EastScene

While walking past the unfamiliar faces standing in line for the New Found Glory concert, I tried to peg the type of fan that this tour had wrangled up. I came across an interesting observation: for every kid in a dark hoodie and black eyeliner, there was a girl with bleach blonde hair, a fake tan, and a gold knock-off purse; for every young dude in a fedora and horn rimmed glasses, there was a 20-something-year-old yuppie in cufflinks. It takes an intensely charismatic group of bands to pull in a diverse crowd such as that and keep them cheering until the end; Fireworks, Set Your Goals, Bayside and New Found Glory did just that.

Shai Hulud, a metal band from the states, was originally expected to open the shows but due to undisclosed reasons, they left the tour. That’s when pop punk wonders ‘Fireworks’ stepped up to the plate to finish the remaining scheduled dates. What incredible good fortune for those of us in the crowd. Fireworks lived up to their name as they showered the audience with intensity and passion. From the second they stepped on stage, people became determined to match the band’s energy and it didn’t take long before it was a mutual exchange between performer and spectator. It was a brilliant set to watch and that was confirmed when Set Your Goals came on stage afterwards and instead of promoting themselves, they told everyone to pick up Fireworks’ new album.

Set Your Goals performed to a group of very impassioned fans and expert moshers alike. Adding fuel to the fire, they would pump up the audience by telling them to mosh harder or start circles of death. It was fantastic to see the fierceness of the kids when their hard work was appreciated; it ain’t easy pushing and shoving for long periods of time. Set Your Goals played a tight set and really stirred things up. Unfortunately, because the room temperature sky rocketed, I had to take a breather halfway through their set, ‘hydration’ is right up there with ‘great music’ in my ‘things I need to live’ list.

Following Set Your Goals was my personal favourite of the lot, Bayside. This was my first time seeing them perform and I was thrilled. They exceeded expectations by playing as though their melodies came to them effortlessly. All of their attention was directed to the individuals singing along. The band had a lot of devoted fans and I had the pleasure of hearing their interpretations of the lyrics in my ears from all sides as they belted them towards the stage. I loved every song they played, especially when they busted out my favourite track of theirs, ‘Boy.’ They played a fantastic set overall and I can’t wait to see them on Warped!

Last but definitely not least, New Found Glory took to the stage. These madmen have years of experience in putting on a great show, and it was proved that night. Every band member gave their all to the performance and they never missed a beat. It was my first time seeing New Found Glory and I was taken aback by how much I liked them. I was never a big fan of their work, but after seeing them perform I definitely have a new appreciation for what they do.

Near the end of the last set, an intoxicated woman to my left turned to her equally intoxicated friend and exclaimed “Tonight is like, so good!”

I couldn’t have put it better myself.