I don't seem to see any posts about Warped Tour so far, so I guess I'll start one and share my experience. Despite staying out late the night before (you cannot get me off the dance floor if the dj is spinning 80's music like New Order and The Cure and current tunes by stellastarr*, Bloc Party, etc.), I went to the one on Sunday, July 31st at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, MI. I've never burnt before, but it was so sunny and hot all day, I probably should have used sunscreen on my face cuz now my nose is pink and peeling a little. My friend and I arrived around 10am before gates opened because we wanted to just buy our tix there and make sure we got there early enough to catch a couple of our favorite local bands. And actually, they were more the reason I wanted to attend this year than for any of the main or bigger acts.
There were several stages, I can recall: Brian, Mike, Volcom, Smart Punk, Hurley, Ernie Ball, Hot Topic (Kevin Says), Local (Detroit), Myspace.com...
So two of my favorite local bands played on the Ernie Ball Stage and it was so great to see them again, as my friend and I've had the pleasure of having them as live guests on our radio shows before. In addition to being talented, they are all super nice and humble. I totally recommend checking them out:
ETTISON CLIO: Melodic and energetic, punk/rock/emo band with four guys fronted by a petite female with strong vocals. I first saw them 2 years ago on the local stage at Van's Warped and was impressed.
ISLAND VIEW DRIVE: So far, a 3-piece indie rock band with punk and reggae flavor. They're cutees too.
My friend wanted to see FALLOUT BOY, but it was insane. The crowd was endless and we couldn't really see anything so far away. We listened for a few songs and then left. (I've actually seen them before, when they opened for OK Go in Madison, WI, a couple years ago and I've never become a fan.) The band kept stopping the show to make sure that the front had enough room. I heard later that someone had gotten injured (broken neck?) at a previous show.
So my friend and I were strolling along when a cute guy approached us. He asked us if we would like to listen to his band and he also complimented my shirt, which is important cuz it's one of my faves. He started to describe the sound and then I saw the name JUPITER SUNRISE. I put the headphones on and listened, knowing I would already like it. Here is a member of the band that Rachael has recommended to us since the old okgo board, personally asking us to listen to their music! We each bought an album from Ben and he gave us both a sampler CD from their label, Undecided Records. He also told us that they were playing at the Myspace.com stage, and I told him that we'd be there if it didn't conflict with any other interests.
I made a point to catch THE KINISON this year, so now I can check them off. They're on La Salle Records (Travis Barker's label, I guess). Not too bad, they're a 5-piece almost dancey harsh-rock with a little screaming vocals. I like their one track, "Oh Boy That Girl Can Move," but they didn't play it.
I wanted to see RELIENT K, but the audience was a massive sea with constant crowd-surfers. I couldn't safely take much pictures and I couldn't enjoy the show so far away, so I left not long after my friend gave up. I did like the songs I heard tho. I'm okay with their poppy rock ("High Of 75") and their tendency to cover 80's tunes.
So we decided we would like to come into the Myspace.com TENT and enjoy the shade and show of JUPITER SUNRISE. (They're a 5-piece band, with a female keyboardist.) By then, we were both so exhausted and happy to be sitting, but I have to say the band put on a fun show and really interact with the crowd, which reminded me of OK Go! They invited anyone who wanted to go up onto the stage, become part of the band and entertain. After the show, the stage was filled again with kids wanting to chat, get pics or signatures with the band. This was cool cuz they were the final band on that stage, and it was a pleasure to meet each of them as they were all so friendly and appreciative of everyone. Awesome.
We ran into and visited with some people again, while we waited for BOYS NIGHT OUT to follow HALIFAX and finish off the Smart Punk Stage. I think they're from Canada, but I'm not sure. I only wanted to see BNO cuz their new keyboardist is the singer from local piano/guitar rock band, A IS FOR A. It was kinda weird to see Kara playing on the side, only doing back-up vocals and then not even being able to hear her. They had a pumped up and rowdy audience. While there were definitely some female fans, BNO seems to be the kind of music that boys like to rush up to the front, mosh, and shout along while pointing their fingers or raising their fists. After greeting Kara after the set, we decided we could finally call it a day and head out. Whew.
