Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Thursday, June 25, 2015
"We Like it Quiet": Review of Sleeping with Sirens' acoustic tour
Acoustic
,
concert
,
Nick Santino
,
opinion
,
overview
,
review
,
Sleeping With Sirens
,
the Summer Set
,
Tour
BY RACHEL UNGOS
I attended the show on June 18, 2015 at the Ottobar in Baltimore, Md. In order to be in the front row, I arrived at the venue at 10 a.m. and there were still about six people in front of me already waiting.
The wait was long and boring, but the show itself definitely made it worthwhile. Nick Santino (former frontman from A Rocket to the Moon) kicked off the concert with a few of his own acoustic songs. Santino was a very humble performer and made a point to describe what each of his songs were about before playing them. This definitely made him see more amicable and easy to relate to.
Next, The Summer Set came onstage and played a handful of songs. Their set was entirely acoustic as well but still managed to incorporate the fun, upbeat energy that many of their songs possess. Lead singer Brian Dales encouraged the audience to sing, clap, and dance along to the music.
Finally, Sleeping with Sirens took the stage and the crowd went wild. The group played a mix of new and old songs, including the popular "If You Can't Hang," which is not a typically acoustic (or "quiet") song. They also played covers of "Santeria" by Sublime and "Iris"by the Goo Goo Dolls. The entire band played most of the songs, though there were a few moments where singer Kellin Quinn was accompanied only by guitarist Nick Martin.
One of the big themes for the night seemed to be jokes and banter. Between songs the guys were talking with each other and cracking jokes left and right. One that seemed to stick through the night was drummer Gabe Barham getting the audience to shout his name.
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| Sleeping With Sirens Photo by Rachel Ungos |
However, there were a couple of very serious moments during the show. The first one was when Quinn stopped in the middle of a song when he noticed that a girl in the audience had passed out. He called for security to help her our of the crowd, then proceeded to lecture the audience on the importance of drinking water when attending a show. Then, their crew brought out several bottles of water and started passing them around the audience to whoever needed them.
The next serious moment of the show was Quinn's speech about suicide before playing their song, "Better Off Dead." He expressed concerns about hearing of suicide and depression so often in the music scene's fanbase. Yet, he preached the importance of everyone acknowledging their own role in recovering from depression and suicidal thoughts, rather than crediting a band or singer for "saving" them.
Overall, the show was a great experience. The vibe was more intimate and personal, and even though it was entirely acoustic, the energy level was at an all time high. Sleeping With Sirens proved that although the music may be quiet, the energy can still be loud.
Friday, June 5, 2015
Why Fall Out Boy Has Continued to Meet "The (Shipped) Gold Standard"
REBECCA J
Poetic lyrics about all of life's moments coupled with energetic guitar riffs make Fall Out Boy easy for me to musically admire. For over a decade since their first release, this pop rock band from my hometown, Chicago, has produced nothing short of excellence.
From earlier songs such as "Dead on Arrival" to newer hits such as "The Kids Aren't Alright," this band has displayed their musical diversity that has even impressed listeners outside the scene, with songs such as "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" and "Centuries" appearing on the radio.
Primary songwriter for the band, Pete Wentz, is able to craft deep lyrics that give sustenance to emotion. The band's carefully chosen lyrics, sung by Patrick Stump with his extensive vocal range, can be fulfilling to the soul but more than just snippets from diary entries, such as "You are a getaway car, a rush of blood to the head / But me, I'm just the covers on top of your bed / You steer away in a rear view mirror, you make my head swim / I keep you warm and won't ask you where you've been," from "Champagne for my Real Friends, Real Pain for my Sham Friends."
Song titles like the aforementioned are often long and mysterious in nature, but often connect to the song's meaning somehow. These titles are often comical in nature as well, such as "Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued" and "Chicago Is So Two Years Ago."
Drummer Andy Hurley, guitarist Joe Trohman, bassist Pete Wentz, and lead singer Patrick Stump have worked well together to produce brilliant music, despite the rough patches they have experienced over the years. In HuffPost, Stump explains that him and his fellow band members "found ourselves running on fumes a little bit -- creatively and probably as people, too" not long after the release of their not entirely well-received album "Folie à Deux."
