Radio Free Chicago

Down, Down, Down, to Mojoes of Joliet

Upon entering Mojoes of Joliet on December 5th, I approached the stage to find pop/rock six-piece Rodeo Ruby Love opening the night with confidence to a full house.  With catchy hooks and feel-good tracks that make you want to shuffle your feet, I highly recommend looking them up and giving them a listen. Check out their songs "Secrets" and "A Small House in the City."

Reel Big Fish, the always-entertaining and very fashionable ska vets, put on a high energy performance leaving the crowd sweaty and exhausted after non-stop dancing. With a set-list comprised of hits like "Trendy," "She Has a Girlfriend Now," and "Where Have You Been?" the entire crowd was singing along and having a great time.  RBF is the kind of timeless group that kids and their parents can enjoy, but not necessarily together, because what high-school freshman wants to go to a show with their parents? None. Exactly.

Later, when headliners Streetlight Manifesto took the stage it was as if all hell had broken lose.  Choosing to open with intense "Watch it Crash," the entire crowd went completely haywire. For once, I was glad that I wasn't down in the crowd because I probably would have died. Watching safely from the second floor, I could see how insane the crowd was down below, dancing and singing along to every track.

A variety of songs from each of their albums were showcased that evening, including: "A Moment of Silence," from 2003's Everything Goes Numb; "We Will Fall Together," off of 2007's Somewhere in the Between; and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," one of their covers from 2010's concept album 99 Songs of Revolution: Vol 1.

After the stage-diving had ceased, rowdy kids from the crowd quit trying to fight security, and kids began to file out of the venue, I had the chance to sit down and chat with Lionize. These guys played second, and let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised. Going into this show, I honestly did not know what to expect. I only had a small idea of what they sounded like, and not much information on what they were all about.

First of all, let me tell you that Nate Bergman's vocals blew me away, you don't hear a voice like this often. Admittedly, I enjoyed this band more live than I did when I listened to their recordings. They have a certain presence on stage that took hold of me. During the interview, Bergman shared that he is self-taught mostly due to, "A lot of years of losing my voice and doing it completely incorrectly." The pain paid off. Bergman's vocals, mixed with strong instrumentals give Lionize a sound that one second resembles 70's rock, and the next incorporates reggae beats.

With the 2011 Vans Warped Tour under their belts, a new album they got to record in Jamaica which is now available online and in stores everywhere, and this current winter tour under way, talk of a 2012 tour is circulating. Sadly, I am sworn to secrecy of any details. Sorry, kiddos! Keep an eye out for Lionize when they pass through your city and pick up their new album Superczar and the Vulture.

“We Don’t Have the Authority to Make People Dance”

Chicago’s very own Into It. Over It. opened up at the Bottom Lounge Wednesday, October 26^th, impressing the crowd with not only his lovely acoustics, but also his humorous stories.  With honest lyrics centered on such themes as the one who got away and various US cities, Evan Thomas Weiss is certainly making a name for himself with what is considered his most successful project to date.  Be sure to check out his latest release, his debut LP, Proper. Oh, and did I mention that he has a cat named Chicken-Hawk? What’s not to love about this guy?

As soon as Sean Bonnette and Ben Gallaty, the masterminds that are Andrew Jackson Jihad, took the stage, it became clear that we were all in for one hell of a time.  With Bonnette sporting a very impressive Ted Nugent shirt and Gallaty performing with an absolutely gorgeous upright bass, these two meant business, and they got right down to business by opening with “Brave as a Noun” from 2007’s People Who Can Eat People Are the Luckiest People in the World. 

The crowd was presented with a terrific set of fan favorites both old and new including “Olde(y) Tyme(y)” from 2009’s Can’t Maintain and “Fucc the Devil” off of newest release Knife Man.  To help bring brutally honest “Love Will Fuck Us Apart” to its’ close, Weiss joined on stage to perform a lovely kazoo solo. Er, well.. as lovely as a kazoo can sound.

