet he found himself at a loss for words. The live performance's impact was different from the applause on Broadway, yet equally memorable and touching.

Just then, someone from behind called out, "Hey, man, how about a guitar contest?"

Evan Bell turned around, surprised to see the members of Linkin Park approaching. The voice belonged to Brad Delson, the guitarist standing next to lead singer Chester Bennington. Brad's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Evan Bell glanced at Chester Bennington, with his punk rock style and metal ball piercing. Chester looked at Evan Bell with anticipation. Despite only having heard "Oceans and Skies," Chester and the band were already impressed. The challenge from Brad Delson, before even exchanging names, had turned their mutual admiration into a friendly competition.

Evan Bell looked back at his teammates, their eyes reflecting their excitement. It seemed everyone was up for the challenge. With a nod, Evan Bell stepped onto the stage first. As the lead guitarist of Melancholy Mood, it was his turn to take on Brad Delson's challenge.

It was intriguing how, despite not knowing each other, their shared passion for music led them to compete. It was a testament to the unique nature of musicians.

When Melancholy Mood and Linkin Park appeared together on stage, the crowd's cheers reached a new level. The excitement of seeing yesterday's and today's most popular rock bands together was palpable.

Evan Bell didn't waste time with the microphone. He plugged in his guitar, shot a glance at Brad Delson, and began to play, letting the music speak for itself.