For the best interests of their music and personal wellbeing, Fall Out Boy underwent a hiatus from 2009 to 2013.
The band's comeback album in 2013, "Save Rock and Roll", was released and contained a heartfelt sound likely influenced by the experiences of members as they dealt with issues during their hiatus, such as Pete Wentz working to overcome his problem with drug abuse. Throughout the album, there are songs about nostalgia, loneliness, and emotional pain masked with more engaging beats and melodies that give listeners the chills from the band's re-ignited passion for music.
"Save Rock and Roll" has a much more radio-friendly, pop - and maybe even techno - sound (as well as shorter song titles), but the band's newer music is still adored by much of the scene due to their continuance of producing unique sounds and quality lyrics. Although the band does not talk about their hometown in songs much anymore, many more of their lyrics have taken on wider connections and meaning to the world.
Because of the broader lyrics and more techno sound, some fans of Fall Out Boy were not impressed by their newer music. However, the band kept many pre-SRAR fans and gained countless new ones who had been exposed to their new music from the radio, television ("Light 'Em Up" is featured in several sporting events), and social media. Collaborations with Big Sean and Elton John on the album, in addition to other featured artists, also helped the album appeal to a wider range of listeners.
Even with their broadened fan base and new sound, Fall Out Boy did not lose support from the alternative music industry. In mid-2014, they received the Alternative Press Award for Artist of the Year.
Later that year, Fall Out Boy released another album, "American Beauty/American Psycho." Like SRAR, this album proved to be popular with audiences outside the scene, even having the single "Immortals" featured in the Disney film Big Hero 6 and becoming the band's third Number 1 album.
Although Fall Out Boy's sound has changed since their original formation and many former fans claim the band has 'sold out,' I believe that their new sound has not hindered their credibility as a band or appeal to listeners. If anything, Fall Out Boy has proven that taking risks in the music industry can show the world that bands can successfully perform more than one style of music, as well as being able to rise again to the top after dark times.
(Disclaimer: The title is not my entirely my original intellectual property. "The (Shipped) Gold Standard" is a song by Fall Out Boy.)
Poetic lyrics about all of life's moments coupled with energetic guitar riffs make Fall Out Boy easy for me to musically admire. For over a decade since their first release, this pop rock band from my hometown, Chicago, has produced nothing short of excellence.
From earlier songs such as "Dead on Arrival" to newer hits such as "The Kids Aren't Alright," this band has displayed their musical diversity that has even impressed listeners outside the scene, with songs such as "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" and "Centuries" appearing on the radio.
Primary songwriter for the band, Pete Wentz, is able to craft deep lyrics that give sustenance to emotion. The band's carefully chosen lyrics, sung by Patrick Stump with his extensive vocal range, can be fulfilling to the soul but more than just snippets from diary entries, such as "You are a getaway car, a rush of blood to the head / But me, I'm just the covers on top of your bed / You steer away in a rear view mirror, you make my head swim / I keep you warm and won't ask you where you've been," from "Champagne for my Real Friends, Real Pain for my Sham Friends."
Song titles like the aforementioned are often long and mysterious in nature, but often connect to the song's meaning somehow. These titles are often comical in nature as well, such as "Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued" and "Chicago Is So Two Years Ago."
 |
| from left to right: Andy Hurley, Pete Wentz, Patrick Stump, and Joe Trohman during 2013. (click caption for source) |
For the best interests of their music and personal wellbeing, Fall Out Boy underwent a hiatus from 2009 to 2013.
The band's comeback album in 2013, "Save Rock and Roll", was released and contained a heartfelt sound likely influenced by the experiences of members as they dealt with issues during their hiatus, such as Pete Wentz working to overcome his problem with drug abuse. Throughout the album, there are songs about nostalgia, loneliness, and emotional pain masked with more engaging beats and melodies that give listeners the chills from the band's re-ignited passion for music.