To break away from the humorous tone of the kazoo, Gallaty chose to play “Jesus Saves” off of 2008’s Only God Can Judge Me with a bow, giving the song a much fuller sound and the bass a longing, almost eerie tone - simply lovely. The pace quickly picked back up when 2007’s “Bad Bad Things” got the crowd moving.  Everyone joined in to sing along, echoing loudly, “If I don’t go to hell when I die I might go to heaven, but probably not.” 

It was all warm, fuzzy feelings and honesty at this show, folks.  This performance was everything I had hoped it would be, and more.  Watching those two play at such speed with such precision while still cracking jokes between songs and noticeably having a blast on stage left many in the crowd awe-struck – these guys make it look easy.  With the entire audience tight in their grip the duo closed with “Little Prince.”

Headlining the evening was none other than Frank Turner!  After opening with “Eulogy,” off of their latest album England Keep My Bones, the energy from the crowd was indescribable.  The dedication these fans have is on a level of its’ own, every person in the crowd was singing at the top of their lungs and dancing as if this was their last chance.  Other songs I could barely hear due to the fans lively singing along included new release “Glory Hallalujah” and 2008’s “Love Ire & Song.”

I must applaud the Bottom Lounge for booking such a great line-up.  While all of the bands stand apart from one another, they also complement each other in a way, making for a perfect show.  Be sure to check out the following 2011 releases from these extremely talented artists: Into It. Over It.’s debute LP Proper, Andrew Jackson Jihad’s new album Knife Man, and Frank Turner’s new album England Keep My Bones.

Dads, Hide Your Daughters, and Moms, Cover Your Ears

It’s October which means  two things for the  windy city of Chicago: first, the nights are beginning to get pretty f***in’ cold! and second, Riot Fest 2011 is upon us.  Opening up Wednesday at the Bottom Lounge and closing the weekend Sunday at AAA, fans are able to gather for five nights of great music and better beer.

With a diverse line-up including Chicago natives Smoking Popes and billboard chart-toppers Weezer, fans of all ages are drawn to this tour.  Other venues taking part of the festivities include Congress Theater, Double Door, and Cobra Lounge.  Special secret shows will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night for those dedicated fans looking for a surprise.  Sorry kids, I don’t have any information to spill!

Tickets and special weekend passes are still available, so if you haven’t already, be sure to head over to the Official Riot Fest Website to guarantee your ticket and check out the complete schedule.

RFC Thinks You Should Know: Grieves&Budo

Ever since I was given the opportunity to hang out with them on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour, hip-hop duo Grieves and Budo have been somewhat of an obsession of mine. Their Rhymesayers Entertainment debut release Together/Apart quickly made it into my every day music rotation and I have reason to believe it's there to stay.

The Seattle-based pair consists of Benjamin Laub (Grieves) and producer and multi-instrumentalist Budo, (who apparently does not have a real name). The two began working together toward the end of 2008 and Together/Apart began taking shape. After a 3-year long journey of self discovery, Grieves delivered one of the boldest and most emotionally charged albums of 2011.

Together/Apart deals a lot with the idea of growing up. More specifically, not growing up too fast. The album's first track, “Light Speed”, is entirely about this idea. In the song, Grieves paints a self portrait detailing what growing up was like for him beginning “when mom was a religion and happiness was a fact” and ending at age 19 in Seattle “with a head full of drum beats.” Because “Light Speed” deals so much with Grieves' own personal life, it does well to perfectly set the stage for the rest of the album.

“Bloody Poetry” may be one of the album's strongest tracks both lyrically and musically. The song shows off Grieves' lyrical dexterity by featuring a dark yet undeniably catchy hook. Somber piano chords and simplistic drum beats coupled with vivacious horn flourishes, typical of Budo's production, give “Bloody Poetry” a sound that is not often heard in conventional hip-hop music.

