We the Kings, Forever the Sickest Kids and The Cab, April 11, The Pageant, Saint Louis

We the Kings


Forever the Sickest Kids
The Cab

Forever the Sickest Kids on April 11th at The Pageant, Saint Louis

Plastic guns blazing, Forever the Sickest Kids took the stage.  They opened their set with an "old western" skit, behind them a cartoon  illustration of all members of FTSK riding horses in a 'shoot-em-up' scene.  It was a playful start to a powerful set.

Overall, FTSK sounded much cleaner than the last time I saw them at Pop's a few months ago.  Whether this was due to the actual sound in the venue or just playing tighter I am not sure.  The volume level was great, as it wasn't the kind of my-ears-are-bleeding-loud that has probably attributed to the partial loss of my hearing!

Lead vocalist Jonathan Cook's preferred thrashing movements on stage don't always agree with his corded microphone, luckily he had a roadie whose sole purpose was to un-tangle the mic.  They played fan favorites from both their first EP "Television Off, Party On" and their debut album "Underdog Alma Mater."  These included "Hey Brittany", "My Worst Nightmare", "The way she moves", "Breakdown", "Becky Starz", "Believe me I'm lying", "Whoa oh!", "She's a Lady" and "I don't know about you but I came to dance."  It was a decent length set, but I found myself saying "ahh already, they just started!" when they left the stage.  

FTSK drummer Kyle Burns, with his bleach blonde hair and Hannah Montana tee, was amusing to watch.  Because he plays by most standards, a smaller set, he is very visible on stage.  He drives the six piece group well though, intense and creative.  Do you remember Jim Henson's Muppets from Sesame Street? Burns reminds me of "Animal" the crazy monster drummer in the Muppets band, mostly in the way he moves and plays wildly.  But of course I mean this as a complement, after all, "Animal" was inspired by Keith Moon (famed drummer of The Who).

I am really looking forward to seeing the six guys again on Tuesday, May 19 at The Blue Note in Columbia, MO.  They will be playing with The White Tie Affair, The Audition, A Rocket to the Moon and Friday Night Boys.

In the two photos, lead vocalist Jonathan Cook is mobbed by young fans with requests to put his John Hancock on anything from Vans slip on shoes to ticket stubs from the show.  

The Cab on April 11th at The Pageant, Saint Louis

I had a minor panic attack on the way to The Pageant on Saturday, a few things stood in the way of getting inside in time to see the openers:  a traffic jam and a friend without a ticket to a sold-out show.  The traffic, finally allowed us to dodge enough 13 year old girls to park and the friend ended up paying $50 to a scalper for a ticket.  But, I would argue that the show was worth every penny spent.

We got inside just in time for The Cab to hit the stage.    Alex Deleon (lead vocals) oozed vocal confidence, fully utilizing his wide range.  His voice brings to mind Justin Timberlake's off his album "FutureSexLoveSound."  He sounded fresh, despite the Cab's recent tour heavy schedule. Right now they are on the Wonka Candy Bamboozle tour.  Their set was filled with most of the fan favorites off their only album to date (Whisper War) including "That 70's Song", "Bounce" and several others.  They somewhat surprized me when they played "Disturbia", the recent song made famous by Rhianna that they recorded for the new Pop Goes Punk album.  "It's time to get a little bit creepy,"  said Deleon before tackling the song.  It was fun, and the song still held its dark pop feel.  Without guitarists' skillful Ian Crawford's additions however, the song wouldn't have felt like The Cab's own interpretation. Crawford's soloing glistened as a high point in the set as he seemed to channel a Hendrix/Clapton/Mayer-esce energy when he stepped forward onto the higher end of the stage.  The Cab got the crowd in the right mood for the rest of the bands, Deleon urging them on the whole way "Are you ready to dance, this song, its called That 70's Song!" 

This picture of Ian Crawford and me (thanks Louis!) was taken after the show.  I was amazed at how he seems much larger on stage with a guitar - but he has a huge personality and was a really nice guy.  He was taking time to talk to everyone and even asked me what my blog address was cause he said he wanted to take a look...too bad I was so starstruck I almost blanked on what my web URL was!

More posts (and photos!) to come about the Forever the Sickest Kids and We the Kings performances!

Shiny Toy Guns hits the road with All-American Rejects

Shiny Toy Guns and All-American Rejects...to music fans this may sound like a strange tour pairing but I think that this show would have a lot to offer fans of both.  All-American Rejects would have a huge draw, especially since they just released an album and the Shinys (who also recently released an album) will reach arguably a larger fan base.  While I happen to be fans of both, I think that the more pop friendly crowd that AAR may draw will appreciate the more electro-goth sound of the Shiny Toy Guns.

