Show Review

Once again, I was on my way to see Yellowcard, and this was their first show after their huge Capitol Records release and what-not. It wasn't a different experience though. The same band remains able to perform with the genuine charisma they have always adopted, and with the same attitude they had before their majestic takeoff. A band always has the ability to get too big for their own good (cough, TBS) but Yellowcard's 5 members were, as expected, lovely.

Unfortunately, to my huge, huge disappointment, Fall Out Boy, originally on the lineup, was left stranded in Chicago. I was getting especially excited for them too, but to no avail. They were a no-show. Regardless, Don't Look Down immediately ruled the stage, performing a few songs from their EP and LP, as well as an amazing new tune. I must admit, for a trend that is slowly getting on my nerves and getting older by the day, that band has relentlessly pleased me. The new stuff sounds incredible, and their hard, powerful rendition of the slow acoustic "Can You Hear Me" got the crowd rolling. Great set, great band. Inside tip is that they will be recording soon (next few weeks) and releasing early next year sometime. Can't wait to hear their second full length.

The Plain White T's were always a band I was interested in and liked, but never really got into that much. Regardless of their "fun-factor," I was only slightly impressed by the band's somewhat mulchy tunes. They did a good job of pulling off the choruses, but their effect on me was somewhat draining, as the songs seemed to persist longer than appropriate. Nonetheless, I was happy to see the band pulling off a great set to an excited crowd. And the new tune they performed sounded literally incredible. Worlds from their old material. I'm extremely excited to hear the new one from those guys, that's for sure.

Finally, Yellowcard took over the stage, opening with one of my favorites, "For Pete's Sake," and drilling right into "Finish Line." Among other kickass tunes were "Avondale," "Breathing," "Sure Shot," "Big Apple Heartbreak" and an awesome (anticipated) encore of "October Nights" and "Believe." What was interesting and I've never seen before was a three-song acoustic interlude with just Ben, Sean, and Ryan. They played "Empty Apartment," "One Year, Six Months," and to my enjoyment, the rarity, "Rough Draft." They even jammed out the country style tune "View From Heaven," and once again amazed me with their solid musical perfection. "Only One" sounded perfectly, almost too perfectly, on target, and Ryan really knows how to sing. Their charisma was unmatched by anyone but them, and Sean's stage dive got everyone laughing; he pulled one of the bouncers in with him. Sean's smile, as always, was radiant and glowing, and the rest of the band really pulled off a great attitude.

I may be getting sick of the whole pop-punk trend and this style, call it growing out of it, but I still enjoy shows like these because bands like Yellowcard really know how to put on a fun show, pleasing fans of any genre. A tour you should definitely, definitely check out if it hits your town, because Yellowcard is the perfect example of a band who's gotten huge and hasn't lost that intimate touch.

review by Andrew Martin