Pop Punk Is NOT Dead: A Month in Concerts

I will travel almost anywhere and do almost anything to see my favorite bands live. Concerts are what I live for. It’s one of the reasons I got involved in the music industry, and what makes me happier than most things in life. There is nothing like seeing your favorite bands on stage, spouting heart pounding energy, singing at the top of your lungs, hands in the air, and moving till your feet can’t give anymore.

Though I rant about how I’m too old to attend shows, the cost of tickets, lack of free time, and the pet peeves that drive me nuts, nothing will stop me from going to a great show. And in the past few months, I’ve attended quite a few awesome concerts that have reinforced this notion.

Recently, I got to check out some of the best live performances I’ve ever experienced from New Found Glory, Say Anything, and Moneen. Check out why I’m a repeat concert attendee for them:

New Found Glory

The pop-punk legends from Florida have been around for a decade. How many bands do you know are still rocktastic after ten years? I am not ashamed to admit I have been a fan since I was 15 because they never cease to disappoint me – on and off the stage. They consistently release “soft core” albums that resonate time and place in life, exclaiming “posi core” anthems. On stage, Jordan Pundik (lead singer) is Spazzy McGee running from corner to corner, imitating beats from the high-speed guitars and breakdowns of every song, and commanding the crowd as if it was a cult. Ian on bass is entertaining himself, always shirtless and sporting torn shorts with facial expressions that amuse everyone he makes eye contact with. And Chad on lead guitar is the “talker” on stage – reiterating the humble “Thank You”s and encouraging everyone to “keep the pit peace.” He has even stopped performing mid song to help injured crowd surfers and pit dancers. Not only is NFG entertaining live, their energy is contagious, even exhausting. I always walk away without a voice, and in leg pains from rocking out so hard. Worth it!

In addition to the energetic live shows that New Found Glory performs, their set list is top notch. Without skipping a beat, the band mixes songs old and new, and in between. They even let the crowd decide what songs to play sometimes too! For us old fans, it is always a treat to hear songs from off the S/T and “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” which still are popular amongst NFG fans that never forget a line. But even if you’re a new fan, NFG still brings the rock. With no need for introduction, New Found Glory transitions right into new album favorites, letting fans takeover the mic numerous times. No matter where you are at the venue, you feel apart of the show, and you leave on an incredible high.

For you fellow New Found Glory fans, be sure to check out their upcoming headlining anniversary tour with Saves the Day. You won’t want to miss out!

Say Anything

Anyone who knows me knows how Max Bemis is one of my favorite songwriters ever (check out my ink for proof). Say Anything is one of those bands that I will see live no matter what, anywhere, anytime, at any cost. My current count of seeing them live is up to 20. So when I found out they were coming to the northeast (along with Moneen as the opener) I immediately bought tickets for not only one show, but also two.

If I were ever a lead singer to a band, I would be Max Bemis. His signature voice, dance moves, piercing screams, and admired presence is what keeps fans like me coming back time after time. His rock opera life-defining albums transform audiences everywhere. Fans are not afraid to show their love for him at shows, and he returns the favor with jaw dropping performances.

So last week I caught the Say Anything tour. I was excited to see the fans were caught up on the brand new album, and the band played one of the crispest sets I’ve ever heard. Their set list was a  pleasant yet surprising change up from their usual performance of album singles. It was great to hear songs that I always sang to myself performed live for the first time. A tight live performance backed by a powerful genre-bending band was just what I was hoping for.

By the way, Say Anything’s performance a few nights later in New York City also blew me away. Say Anything threw in even more new songs, and some old demos too. One of my favorite highlights from both nights was when Max jumped into the crowd to hand over the mic, letting the crowd finish the words to the popular album closer, “Admit It!” It was a pretty incredible moment.

Moneen

Moneen is IMO the most underrated band in modern indie rock. Though they have been together for quite a while, not enough people know about them! This Canadian band has one of the most epic sounds, really. Their lyrics, similarly to New Found Glory, tell uplifting messages on love and life, but through deeper layers. Yet on stage you would have no idea.

Known for their absurdly long song-titles, Moneen has a small, yet loyal following. On stage Moneen performs eye-opening guitar stunts, like during “Start Angry…. Get Mad” lead singer, Kenny Bridges sets up for a cross-stage run where he scissor kicks the air as he throws his guitar up, landing perfectly in sync for the next tune. Every time I see them I think to myself “How can you play so perfectly when you’re doing that?!” And Hippie on guitar throws his entire body back and forth as his dreads follow suit. At the New York City show Moneen brought out Coby and Max from Say Anything to be guest performers for “Don’t Ever Tell Locke What He Can’t Do,” their single off the Red Tree. Coby killed on drums and Max screamed his lungs out during the bridge – the crowd went wild. It was one of the most intense (and best) acts I’ve ever witnessed.  But as a long-time fan, this is the usual antics of the Canadian foursome. I cannot wait for the day they do a headlining tour.

Seeing New Found Glory, Moneen and Say Anything this past month reaffirmed my thrill at live shows. These bands continue to bring the rock on stage and I cannot get enough of it. I’ll keep paying, as long as they keep playing.

By Alisha, who is waiting for the next awesome tour to come around

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