Something Like Sound

Following Pennywise we were hoping to catch Sum 41, but their set time had been switched with The Word Alive, another post-hardcore band. After taking a few photos (click here to see one), we realized that we could still make it to Andrew W.K.‘s set.

Upon arriving at the stage where Andrew W.K. was playing, the party had already started. In what I will describe as “the strangest, craziest, and most fun” set of the afternoon, Andrew W.K. & Co. had the entire crowd pulsing to their brand of heavy-metal infused, 4-on-the-floor, party music.

Music aside, the performance aspect of this set was mind-blowing (literally). Andrew W.K. and his wife danced around the stage and head-banged nearly the entire time. It was intense physically in addition to being a heavy-hitting listening experience.

I feel that I would have enjoyed staying around for more of Face To Face‘s set, unfortunately the group was scheduled to go on just 10 minutes before The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.

I have made it no secret that I’m a big Rev. Peyton fan. Ever since I saw them at Warped last year I have been hooked. There’s just something refreshing about hearing country blues at a punk festival.

Although, despite the difference in genre, Rev. Peyton & the Big Damn Band still kept things fairly punk-rock by ending their set with the “polar bear of death” and a smashed washboard. During our interview with Rev. Peyton, he asked me to consider what genre they might be. My answer: Boot stompin’ fist pumpin’ country music for punk rockers.

Bands are often quoted with saying “This has been the best stop on our tour,” and most of the time they could be lying. For Chicago-based Alkaline Trio, there is no doubt in my mind that this was their best stop on the 2010 Warped Tour.

While the group did play a few songs from their recently released album This Addiction, they were in tune with the massive crowd that had gathered. Digging deep into their catalog, they played a few older numbers including “We’ve Had Enough” and “My Friend Peter.” As the half-hour set ended, the crowd cried out for more; but alas, it was Warped Tour and nobody got an encore.

Then, when I thought I had seen everything, I saw this: Michael Jackson Oompa Loompas. No further description needed.

Reel Big Fish took the stage after Alkaline Trio, bringing with them one of the best ska sets I’ve ever seen. After their first (and second)  songs they proceeded to begin exiting the stage as if the set had ended. This type of fun-interaction continued throughout the set.

In addition to their on-stage presence, Reel Big Fish kept the crowd engaged through several dance-genre short songs and a handful of covers. Their ska renditions of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and A-ha’s “Take On Me” were truly a highlight for the end of the day.

We headed back to the main stage to hopefully catch Sum 41. Unfortunately all we got was Warped-founder Kevin Lyman explaining that singer Deryck Whibley had come down with some variety of severe sickness and the group would be unable to perform. At this point my colleague and I were tired, so we headed home from what had been an excellent day.

It’s that time again. Time to go to a parking lot, be punk rock for a day, and avoid heat stroke. Summertime just wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for the Van’s Warped Tour which will be making its way to Chicago this Saturday (7/31) and Denver a week later (8/8). Having gone to several years of the Warped Tour, I can say that this year’s lineup has its gems. Here are a few of my picks.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band: I saw these guys for the first time last year at Warped, and it was definitely the highlight of the entire day. This punk-grass band is probably the most animated and entertaining of any on the tour; just be aware of flaming washboards.

Andrew WK: I think this photo of Mike Marchant and Mr. WK pretty much sums up why I’m going to see the Andrew WK set. It’s going to be a strange one.

Face To Face: Most of the kids at Warped this year probably won’t know Face To Face, but the group should not be missed. Back in the 90′s they were one of the more influential bands on the national punk scene, despite remaining less hyped than others (blink-182, Pennywise, NOFX, etc.). After breaking up in 2004, they recently reunited and are heading out on the Warped Tour trail.

Reel Big Fish: Year after year, ska bands remain a staple of the Warped Tour lineup. Last year saw Less Than Jake, Big D and the Kid’s Table and Streetlight Manifesto, while this year just has Reel Big Fish. I’ll be on the lookout for any group with a horn section so that I can get my ska fix.

The rest: There are quite a few bands that are veterans of the tour. Among the groups that I never miss are: Alkaline Trio, Pennywise, and Sum 41. I’m also planning on catching I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business, a side project of Ace Enders, lead singer from the defunct group The Early November.

I will be covering the Tinley Park (Chicago) date of the tour, so expect to see photos, reviews and interviews next week in advance of the Denver date.

When I first heard Alkaline Trio it was 2004 and my high school romance with punk rock was in full bloom. My friends and I would drive around town listening to the Good Mourning, singing along to the morose, yet upbeat, songs. In those days other groups were producing rock-operas transforming the ambiguous emo genre, while Alkaline Trio was always there, writing songs about cannibals, cemeteries and a whole slew of darker subjects. Six years since those glory days and Alkaline Trio is still there, writing more upbeat punk tunes about love as an addiction.

This Addiction opens with the title track and immediately submerges the listener in classic Alkaline Trio sound. Fast guitars and drums back Matt Skiba’s distinct voice throughout the first few tracks.While this formula has worked for Alkaline Trio for the last decade or so, it carries the danger of getting old. However, there are a few fresh spots that make the record as a whole quite enjoyable.

Personally, I appreciated the horn part on “Lead Poisoning;” it reminded me of good ska music from the late 90′s. Also, the synth lead on “Eating Me Alive” has a great 80′s new wave feel (without the bad hair and day-glo outfits). Overall there are a number of other tracks that stand out (“Piss and Vinegar” reminds me why I got in to Alkaline Trio in the first place).

This Addiction hits shelves today and is available in a special edition that has a DVD. Also, Alkaline Trio will be playing a sold-out show at the Gothic on Thursday, Something Like Sound will be there to cover the concert. Watch the video for the title track “This Addiction” below.