According to a meassage board post from the Shiny Toy Guns myspace account, "I WANNA ROCK" is what this tour is named...a simple name.  But simply this tour will be incredibly loud.  incredibly melodic..."  

I think that this will be a win-win for fans of both bands.  

Alex Strife, All About the Benjamins and Our Children's Children at the Cherry Street Artisan, Columbia MO on February 19th

Thursday night, I went to the Cherry Street Artisan to see a couple groups that I have not yet been aware of.  My boyfriend Louis had seen It's All About the Benjamins last week when they opened for Josephine Collective and thought that they sounded really tight.  So,  I thought that it would be a great chance to see some fresh live music.

I'm really glad that I went because all three acts were really talented and its too bad that there were not that many people there.  I think there were around 20 people in the Artisan last night.  But, according to a friend of mine, Jessica Wakeford, who never misses a It's All About the Benjamins show, "the last time they played here the place was packed."

The show opened with an acoustic set by Alex Strife.  As he started playing, he said "I'm Alex Strife, people call me the beard."  Many of Strife's songs last night were covers, Strife said "because I don't really write music anymore.  I've kinda retired from writing music."  Strife clearly didn't take himself too seriously, as he said this while laughing. There was numerous requests from the audience to play "Warpaint",  which he replied to with "dude, I don't wanna play that song, I don't know the words!"  

Strife seemed to be having a good time and his set felt natural as something you might hear in a local coffee shop.  He sang songs about the south, giving them a forelorn feeling.  It was as though he was singing of a long lost love, the love being a southern culture not familiar to most midwesterners.  

 The songs he choose for the most part had beautiful and sleepy melodies.  His bearded appearance gave the impression that he was older and wiser than most of the audience, but I found out from Louis that he actually attended high school with him, which makes him my age.

 The second group, It's all About the Benjamins, I was feeling really excited to hear their sound for the first time.  Louis said earlier that night, "you'll really like these guys, they kinda remind me of The Honorary Title."  

They took the small stage with a rough start, they were having trouble sound-checking and after a startling sound, the lead singer said "Well that's a preview of our new album, what do you think?"  It sort of made everyone laugh and forgiving of the time it was taking to get going.  The album he was talking about is set to be released at the end of March.  These guys clearly love what they do, made apparent by the playful back and forth dance by the lead vocalist and guitarist during the first song.    

Some of their songs reminded me of The Maine, as well as their playful stage presence.  The guitarists had solid solos throughout the set.  The lead singer has a very wide vocal range, enabling him to take the songs in many different directions.  Their first single is "Love is Blind" and they choose to play the song last.  You can listen to the track on the band's myspace.

It's all About the Benjamins is also playing at the Cherry Street Artisan on March 12.  

The last group, Our Children's Children all sat down in a line in chairs for their set, lending them to a more laid back vibe.  They didn't rely on flashy antics or even customs guitars, just music.  During one song, one of the guitarists set his guitar facing up on his lap and played it as if it was a steel guitar.  It made that song stand out in my head - it was very creative.  Their songs contained a lot of emotion and each member was contributing on his own level, but it somehow still remained tight.  I would have liked this group to interact more with the audience, but after all it was a set in a coffee house.

Check out It's all About the Benjamins and Our Children's Children on myspace.  

Photo of It's About the Benjamins 

AP magazine's Tim Karan's refresher course on Blink-182

One of AP magazine's bloggers, Tim Karan, has added a great "refresher course" on all things Blink-182... it's kinda fun check it out...

Blink-182 and an appearance at Vans' Warped Tour?

By now I'm sure you have heard the good news for those of us who grew up on the pop-punk of Blink-182, they are back together and working on an album.

But are they planning on jumping on the Vans' Warped Tour this summer?

On the bands' official website, they write a brief message explaining that they have "reformed friendships" and conclude with only "Summer 09."  But why the cryptic message? Is summer 09 simply the planned release date of the new album?  Are they going on their own tour?  

In interviews, drummer Travis Barker, guitarist Tom DeLonge, and bassist Mark Hoppus have all hinted at touring.  They also appeared together, the first time in several years together on stage at the Grammy's and said that they wanted to start playing music together again.

As a Blink fan from the beginning, I cannot wait to see what comes from these three this summer, whether it is an album, a tour, a Warped Tour appearance or even better, all three.

photo taken from Rollingstone.com

We the Kings, The Maine, The Cab, Versa Emerge and There for Tomorrow set to play the Blue Note, Feb. 26th

So, I am getting excited for this show (the Secret Valentine Tour)...We really haven't had a show lineup like this in Columbia for a couple of months.  I plan to be there so...you should too!

I've checked out these guys' myspace pages and several cities have already sold out, so I think I'm going to grab my tickets soon.