"Save Rock and Roll" has a much more radio-friendly, pop - and maybe even techno - sound (as well as shorter song titles), but the band's newer music is still adored by much of the scene due to their continuance of producing unique sounds and quality lyrics. Although the band does not talk about their hometown in songs much anymore, many more of their lyrics have taken on wider connections and meaning to the world.
Because of the broader lyrics and more techno sound, some fans of Fall Out Boy were not impressed by their newer music. However, the band kept many pre-SRAR fans and gained countless new ones who had been exposed to their new music from the radio, television ("Light 'Em Up" is featured in several sporting events), and social media. Collaborations with Big Sean and Elton John on the album, in addition to other featured artists, also helped the album appeal to a wider range of listeners.
Even with their broadened fan base and new sound, Fall Out Boy did not lose support from the alternative music industry. In mid-2014, they received the Alternative Press Award for Artist of the Year.
Later that year, Fall Out Boy released another album, "American Beauty/American Psycho." Like SRAR, this album proved to be popular with audiences outside the scene, even having the single "Immortals" featured in the Disney film Big Hero 6 and becoming the band's third Number 1 album.
Although Fall Out Boy's sound has changed since their original formation and many former fans claim the band has 'sold out,' I believe that their new sound has not hindered their credibility as a band or appeal to listeners. If anything, Fall Out Boy has proven that taking risks in the music industry can show the world that bands can successfully perform more than one style of music, as well as being able to rise again to the top after dark times.
(Disclaimer: The title is not my entirely my original intellectual property. "The (Shipped) Gold Standard" is a song by Fall Out Boy.)
Why Fall Out Boy Got It Right The First Time
LIV SLABY
It must be 2005; Fall Out Boy is on the radio again. But this time, they've completely reinvented themselves as pop artists and the raw, youthful whirlwind of emotion of their music in the early 2000s is long gone. I've been trying to put my finger on why I just can't fall head over heels for Fall Out Boy's post-hiatus music like almost everyone else, and this is my attempt to do so.
Music, like everything else, should evolve and change with time. And yes, I completely respect Fall Out Boy and I'm not trying to bash them for changing their sound. But honestly, "Take This To Your Grave" and "From Under The Cork Tree" were their best albums. You won't find their cleverly crafted insults (ex. "Stop burning bridges and drive off of them / so I can forget about you") in their newer music. Their sound was angst-driven, passionate, and a perfect balance of pop punk and rock. "Save Rock And Roll" and "American Beauty/American Psycho" feel less honest, more detached, and harder to relate to.
Maybe it's because I'm from Chicago. Maybe it's because I'm young. Listening to their earlier music, it feels like Fall Out Boy is our band, Chicago's band, because they were still just kids from Chicago like us. But they don't write lyrics about Chicago anymore and they're the world's band, and it feels like they've fallen out of touch with their roots. Their lyrics are still incredible, but they just don't resonate with me the same way the old ones do. As sad as it is, some of the best art comes from the artist's suffering. Pete Wentz's struggles with depression and anxiety led to some of Fall Out Boy's best songs because they showed vulnerability and staggering emotional depth. He has said that writing those songs was therapeutic and performing them was cathartic, and it feels like some of that power is lost on their new music. Songs like "7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen)" are what truly reach out and grab at the hearts of young people who understand their meaning all too well.
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| Fall Out Boy in 2002 |
The overproduction of Fall Out Boy's newer music is what leads to a sense of detachment. It's good music, don't get me wrong, but some of the honesty is lost when you can barely hear the instruments over electronics added in post production. I understand why they're doing it - they want to try something new and keep up with current trends, not to mention that mainstream music has far more money in it than alternative music - but it's not their best work and the sound doesn't fit them as well as the youthful, rage-and-passion fueled sound of their first couple albums.
Fall Out Boy shouldn't remake "Take This To Your Grave" or "From Under The Cork Tree" because that's not who they are or where they are in their lives anymore. But they should look back on those albums and be proud, because they created something truly amazing. They shouldn't stop making music because they've already done their best, either; kudos to them for branching out into new areas of music. But they should realize that what they had on their first couple albums was something that many artists never achieve, and unlike most bands, they got it right the first time.
