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.

Since 1988, Pennywise have been turning heads with their straightforward style of punk rock. Nearly two decades since their humble beginnings, the Hermosa Beach, CA punks have come into the spotlight with their new album Reason To Believe, and their non-conformist distribution plans.

Fletcher Dragge, Pennywise’s lead guitarist, in a recent blog, said, “We know that this will piss off a lot of people in the music industry, and what do we say to that? ‘Who cares?’ We’ve been pissing people off for 18 years. Why stop now? We have been telling people to get our records by any mean [sic] necessary for 17 years. As a band, we decided that it was time to come to terms with the facts. There are a lot of people out there who want their music for free, so we got proactive and with the help of MySpace Records and Textango we found a way to make it happen…we couldn’t be more stoked…PENNYWISE FREE TO THE PEOPLE.” Until April 8, the new record is available for free via MySpace, but does the album stand up to its publicity? Pennywise have released eight albums prior to Reason To Believe, so they have developed their sound into what has become a standard for the So-Cal punk scene. Each song follows their straightforward, high-energy format; the only difference between tracks really lies at the lyrical level. Unlike their past works, Pennywise doesn’t focus on changing the government through protest, but rather seeks to cause change within individuals through the new album.

“Goodbye tomorrow, no need to follow, I live my own way, I won’t go back ’til my last day, wake up and lead!” are the lyrics that ring out on “Faith And Hope,” an anthem about self realization and individuality. The single “The Western World” is a highlight that lies in the middle part of the album. A critique of stereotypes and western culture, the song pries at the faults of popular culture. The in-depth self-examination continues on “Confusion,” wherein the singer deals with issues of disillusionment and truth.

Pennywise has come to a realization that much of the music industry is still trying to find: music, like ideas, should not be controlled by distribution markets and economic gains. The band members pride themselves on allowing their music to be heard by anyone anywhere, which is an admirable aspect to the new album. For a punk record it sounds very much like what should be expected, heavy guitars and speed drumming, so in that aspect it is not a let down. The only issue with the record is that it does sound incredibly similar to older Pennywise.