02 Bloody Poetry

Unlike “Light Speed” and “Bloody Poetry”, Together/Apart's third single, “On The Rocks” offers a more uptempo beat. Grieves uses a combination of synthesizer and bass to create a rhythm that will definitely catch the listeners attention. Although the lyrics may not be the happiest, “On The Rocks” is one of those captivating songs that you'll want to listen to on repeat.

Currently, Grieves and Budo are on a headlining tour in support of Together/Apart. Having been witness to what these two are capable of on stage, I would highly recommend attending one of their shows if ever given the opportunity. They are two of the most passionate musicians that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and they bring that same passion on stage with them.

 

 

The Perfect Date: Jens Lekman & Geoffrey O'Connor

I read somewhere on the vast internet that someone stole one of my wedding ideas. They had Jens Lekman play at their wedding. If you haven't heard the Swedish crooner you will have to take my word for it, Jens Lekman is the ultimate romanitc performer any soon to be married couple could hire. The Swedish heartthrobe exraordinaire will woo every man's girlfriend, and maybe a few men on Monday night at Lincoln Hall.

 

Even with his romantic, old-school, and at many times self-deprecating lyrics, Lekman captivates his audience as if he were performing a private show for each fan. The man known for his EP's, with nearly 13 out and only two full length albums, has another one out. An Argument With Myself has been put out by Secretly Canadian, the label behind Yeasayer and Magnolia Electric Co. to name a few.On tour with Lekman is Geoffrey O'Connor, former member of Crayon Fields. With hints of trance and lounge music, this Melbourne, Australian native brings a classic old dreamy, vintage 70's feel. You can find his new album, Vanity Is Forever over at his bandcamp. Grab a Three Floyds, and maybe one for you date too, and catch Jens Lekman and Geoffrey O'Connor at Lincoln Hall Monday, October 3rd. 18 show, sold out and show starts at 9PM.

 

 

 

Wild Beasts invade Lincoln Hall Saturday

Nevermind that the blogosphere's up-and-coming buzzed Twin Sister are opening, but Linlcon Hall will be housing four British lads Saturday evening for some fine indie rock. Wild Beasts' Hayden Thorpe holds a falsetto that teeters along the edges of dream pop and indie rock. Think Bloc Party mixed with Penguin Prison, stripped of electronic or synthesized beats and supported by a much more lush, natural sound. Their latest album, Smother, was released last May as the follow-up to their Mercury Prize-nominated album, Two Dancers.

Twin Sister opens up, having just released In Heaven September 26th. The female-fronted indie pop band also shares Domino Records. Their music takes that teetering and dips closer to dream pop melodies as on "Stop", without lulling you into a haze. If you're up for a warmingly chill Saturday evening in the city, come early, enjoy the tater tots, and ease into Wild Beasts and Twin Sister at Lincoln Hall, October 1st. 18+ and $15, starting at 10:00PM.

 

An Album of Honesty, John Cusack, and Xanax

Andrew Jackson Jihad's newest release Knife Man is social
commentary at its finest, combining tragically  honest lyrics with fast paced instrumentals, inviting listeners to dance and sing along to the beauty of destruction. 

Many competing sounds make up this album, including simple stripped down tracks like "Free Bird" (no, not the one you're thinking), and expanding to more full sounding songs such as "No One." Knife Man features something for everyone, with tracks resembling those of gloomy underground British rock groups and others more closely related to good 'ole country tunes complete with guitar twang and keys. While it is clear that the duo had fun experimenting with new sounds, they still managed to keep close to their roots. Fans, both old and new, are sure to appreciate this album.

A wall is hit early on with wonderfully violent sounding "Backpack." Being so different from anything else on the album, I'm honestly not sure whether to smile or to cry while singing along to this one, which dramatically ends with “You were dead by the time that I had found you.”

