Something Like Sound

Covering Warped Tour in Chicago this year brought about a whole slew of different expectations and experiences. Unlike previous years in Denver, Chicago’s date of the festival felt bigger, both in actual size and in perception.

The day started off slowly, beginning with a backed-up single-entry-point parking system. Despite the slow going getting in to the festival, the parking was free and the venue staff were friendly and helpful. After getting settled in and booking our requested interview with Rev. Peyton, it was off to Haste The Day. The post-hardcore act was just that, a frenzy of heavy-metal guitars, some screaming and some singing. It might just be me, but I feel as though this type of music has become pervasive on the Warped Tour within the last few years, often to the chagrin of old-school punk fans.

Up next was The Summer Set, a markedly poppier group that drew a crowd of mostly teenage girls (it didn’t help that they had girls lining the back of the stage, just to reinforce who their primary audience was). In either case, I definitely felt out of place and decided to wander around the festival grounds after getting a few photos.

Wandering led us to the Kevin Says Stage, a small spot where up-and-coming, mostly unsigned acts have a chance to play. While there we heard Gardening And Architecture, a one-woman band with a sound strongly reminiscent of The Postal Service. Electro-pop beats mixed with live bass and thoughtful lyrics to produce music that matched the hazy atmosphere. The highlight of her set came at the end when she was joined on stage by a full band, giving her song a fuller, more rounded sound.

Finding our way back to the main stage, I was overcome by the sounds of Mike Posner‘s “Cooler Than Me” a pop-dance radio single that has been receiving substantial play on local stations. None of the politics of punk-rock really mattered though, everyone was too busy dancing. Directly after Posner was I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business, the side project of Ace Enders from the now-defunct The Early November. This set was another that showed the diversity on this year’s tour. The songs were soft and blue, a bit like Pedro The Lion, but with an electric guitar. At one point Enders asked the crowd to “squaredance !@$#”

Having sufficiently mellowed out from I Can Make A Mess, it was finally time to go old-school. Most of the traditional punk bands occupied the afternoon and evening sets, beginning with Pennywise. Still singing about rebellion against authority and war after over 20 years, Pennywise struck a chord with the audience, a mix of impassioned youths and laid back-tattooed 20-to-30-somethings.

Stay tuned for a review of the rest of my day at Warped Tour, including more photos and sets from Andrew W.K., Alkaline Trio, Reel Big Fish, and more!

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.