I'm not necessarily a fan but wouldn't have minded checking out these bands for the first time or again: Glib (local band, seen before), Motion City Soundtrack (saw 2 years ago at Warped), Mae, Mest, Reggie & the Full Effect, and Before I Go (local band).
So that's my summary (there ya go, Sug!), with highlights being Ettison Clio, Island View Drive, and Jupiter Sunrise. Did anyone else go or want to go?
Comments
And Motion City Soundtrack is a great band and the guys are all really nice (I saw them in April).
Anyways, I'm going to Warped next Wednesday and I'm really excited cause it's always so much fun. We hung out last year with a guy from some band who would do backflips to raise money for his band.
I went to both Buffalo, NY and Barrie, ON. I made it a point to watch bands that I generally wouldn't watch (which, oddly enough...includes Fall Out Boy).
I can't believe FOB opened for OK Go! How odd. I've been seeing FOB for 3 years now, and I hadn't seen them play their old stuff. It's great to see they still have it. I'm great friends with these boys, and it's always fun to watch them play and succeed as much as they do.
I watched Motion City Soundtrack because I know I would kick myself if I didn't. Again, I've seen them a million times but they released a new record since the last time I saw them.
I also watched the Matches, My American Heart, My Chemical Romance, A Change of Pace and Greeley Estates. I think I picked the perfect bands to watch. There were a few I didn't get to see, but wanted to...I missed them because A)I couldn't find the stage they played at the same time one of the other bands I wanted to see played or C) they just plain didn't show up.
I didn't get to watch many bands in Barrie, I just hung out with a bunch of friends from the tour. I missed Amber Pacific and Motion City so I had no motivation that day.
I'd definitely 100% recommend A Change of Pace. I was lucky enough to get to watch them at both tours and it's a shame they only played one leg of the tour because they're ridiculously good. Greeley Estates surprised me. I hate them recorded, but they were great live. My American Heart was really good, but a bit of a bore to watch. The Matches were amazing. MCR were...less than par. I think they need a new soundman (which sucks because I know their soundguy, lol).
A Change of Pace
Rawwhhh!! ACOP! I'm in love with them.
And yeah, MCR is not good live, no matter what people try to tell you and despite how good their songs are on cds.
And yeah, MCR is not good live, no matter what people try to tell you and despite how good their songs are on cds.
i thought they were good live.
the sound quality not the best... but they put on a good performance. in my opinion.
And Motion City Soundtrack is a great band and the guys are all really nice (I saw them in April).
Anyways, I'm going to Warped next Wednesday and I'm really excited cause it's always so much fun. We hung out last year with a guy from some band who would do backflips to raise money for his band.
I think I may have seen My Chemical Romance...unless it was Matchbook Romance, when they toured with Yellowcard. Whichever Romance band it was, I thought they weren't terrible....I saw My American Heart play with a bunch of local bands a few months ago and I think I thought they were okay. But mostly I remember how short the singer was, lol.
Kujo, I'm glad you like Ettison Clio! Did you watch the video or just listen to some tracks? And thanks for posting about your Warped experiences. It sounds like you made the most of both, even tho you may have missed some bands you wanted to see. That happens, but it's cool just to hang out with friends too....And I will have to check into ACOP. Thanks for the tip.
It sounds like you caught a lot more lesser-known bands (at least to me.) That's pretty cool. I remember seeing the Donnas, MxPx, Weezer, Green Day and Jurassic 5 at the one I went to. Not exactly small bands!! I may check out some of your suggestions, since you have excellent taste.
