This was the second time I have seen The Wonder Years, and a reliving of an early date with my beure. The trip to the pretty unloveable Newcastle was a birthday present from her, but she wasn't to know that the town would have about as much personality as a stack of shoeboxes. Though it did have a good indoor market and we were only there two days, so maybe we missed out on some areas.
Opening up on the night were Such Gold, who played Galway not too long ago, and Valencia, who I knew lilttle or nothing about.
I've grown to like Such Gold alot since I first heard in the last year. One of the guitarists from No Trigger was filling in for them and i think he actually added to their performance. No one really knew who they were (except two tall American easycore brahs) who blocked my damn view later in the gig. Despite the lack of crowd response the band were impressive, considering the circumstances.
As I said, I knew basically nothing of Valencia before this, but now I know that their basist seems like a douchebag. You know 'that guy' in the teenage metallica cover band..that was him.We've all been there. Non-ironic glam rock moves and trying to get the crowd to clap along with overenthusiastic beating of his ham fists, and all this from a bassist for goths sake. This coupled with his horrific on stage banter
I've grown to like Such Gold alot since I first heard in the last year. One of the guitarists from No Trigger was filling in for them and i think he actually added to their performance. No one really knew who they were (except two tall American easycore brahs) who blocked my damn view later in the gig. Despite the lack of crowd response the band were impressive, considering the circumstances.
As I said, I knew basically nothing of Valencia before this, but now I know that their basist seems like a douchebag. You know 'that guy' in the teenage metallica cover band..that was him.We've all been there. Non-ironic glam rock moves and trying to get the crowd to clap along with overenthusiastic beating of his ham fists, and all this from a bassist for goths sake. This coupled with his horrific on stage banter
"This reminds me of one episode of Byker Grove where they all went to a rock show..."
made the bar seem that bit more appealing. In fairness, they have some vaguely likeable pop rock songs, and played a decent cover of Linoleum. But still.
After doing their own soundcheck, which was nice to see, thought they might have people to do that for them at this stage, The Wonder Years launched into Came Out Swinging from their latest album. The sound was so much better than they had on their support slot of the kerrang tour and they seemed happy to be there, despite the slightly muted audience reaction. It was a small crowd but there was a lower level of douchebaggery than there usually is at a 14+ gig. What I noticed this time was the backing vocals, which were pretty spot on with how they sounded on CD, even if the bassist, Josh seemed to be straining sometimes and doing a weird holding his throat thing on some lines. The setlist was solid, avoiding all but one song of their first album, which is a bit of a shame, but understandable. You're not Salinger.. was probably the highlight of the night and I think everyone left happy.
Got to say a quick hello to Josh before the charming security men hassled everyone out of the place. A lot of people seemed to be waiting around for their parents to pick them us. We went to look for a bar.
Oh and, The Wonder Years merch guy was wearing pyjamas. I hope it's not going to become a thing that people do in public, more than it already is. Wouldn't trust it.
After doing their own soundcheck, which was nice to see, thought they might have people to do that for them at this stage, The Wonder Years launched into Came Out Swinging from their latest album. The sound was so much better than they had on their support slot of the kerrang tour and they seemed happy to be there, despite the slightly muted audience reaction. It was a small crowd but there was a lower level of douchebaggery than there usually is at a 14+ gig. What I noticed this time was the backing vocals, which were pretty spot on with how they sounded on CD, even if the bassist, Josh seemed to be straining sometimes and doing a weird holding his throat thing on some lines. The setlist was solid, avoiding all but one song of their first album, which is a bit of a shame, but understandable. You're not Salinger.. was probably the highlight of the night and I think everyone left happy.
Got to say a quick hello to Josh before the charming security men hassled everyone out of the place. A lot of people seemed to be waiting around for their parents to pick them us. We went to look for a bar.
Oh and, The Wonder Years merch guy was wearing pyjamas. I hope it's not going to become a thing that people do in public, more than it already is. Wouldn't trust it.
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