The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You: Fool's Gold at Brilliant Corners This Weekend

 

So summer is over and we're all going through the fall-is-too-short-winter-don't-come blues. But put down that Pumpkin Spice Mocha-Latte no foam and winter sweater, we've got the remedy for you. LA based band, Fool's Gold is just what you need to shake your way into a happy fall. What started out as the side-project for Luke Top and Lewis Pesacov is now a tight knit band of five. After their self-titled debut in 2009, Fool's Gold diligently toured numerous cities and played festivals such as Glastonbury and Austin CIty Limits before releasing their sophomore LP, Leave No Trace. Fool's Gold plays fast, plays with precision, and plays with heart.

 

Fool's Gold takes pop music and adds African beats and rhythms to create hip shaking, feet stomping jovial music. With Luke Top (singer/bassist) singing almost every song in Hebrew this band gives a dash of much needed diversity to pop music today. Top sings more in english on the Leave No Trace LP, and is guaranteed to get your feet moving within the first four measures of, "Wild Window". Fool's Gold is music that brings people together. If you've heard them, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you've never heard Fool's Gold before, what better way to enjoy them, than with a crowd of strangers dancing along side you at Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements. Find a good dance partner and maybe just get a date out of it! The three day festival runs September 16-18th in Chicago's Eckhart Park. Catch Fool's Gold at 6PM at the Criss/Cross Tent. Purchase tickets here. We all know that fall is upon us, it's inevitable but let us have one more dance party outside in the park before we bury ourselves in layers. 

Daydream to Dark Dark Dark in Brilliant Corners This Weekend

I bet you're sitting there in your chair, or standing if you're in one of those progressive-thinking workplaces...or a bouncy ball, thinking, "You know what? I would like a classy, relaxed evening of just pure good music. So much that I'd like to bring my friends to. The kind of evening that would leave everyone in awe of both my fine taste in music and the sheer fact we live in a great city." Well. That day is upon you, my friend! Saturday, September 17th brings Dark Dark Dark down from their homes in Minneapolis to ease you all into the colors and cornucopias of autumn. The group's album, Wild Go, came out in 2010 and swept up leaves of acclaim wherever the music managed to swing into due to its orchestral blend of Eastern European folk, chamber pop harmonies and the sweetness of singer Nona Marie's voice. It's as hauntingly beautiful as a long cherished, abandoned farmhouse with ivy overgrowing its porch steps once beridden by children's footsteps and laughter.

 

"Daydreaming" marked the official single from the debut, however you'd be cheating yourself to just stop there. Do check out "Robert", "Celebrate" and the sneakily sinister "Wild Go." You too can join the multitude of women and men who've been entranced at the Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements, September 17th at Eckhart Park at Chicago Avenue and Noble Street. Dark Dark Dark begins sharp at 6:00 PM in the Criss/Cross Tent. Tickets are available here.

RFC Reviews: Victorian Halls' "Charlatan"

Since I finally have a reliable computer and have settled into my new apartment, it seems like it's a pretty good time for me to start writing about music and stuff again!  Now, I know what you're probably thinking: "Man, I really wish I had some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups right about now".  As awesome as that would be, it is completely irrelevant to anything I just said.  Moving on.  Recently, via email, a Chicago based band by the name of Victorian Halls was brought to my attention.  I feel like I've probably heard of these guys before, but who really knows.  I've heard of a lot of bands.  The point is that I've heard of them now and you definitely should too!

Victorian Halls has a very unique sound somewhat reminiscent of bands like Foxy Shazam and The Stiletto Formal.  However, lead singer, Sean Lennart, has some of the most intensely original vocals that they could not possibly be mistaken for anyone else.  The band's newest album, Charlatan, dropped on August 16th via Victory Records and, let me tell you, it is more than worth your time.

The albums first single, "A Crush Is A Crush" is a powerful pop anthem that could make even the least coordinated person get up and start dancing.  That being said, you probably want to listen to this song at parties.  Although the entire song is fantastic overall, it's not until the first chourus, I feel, that Lennart's vocals really shine.  At this point, the listener is able to realize his full potential.  Lennart hits the rest of the track hard, hitting notes that most vocalists probably didn't even know existed.  It's pretty impressive.