Ronnie Radke's Three-Ring Circus Brings Down The House of Blues in Chicago
LIV SLABY
I drove into the city on May 29 with my friend and very low expectations for the show we were about to see. Several months ago, I bought Falling In Reverse tickets on a whim, but as we approached one of Chicago's most beautiful venues, I was starting to regret my decision. Considering the sheer amount of people who said "I'm sorry" when I told them I was going to a Falling In Reverse show paired with the reputation they have (ahem, kicking people out and throwing mic stands), I was a bit concerned that I was wasting my money. The show started later than I thought it did, leaving my friend and I squished together in a hot room for two hours. However, I tried to keep a smile on my face, and when the opening band Ghost Town came on I breathed a sigh of relief.
Ghost Town had great sound quality and gave an entertaining performance, but no one really knew their music so the crowd experience wasn't very exciting. Ghost Town's blend of rock and electronic pop was refreshing; Falling In Reverse picked a good opener. Next up was Falling in Reverse themselves performing the entirety of "Dying is Your Latest Fashion," a feat that would require a lot of stamina considering they would turn around afterwards and play a normal hour long set. Finally hearing "Not Good Enough For Truth In Cliche" live (pardon the cliche) made my heart jump for joy, "The Webs We Weave" was an absolutely magical opening statement, and their performance of "The Day I Left The Womb" was just as emotional and heartfelt as the song deserves.
Never to be outdone - even by themselves - Falling In Reverse hopped back onstage after their musical trip down memory lane, this time in front of a circus tent backdrop decorated with flashing strings of lights. They opened with "Chemical Prisoner," which features one of their best guitar solos, technically complex and full of beautiful runs. From the start, it was clear that the pit was pretty intense, and the show had a minimal number of twelve-year-olds in attendance unlike what I was prepared for. "Rolling Stone" was one of the most memorable songs, the band giving it their all as the audience tried to keep up with the constant switching between rap, pop and metalcore. During the breakdown before the final chorus, the audience went absolutely wild, and many - myself included - dove into the pit.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when singer Ronnie Radke introduced a song by splitting the crowd down the middle and saying, "If you brought an infant or a toddler tonight, I want you to throw them right in the middle of that pit, this is the heaviest song you'll ever hear." I was immediately filled with buzzing nerves, but I barely had time to process my fear before the band launched into "Bad Girls Club," complete with neon colored strobe lights. I danced my ass off during that song, 80's club style, and probably made a complete fool of myself. The best part was that I didn't care at all, and no one else did either. I fell in love with "Guillotine IV (The Final Chapter)" that night (which I highly recommend you check out, it's gnarly), and had an amazing time jamming to "Alone" even though it's a total guilty pleasure song. Ronnie's energy captivated the crowd that night and brought us all together. As I found out, a Falling in Reverse show is the only place you can mosh, dance like you're in the club, and get the experience of a rap concert all in one.
From the moment Ronnie started a sentence with, "I am very, very aware....", fans erupted with screams and streamers flew through the air as Falling In Reverse launched into their final song, "Just Like You." Audience members put their arms around each other and swayed back and forth, and in that moment I realized the true bonding power of music, even if it's not the best or most meaningful music. I walked in to House of Blues that night with the bar set very low, and I left covered in streamers, with several new friends and the memories of the most amazing night I'd had in a long time. Well done, Falling In Reverse - people can say what they want, but you really know how to put on a damn good show.
I drove into the city on May 29 with my friend and very low expectations for the show we were about to see. Several months ago, I bought Falling In Reverse tickets on a whim, but as we approached one of Chicago's most beautiful venues, I was starting to regret my decision. Considering the sheer amount of people who said "I'm sorry" when I told them I was going to a Falling In Reverse show paired with the reputation they have (ahem, kicking people out and throwing mic stands), I was a bit concerned that I was wasting my money. The show started later than I thought it did, leaving my friend and I squished together in a hot room for two hours. However, I tried to keep a smile on my face, and when the opening band Ghost Town came on I breathed a sigh of relief.