I think I may have seen My Chemical Romance...unless it was Matchbook Romance, when they toured with Yellowcard. Whichever Romance band it was, I thought they weren't terrible....I saw My American Heart play with a bunch of local bands a few months ago and I think I thought they were okay. But mostly I remember how short the singer was, lol.
Kujo, I'm glad you like Ettison Clio! Did you watch the video or just listen to some tracks? And thanks for posting about your Warped experiences. It sounds like you made the most of both, even tho you may have missed some bands you wanted to see. That happens, but it's cool just to hang out with friends too....And I will have to check into ACOP. Thanks for the tip.
My Chemical Romance seems like they actually have some potential live...but Matchbook Romance in my opinion is hopeless. As I've said before (I think?) Matchbook Romance and A Change of Pace are very similar, and what made my decision is that ACOP is 10x better live than MBR will EVER be. I have a huge problem when singer's can't sing live. Torry can definitely hold his own, though (even though he may want to say ground instead of floor sometimes, but whatevs...they're his lyrics he can mess em up).
And their drummer is to die for, too. ::drools::
I watched the video, I couldn't find any MP3s! I definitely made the most of my Warped Tours. I'm pretty depressed that my friends are going tomorrow and I can't, but I will be making money instead of spending it.
I'm not sure if I mentioned that I'm kind of "seeing" someone on the tour, and I'm mostly depressed that I won't be seeing him tomorrow night. However, he will be visiting me after the tour is over for a week, so I'm sure I won't be sad then.
Island View Drive sounds good to me. Umm, I don't actually hear their songs, I have an interest in them as I read your comment.
Jupiter Sunrise, Boys Night Out - I have to check them out.
Relient K, Motion City Soundtrack - Aww, I want to see them live!!
Frankly, my image of Warped Tour is full of skaters and punk/emo bands. I hate to say this but I feel I'm a bit too old to catch up with Warped .
And you can find Ettison Clio mp3's on Myspace and Purevolume. "Wildfire" is the poppy track and "Still Everything" just rules. But the vid is a taste of their live show and it does rock A LOT.
Oh, HELLO setsumi! Lovely to see you and thanks for reading my review! Haha, I found myself saying, "I'm getting too old for this," especially during Relient K...You're familiar with Relient K?
And you can find Ettison Clio mp3's on Myspace and Purevolume. "Wildfire" is the poppy track and "Still Everything" just rules. But the vid is a taste of their live show and it does rock A LOT.
Oh, HELLO setsumi! Lovely to see you and thanks for reading my review! Haha, I found myself saying, "I'm getting too old for this," especially during Relient K...You're familiar with Relient K?
Aha I'd definitely rather not say. It's not official or anything and I don't want to jump the gun, haha.
I will definitely check out the PV and Myspace, though. Thanks!
I saw this really funny reggae/rock group called the Fear Nuttin' Band that I really liked first. Then I saw Bleed the Dream, who I loved, and the song they wrote for their late drummer ("Broken Wings") is amazing.
Then I saw Mae, who I apparently no longer like as I was so bored during their set that I wanted to bang my head against a wall. It was terrible, and I'm pissed off that I missed one of my local bands for it.
Then we walked around some and met the guys in a Canadian band called Kiros, they weren't playing but their cd was good and they were really nice guys. We also talked to the merch guy for Monty, another band and their cd was also good, though I didn't see them play.
We saw My Chemical Romance next, who weren't bad but their sound was really terrible. I was in the pit and could barely hear their singer during the songs. Someone in the front got hurt in the middle of my favorite song, and they stopped playing while it got sorted out.
Then came Mxpx, who were absolutely amazing, I love them, and I knew all the songs they played, even though I don't even own half their albums. About an hour after they finished, my friend and I walked past their tent and the lead singer was just standing there--apparently no one recognized him? Anyways, we got pictures with him, but both of us were kind of starstruck so we didn't have a conversation with him, and of course now I'm hitting myself over the head for being an idiot.
um, we saw Atreyu and Strung Out later, and they were okay but both were too screamo for my tastes. Atreyu did cover a Bon Jovi song, though, which means I'll always like them . I skipped watching Fall Out Boy, and was amused later when I saw the ridiculously long line at the signing tent they were at in the evening. I wouldn't wait in that long of a line for any band, even my favorites, but to each his own I guess.