If you're looking for another reason to put on your dancin' shoes, look no further than "Girls Kiss Girls".  This song makes me want to jump around in circles waving my arms like an idiot.  That's really the best way for me to describe it.  I think what makes this particular song really stand out to me is the use of the keyboard.  I really like piano in general; however, this track would not be nearly as good as it is were it not for the keys.

 "Lucky 16" is a song that, at first, I sort of hated.  However, it's really grown on me now.  To some, it might sound like the band is just yelling about various things like "needing a new girl".  While that is possibly true, the track is different and really helps to break up the album.

Basically, what I'm trying to say, is that I still haven't gotten any Reeses, and that is terribly unfortunate.  I had the opportunity to get some, but I decided not to take it.  It might be my one regret in life.  Anyway, what I'm also trying to say, is that I fully endorse the idea of you listening to Victorian Halls.  Their upbeat sound and charismatic vocals make them not only fun to dance to, but also fun to listen to!

The Dear Hunter Rocks DeKalb's House Cafe on 7/23

Who has two thumbs and finally has a reliable computer again?! This girl, that's who. You know what that means? It means that I am finally going to tell you all about The Dear Hunter's show in DeKalb on July 23rd! This show was an amazing experience for me. It was part of TDH's first headlining tour and I'm so beyond thrilled that I was able to be there to hear some of the most beautiful music I've ever listened to performed live.

While The Dear Hunter was obviously my reasoning for being at The House Cafe that particular night, they were not the only band that wowed me. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch The Felix Culpa or much of O'Brother but I do know that both bands are more than worth checking into. However, it was a Seattle based group by the name of Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground that completely blew my mind. These guys played some of the most amazing music I have had the pleasure of hearing in a long time. Their use of unconventional instruments, such as the tuba, violin, and something that might have been some kind of electric harmonica, made this beautiful ambient music so much more enjoyable than I could have ever expected. It definitely also helped that lead singer, Kirk Huffman, provides vocals that are not only easy on the ears, but also very controlled and unique.

After Kay Kay had left the stage, it took a minute or two for my mind to pull itself back together. However, I did not have much time to waste as The Dear Hunter was only minutes away from opening their set. When they were finally all set up, they began the set with "Never Forgive, Never Forget" from the recently released Black EP. While I expected them to open with a song from Black; however, I did not expect this one. Not that I'm complaing, that is. It was a pleasant surprise is all.

From Black, TDH went immediately to the Red EP with "We've Got A Score To Settle"; one of my favorite songs on the entire Color Spectrum. This song was performed so beautifully that it literally took my breath away. It was as though I was listening to it straight off of the album. Casey's flawless vocals never disappoint and this performance was no exception.

After performing The Orange EP's "Echo", they switched up the order a little bit and went right into another one of my personal favorites, "Mr. Malum" from the Violet EP. Hearing this song live for the first time was almost overwhelming. This track is definitely in my Top 5 favorite songs on the entire Color Spectrum, and let me tell you, that's a pretty difficult list for me to make.

After playing a couple more songs from various color EPs, the band segwayed into some music from the Acts. While I expected that they would play some music from previous albums, I did not expect to hear "She Said She Had A Story" from Act III: Life and Death. As soon as the drum beat began, I knew exactly what song it was. The track was performed just as beautifully as I could have expected and I was absolutely thrilled to hear it live.

As the set continued, I noticed that there was a lot more banter between the band and the audience then there was at the last TDH show I attended. At one point, Casey legitimately pointed out the select douchebags that were in attendance. It was great to be able to see a side of Casey that I, personally, was not used to seeing.

After about 10 or so minutes of listening to drunk people yell things at the stage and Casey completely tear down everything that anyone said, the set continued with another song from my Top 5 list, "Filth and Squalor". From the Black EP, this track is amazing in every way possible. The lyrics are, in my opinion, some of the best TDH has to offer and the music itself is indescribable.

