Show Review

Q. What do you get when you take a roomful of 13 - 16 old teenagers and mix in This Providence and June music?

A. Raging hormones.

So yes, music by This Providence and June is great for getting the youngsters all riled up. Does it do anything for the 18 + crowd who's probably too jaded to have a good time anyways? No.

All joking aside, this show was a blast if for no other reason than Park being on the bill, but more of this later.

Tyler Reed opened this package tour show. Simply put, they rocked it. Aside from playing music that doesn't really appeal to me, I was quite impressed. I'm sure if they live in their van long enough, they will have a savage fanbase. They have quite a bit of modern rock main-stream appeal, and I wouldn't be surprised if one of the mighty major labels swooped in to take them under their wing.

After Tyler Reed played, it was time for Park and the sole reason I made the journey to northern Jersey.

This was my sixth time seeing Park and my fifth time within the last year. Every time I see them perform it's like a little reminder as to why I spend so much time endulged in the indie-rock scene. I don't know if you've noticed, but more times than not I feel let down and disappointed in what the scene has become.

However, for the moment, Park reminded me that bands with integrity and honesty still exist. They also reminded me that some bands still care about playing their instruments and playing them well.

Park's short set was filled with songs from all three of their full-lengths. However, they continue doing a great job of not playing "Mississippi Burning" at any of the shows I've been to in the past few months. I kind of wish they would knock this off because it's one of the best songs released this year, and easily one of the best on "Building A Better _____." Oh well, maybe next time they'll play it. I mean, a boy can dream, right?

On with the show!

This Providence played next, que the mass hysteria. Girls screaming and crying and clinging to every word expunged from the band's mouth. I'm sure they broke every girl's heart in the audience. And with that being said, they get my vote for the best live-sounding boy band Fueled By Ramen has exposed to the masses thus far.

Note to self: bring a water hose next time I attend a June show.

Obviously, being the headliner of this show, June closed out the night. And why wouldn't a few kids start making out during their set? Seriously, I thought the little punk was going to suck that poor girl's face off. I wish I wouldn't have been standing directly behind these two while they were swapping spit. I didn't need to see that. What's that saying again? Oh I remember, get a room! Oh wait, they can't do that because they're not old enough to rent a hotel.

But I'm just a bitter old man to these pups. Young love is perplexing, but it's fitting because this is what June is all about, adolencent love. Unfortunately, they will get zero love from me as I couldn't distingush one song from the other. It sounded like one giant ball of bad. Maybe it had something to do with their month-long break from playing live shows...

Whatever. At least Park melted my face off. And if nothing more the show was "interesting."

review by Robby Lester