Never to be outdone - even by themselves - Falling In Reverse hopped back onstage after their musical trip down memory lane, this time in front of a circus tent backdrop decorated with flashing strings of lights. They opened with "Chemical Prisoner," which features one of their best guitar solos, technically complex and full of beautiful runs. From the start, it was clear that the pit was pretty intense, and the show had a minimal number of twelve-year-olds in attendance unlike what I was prepared for. "Rolling Stone" was one of the most memorable songs, the band giving it their all as the audience tried to keep up with the constant switching between rap, pop and metalcore. During the breakdown before the final chorus, the audience went absolutely wild, and many - myself included - dove into the pit.
 |
| Ronnie Radke performing on the Three-Ring Circus - source |
A particularly memorable moment occurred when singer Ronnie Radke introduced a song by splitting the crowd down the middle and saying, "If you brought an infant or a toddler tonight, I want you to throw them right in the middle of that pit, this is the heaviest song you'll ever hear." I was immediately filled with buzzing nerves, but I barely had time to process my fear before the band launched into "Bad Girls Club," complete with neon colored strobe lights. I danced my ass off during that song, 80's club style, and probably made a complete fool of myself. The best part was that I didn't care at all, and no one else did either. I fell in love with "Guillotine IV (The Final Chapter)" that night (which I highly recommend you check out, it's gnarly), and had an amazing time jamming to "Alone" even though it's a total guilty pleasure song. Ronnie's energy captivated the crowd that night and brought us all together. As I found out, a Falling in Reverse show is the only place you can mosh, dance like you're in the club, and get the experience of a rap concert all in one.
From the moment Ronnie started a sentence with, "I am very, very aware....", fans erupted with screams and streamers flew through the air as Falling In Reverse launched into their final song, "Just Like You." Audience members put their arms around each other and swayed back and forth, and in that moment I realized the true bonding power of music, even if it's not the best or most meaningful music. I walked in to House of Blues that night with the bar set very low, and I left covered in streamers, with several new friends and the memories of the most amazing night I'd had in a long time. Well done, Falling In Reverse - people can say what they want, but you really know how to put on a damn good show.
Watch Falling In Reverse's full set on Yahoo! Live here.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
New Bring Me The Horizon Live Video: "House Of Wolves"
On May 15 we were hit with a new live video of the British metalcore band Bring Me The Horizon. The video, filmed during the song "House Of Wolves" at Wembley Arena which comes from their latest album "Sempiternal", will be featured on a live DVD of the band's entire Wembley show, out July 24.
This video is an example of why you should try your hardest to go to a Bring Me show at least once in your life. Lead singer Oliver Sykes shows, once again, how capable he is of making a whole room full of people jump and go crazy while his bandmates support every note he sings with music that makes you want to scream every word back.
The video starts with a small intro from Sykes, asking the crowd to make at least four circle pits, after which he almost roars “Are you f------ deaf, show us a f------ circle pit” when they don't obey him immediately. This seemed to be the signal for the song the start, as only a few moments after Sykes pronounced these words the band burst into song, showing us exactly what we had missed.
The band's performance left me with only one word in my mind: outstanding. Watching this video alone makes me want to start a mosh pit in my room, so I can only imagine how it will be to watch the entire show.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Bandoms: Why can't we all just get along?
First of all, take the idea that there is even such a thing as a "good" or "bad" fan, and throw it out the window. The notion that anyone has to join such a vicious time-and-money-consuming competition is absolutely absurd. You like the music? Congratulations, you're a fan.
Every band has a fanbase or "fandom", which in the tumblr sphere of the music scene, is cleverly referred to as "bandom." While we cannot escape the inevitable random formation, we can abide by some guidelines to make sure everyone gets along. Here is a list of helpful tips for surviving the bandom:
Every band has a fanbase or "fandom", which in the tumblr sphere of the music scene, is cleverly referred to as "bandom." While we cannot escape the inevitable random formation, we can abide by some guidelines to make sure everyone gets along. Here is a list of helpful tips for surviving the bandom:
- As mentioned before, there is no competition when it comes to "biggest fans."