It was then that the set came to an end. The band closed with "Red Hands", a track off of their first full length album, Act II: The Meaning of and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading. At first, I was surprised that they chose this song to close with. However, I quickly realized that this is the perfect way to end a TDH set. Not only did everyone in the audience know every word to this song, but toward the end of the performance, every person in that room was screaming "Oh my God what have I done? Now, my Darling, put your clothes back on". And as rapey as that last sentece sounded, I can assure you, it was a beautiful thing to witness.

It was at this point when all of the band members, with the exception of Casey, left the stage. It wasn't long before someone yelled out the lyrics to "Oracles on the Delphi Express". Although it was not what he had originally intended to play, Casey ended up performing this song. Oracles was the first TDH song I had ever heard, so it holds a special place in my heart. After the most amazing set I could have possibly asked for, Casey finally closed it out with "Black Sandy Beaches". Even though this was not the song I was hoping to hear, (one of these days I WILL hear "What It Means To Be Alone"), it was still a perfect way to end a beautiful performance.

 

HARD Fest at the Congress Theater

Friday night the Congress Theater is going to bring the dance party. HARD Fest will take over and with the beats, the lights, the smoke will bring sweaty, writhing bodies. Digitalism, Jack Beats, Destructo and Alex Zelenka are guaranteed to not only keep you moving and grooving, but to blow your mind. This is the second year HARD Fest graces Chicago with it's electronic and spellbinding music. With a plethora of drum and bass, electro-pop and hard core dance music, the Congress Theater will be all wobbles friday night. If you were lucky enough to purchase a VIP 21+ ticket for $65, congratulations because they are sold out. There are still general admission tickets available for purchase for $20. General admission is 17+. Doors are at 8PM and the dance party starts immediately. 

 

  

Hailey & Sean's Epic Adventure, pt. 1: Alkaline Trio

Since the release of Damnesia, Alkaline Trio's eighth studio release, I anxiously awaited the 15^th anniversary tour to hit Chicago. When the day of the show finally arrived, my friend Sean (front man of local favorites Egon's Unicat) and I hit the road not entirely sure of what we were in for..

The ride up was about as exciting as any other trip involving those particular stretches of I-80 and I-55, traffic wasn't too terrible until we hit Lake shore Drive. By this point it was at least seven o'clock and at the point where rush hour shouldn't have been a concern, and yet the closer we got to the Metro the worse the traffic became. Sean thought ahead and checked to make sure there wasn't a Cubs game going on, so we had no idea why traffic was so bad on a Monday night. That is, until we saw posters of his face hung in the windows of the shops lining the streets. The face of the man causing hysteria to sweep northern Chicago.. At this point we knew we could blame none other than Paul McCartney. That's right ladies and gents, Paul McCartney was in town. Shit.

After having to park a considerable distance away from the venue and attempting to jog there in skinny jeans, resulting in near death from the humidity, we made it inside just in time to catch our hometown heroes' spectacular performance. (A sincere apology to The Smoking Popes, we really tried to make it for you guys). After fighting my way through the crowd and being literally lifted over the guard rail by security and placed into the photo pit, I had just enough time to get my camera set before a deafening roar of applause erupted from the crowd as the evening's main act took the stage.

This weekend get two chances for Atmosphere

 

With Lollapalooza taking over the city of Chicago for the annual 3 day music festival there are multiple times to see your favorite artists perform. Several artists playing the festival are also playing after-party shows and meet and greets. For hip-hop fans you are in luck. The Minneapolis hip-hop group and Rhymesayers artists, Atmosphere will be performing at The Metro along with making an appearance at Lollapalooza on Saturday.

It's been three years since Atmosphere put out their album, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. The highly anticipated album, The Family Sign was released earlier this year and the group has been on tour non-stop in support of it.