The Faint

October 19, 2008

The Blue Note, Columbia MO

I have only been recently introduced to The Faint, but I now understand why this group has such an extensive discography (13 albums).  The Faint was fresh from a European tour - Columbia was actually to be the first stop on the U.S. tour.

After the first couple of songs, vocalist Todd Fink exclaimed "this is our first time trying some of this stuff out."

FInk was outfitted in what seemed to be WWII era flying goggles and a long white blazer, which looked like it could have been a lab coat from an asylum in the 1960's.  His entire look was that of a mad musical scientist - mixing beats, voice mods and somewhat bizarre movements.

What Fink was talking about with his previous remark was not clear because to the audience the entire show was seamless.  If you have never been to a Faint show, go to the nearest show during their current tour!  You will not regret it.

The flashing lights were sometimes slightly dissying, but mostly they helped to set the scene as that of an other-worldly experience.  It is slightly rave-like, yet futuristic and dance-driven.  

The unbelievable thing was that they not only played but presented an entire production of creative lights, multi-media projections on a large screen behind the group, an extensive set and unstoppable energy.  The Faint progressed into each song with such fervor, there was little time left for anyone to give any social or political commentary to the crowd (something rare so close to the elections.)  The only sign of political angst included the track "paranoiaatack" and a closing statement by one of the group's members leaving the stage quickly passing the main mic, "vote for Obama!"

When the Faint left the stage for the first time - the crowd was in a stunned daze - especially me.  I couldn't believe their raw talent, musicianship and polish.  Most of the members during at least one point in the show switched instruments.  Even Fink played the synth for a few songs while still managing to sing and put on an entertaining show.

While the Faint has been on the international music scene since 1995, the group has a long future if they keep doing live shows with such power and intensity and continue releasing albums like their most recent "Faciinatiion."

Forever the Sickest Kids (The Sassy Back tour with Cobra Starship, Hit the Lights and Sing it Loud)

October 18, 2008
Ok, so this venue, which up until this point I have not yet has the chance to see a show at is not the kinda place a girl goes by herself - hence why I went with a couple of The Makeshift Gentlemen, Louis Brown and Joe Swigunski.  "Pop's" across the river from St. Louis and technically in Sauget, IL is literally between two neon strip clubs.

We made our way into the venue, which looks much like a metal barn.  But the place is actually really well suited to show, the state is roomy (several full drum kits, guitar stands, etc. fit comfortably along with the performing act and their equipment.)  However, drinking became much less desirable when we questioned the bartender on prices.  Anyway, bottled water in hand we made our way towards to stage.  We were just in tome to see Forever the Sickest Kids.  Perfect.

Ironically, as we were elbowing our way through the sea of mainly 13-year-olds and their parents, one of these kids yells right into my ear:  

"POSER!"

It kinda funny because the only thing that might have made me stand out from the crowd may have been my age.  I was wearing the required "uniform", black chucks slightly dirty (like they have been in a couple mosh pits, which actually happened at The Used show in July - a fat guy came out of nowhere and stomped on my foot and I wasn't sure if it was broken or not for awhile), black skinny jeans and slightly teased hair.

So, by this time FTSK is about to hit the stage.  Now I had never seen them live before this show so I was kinda wondering how they were going to sound live.  For those of you not familiar, FTSK has 6 members.  This is a lot of sound that has the potential to sound undefined.  Unfortunately, this proved to be true that night probably due to the fact that their sound was most likely from a secondary sound system.  Or they could have had someone mixing their sound that didn't know exactly what they were doing.  For me it was not a deal-breaker, but it was a show that I walked away with severely buzzing ears from.  

Despite any sound issues, FTSK put on a real show.  They broke onto the stage bringing with them a sense of youthful excitement, which mirrored the feeling of the crowd well.  You could have literally put any member on stage by himself with whatever he plays and you would have a show.  FTSK engaged the fans with ferocious intensity.  They held the kids in the palm of their hands, the kids responded to any request by FTSK to clap, jump, mosh or just go crazy.

One of the ways FTSK did was was with a rhinestone encrusted mic stand with "FTSK" glittering down the front (much like Steven Tylers scarved mic stands this has become a well known aspect to their shows).  The top of the stand was bendable enough to be sung towards the fans by Jonathan Cook during choruses.  This of course got the kids jumping and screaming the lyrics off both of their albums, the newest, "Underdog Alma Matter" and "Television Off, Party On".  

FSTK is Jonathan Cook (vocals), Caleb Turman (Guitar, vocals), Marc Stewart (guitar), Austin Bello (bass), Kent Garrison (keyboards), Kyle Burns (drums).

note: this photo was taken from FTSK's myspace page.