- Don't hate on band members' significant others
- Don't hate on people for listening to or not listening to leaked songs
- Don't create drama where there isn't any- Rumors are the worst!
- Don't put people down for not seeing a band live, etc.
- Let fan fiction writers do their thing (Just don't bring it up to the bands, okay?)
- Finding the bassist more attractive than the lead singer does not make you 'cool' or 'unique', and (yet again) doesn't give you the right to put down people that like the lead singer.
- Also, so what if they're cute? Don't accuse people of only liking a band because of looks. Basically, just let people have their faves and don't question it.
- Don't shame others for not knowing all the lyrics to every song. (Especially if you're a Fall Out Boy fan.)
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Concert Etiquette
BY LIV SLABY
After much deliberation and careful planning, we have decided that these are the commandments of showgoing.
1. Do not cut in line. If there is a line to get into the venue, don't be the guy who thinks it's okay to push right past the people who have been there for hours. This goes for the merch line too.
2. Do not film the entire show. Pay attention to your surroundings! Stop waving your phone around, trying to catch every movement of your favorite band member. Not only are you basically ruining the experience for yourself because you're preoccupied with saving the memories for later, but you're also blocking people's view. Not to say that some pictures or videos aren't okay!
After much deliberation and careful planning, we have decided that these are the commandments of showgoing.
1. Do not cut in line. If there is a line to get into the venue, don't be the guy who thinks it's okay to push right past the people who have been there for hours. This goes for the merch line too.
2. Do not film the entire show. Pay attention to your surroundings! Stop waving your phone around, trying to catch every movement of your favorite band member. Not only are you basically ruining the experience for yourself because you're preoccupied with saving the memories for later, but you're also blocking people's view. Not to say that some pictures or videos aren't okay!
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Why The Front Bottoms Deserve More Of Your Attention
BY LIV SLABY
Their songs are simply constructed and often vocally driven, with lyrics that tell a story as much as they are poetic. Many of their songs are often quoted on tumblr due to their themes of young love and heartbreak. Their music is upbeat and happy, with just enough of a bitter, blue edge that it is acceptable to cry to it one night and play at a pool party the next.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Bands to Watch: Speak Low If You Speak Love
bands to watch
,
opinion
,
pop punk
,
ryan scott graham
,
speak low if you speak love
,
vans warped tour
,
warped tour
Pop-punk bassist goes indie rock
BY LIV SLABY
You might not know who Ryan Scott Graham is, but you probably know the band he plays bass in, as it is none other than State Champs. Although State Champs is defined by a clear, upbeat and stereotypically pop punk sound, Graham's solo project Speak Low If You Speak Love is the polar opposite. Self-described as "emotional indie rock", Speak Low If You Speak Love brings a fresh sound to the acoustic scene.
BY LIV SLABY
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Front Porch Step
fps
,
front porch step
,
jake mcelfresh
,
news
,
opinion
My opinion on the issue
BY LIV SLABY
Jake McElfresh, better known as Front Porch Step, transformed from a rising star and poster boy for teenage struggles (and Tumblr's many emo/pop-punk blogs) to someone whose albums were being burned as the result of a whirlwind of hate transpiring overnight. Sexual harassment allegations surfaced in December of 2014 and Front Porch Step's biggest fans quickly became his biggest enemies.
BY LIV SLABY
Jake McElfresh, better known as Front Porch Step, transformed from a rising star and poster boy for teenage struggles (and Tumblr's many emo/pop-punk blogs) to someone whose albums were being burned as the result of a whirlwind of hate transpiring overnight. Sexual harassment allegations surfaced in December of 2014 and Front Porch Step's biggest fans quickly became his biggest enemies.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Ronnie Radke: What I Learned From The Scene’s Most Controversial Frontman
How his actions both inspire me and teach me what not to do
BY LIV SLABY
I could go on for hours about how music is the air that fills my lungs, a colorful decoration of time and space that gives my life purpose and makes me feel absolutely every emotion that exists and more. But if you’re reading this, there is a good chance you feel the same way, or at least understand what I’m talking about. That being said, I’m just going to write about one person: Ronnie Radke.
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