If you are lucky enough to have one of tickets to Friday's sold-out show you are in for a night of special guests. Along with Atmosphere, Evidence, Blueprint and DJ Babu and Prof will also be performing. Don't worry you festival attendees, the doors don't open until 10 PM. There is plenty of time to get to The Metro from Grant Park. Expect these hip-hop performers for kick it late into the night.

If you aren't one of the lucky ones to have a ticket to the sold-out show at The Metro, have no fear. Saturday at 4 PM Atmosphere will be at Lollapalooza. You can meet them at the F.Y.E. Autograph Tent. If you're a hip-hop fan these two events are not to missed, if you can help it. 

 

Better Late Than Never!: RFC Reviews Van's Warped Tour 2011

For the past six or so years, the Vans Warped Tour has been one of the most highly anticipated events of my entire summer.  It is one of few events where fans of metal, ska, pop, and even hip-hop can all come together and form a group with a passion for music that is not readily seen in many other places.  Although each person attends Warped Tour to see different bands, we are all united there for the same reason; to spend an entire day outside in the blistering heat listening to some of the worlds most talented musicians play their hearts out.

Warped Tour 2011 was one of the best I have ever attended.  After enjoying a hearty breakfast of biscuits and groovy at the Cracker Barrel that I am ashamed to be employed by, my partner, Hailey Williams, and I made our way to The First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, Illinois.  It took us a while to figure out exactly where we were supposed to go, but once we figured it out it was all uphill from there.  I honestly have no idea how I want to write this article.  So this should be interesting for all of us!

 

Once Hailey and I got our schedules set for the day, we parted ways.  We didn’t meet up again until about 3pm when DRUGS was about to take over the Teggart Stage.  This was the first performance of
the day that I actually made it a point to stop and listen to and, as usual, I was not disappointed.  I always find myself amazed by this band’s uncanny ability to completely control an entire crowd of fans.  They have such a natural stage presence that it’s easy to see how passionate they are about what they’re doing. The band opened with one of my personal favorites, “The Only Thing You Talk About”.  From the very beginning of their set until the very end, every person in the crowd belted out every last word.  I was able to speak briefly with guitarist Matt Good regarding the tour as well as which of the Power Rangers was his favorite.

 

RFC: How do you feel the set’s have been going thus far?

Matt Good: Super good.  Way better than I even thought.  I had, not high expectations, but, you know. 

RFC:  How has the tour in general been?

Matt Good:  It’s a dream come true, you know?  To get a second chance and actually have it turn out good?  That’s really rare.  I think that we all feel extremely appreciative and humble and just really gracious.  Every day is a blessing.  I wake up and I think “Wow, I’m here, I’m doing this again”.  It’s weird, in a way.  I remember doing all of this like, five years ago and having the same feelings where you‘re like “Woah! Look at this huge crowd we‘re playing!”.  To come back and have it happen all over again with the new band it’s almost like, “How is this real?!”  It’s amazing.

RFC:  How many years have you been on Warped Tour?

Matt Good:  This is my 5^th Warped Tour. 

RFC:  Are there any other bands on the tour that you make it a point to stop and watch?

Matt Good:  Uhm, no, not specifically.  There’s a lot of bands that I’m friends with that are on the tour and if I notice that they’re playing I’ll definitely go watch them.  Most of the bands on the tour are bands I’ve toured with.  The first day we were here I watched We Came As Romans and I sang with them on their last song.  I like to watch Asking Alexandria and Black Veil Brides because they’re all really good friends of mine.

RFC:  What is the most interesting thing to happen on tour thus far?

Matt Good:  Well, last night, I don’t remember this happening cause everything was fine, and we went out to the bar, and it was fun.  Then we got back to the bus and I don’t remember anything that happened on the bus.  Apparently, I threw my phone at the ceiling of the bus and it hit me in the face and I have a bump on my forehead now.

RFC:  Who was your favorite Power Ranger?

Matt Good:  Tommy, the White Ranger.  You know why?  He makes no sense.  He can beat everyone up at once so why even have the other guys there?