I saw part of Acceptance's set, which was really good (as I already loved them.) And later I saw Boys Night Out, who were also good and played a lot of their new songs. The singer was really funny between songs.
We watched a good local band called Driving East, who I've seen before and they're always fun. They're also really nice guys--they handed out some of my band's demos at their tent, even though we're really bad. Their guitarist is also really funny. Definitely check them out.
Last were the Dropkick Murphys, who are always good and the pit was fun, but their set was really short and the venue people wouldn't let them play an encore so it was somewhat disappointing. And they didn't play my favorite song, which was weird cause it's one of their most well known songs. They did do the best cover of Amazing Grace I have ever heard, though.
All in all, it was a good day, and I didn't get sunburned or too beaten up.
lmao.uhh.
lmao.uhh.
which one?
there are lke 927927927 in this thread alone.
there are lke 927927927 in this thread alone.
Ahaha I don't want to say. And he was in a band that was mentioned in the post just before that, but I didn't feel like quoting at the time because I'm lazy.
I saw this really funny reggae/rock group called the Fear Nuttin' Band that I really liked first. Then I saw Bleed the Dream, who I loved, and the song they wrote for their late drummer ("Broken Wings") is amazing.
Then I saw Mae, who I apparently no longer like as I was so bored during their set that I wanted to bang my head against a wall. It was terrible, and I'm pissed off that I missed one of my local bands for it.
Then we walked around some and met the guys in a Canadian band called Kiros, they weren't playing but their cd was good and they were really nice guys. We also talked to the merch guy for Monty, another band and their cd was also good, though I didn't see them play.
We saw My Chemical Romance next, who weren't bad but their sound was really terrible. I was in the pit and could barely hear their singer during the songs. Someone in the front got hurt in the middle of my favorite song, and they stopped playing while it got sorted out.
Then came Mxpx, who were absolutely amazing, I love them, and I knew all the songs they played, even though I don't even own half their albums. About an hour after they finished, my friend and I walked past their tent and the lead singer was just standing there--apparently no one recognized him? Anyways, we got pictures with him, but both of us were kind of starstruck so we didn't have a conversation with him, and of course now I'm hitting myself over the head for being an idiot.
um, we saw Atreyu and Strung Out later, and they were okay but both were too screamo for my tastes. Atreyu did cover a Bon Jovi song, though, which means I'll always like them . I skipped watching Fall Out Boy, and was amused later when I saw the ridiculously long line at the signing tent they were at in the evening. I wouldn't wait in that long of a line for any band, even my favorites, but to each his own I guess.
I saw part of Acceptance's set, which was really good (as I already loved them.) And later I saw Boys Night Out, who were also good and played a lot of their new songs. The singer was really funny between songs.
We watched a good local band called Driving East, who I've seen before and they're always fun. They're also really nice guys--they handed out some of my band's demos at their tent, even though we're really bad. Their guitarist is also really funny. Definitely check them out.
Last were the Dropkick Murphys, who are always good and the pit was fun, but their set was really short and the venue people wouldn't let them play an encore so it was somewhat disappointing. And they didn't play my favorite song, which was weird cause it's one of their most well known songs. They did do the best cover of Amazing Grace I have ever heard, though.
All in all, it was a good day, and I didn't get sunburned or too beaten up.
It sounds like you caught a lot more lesser-known bands (at least to me.) That's pretty cool. I remember seeing the Donnas, MxPx, Weezer, Green Day and Jurassic 5 at the one I went to. Not exactly small bands!! I may check out some of your suggestions, since you have excellent taste.
...It's okay, kujo. I'm not that nosey. I hope things are swell between you and him, whoever he is.