Genre: pop-punk
Ok so I totally went to see Blink-182 on wednesday, and they were TOTALLY amazing. I know this band, in the 90s, were renowned for their rebellion and punk attitudes, as well as their music (of course), but it seems like they’ve grown up (or maybe just got a hell of a lot richer). At least a bit. Or it seemed that way.
Their set mixed the old with the new perfectly (their latest album, Neighborhoods, was released in 2011), although obviously the entirety of the 10,000 people in the stadium stood up and sang along for those classic old songs. In addition to their well thought-out set, they had some pretty witty quips between songs (well, they made me laugh) and an absolutely insane backing team, by the looks of it – the graphics were simple, pop-arty, but too awesome and suited the mood perfectly. The lights were insane and really projected a professional show, and the band were perfectly tight with all of their music, whether new or old. Barker (drummer) even had his own solo section for 20 minutes or so. For you to acknowledge how incredible this was, you have to know what an amazing drummer Barker is. It was so good; when drummers can create their own rhythmic and melodic interest in a piece of music, solo, and not bat an eyelid, you know they’re good. He was above and beyond.
Supporting were All-American Rejects and The Blackout. The Blackout are a hardcore band hailing from South Wales, with a surprising six members (I say surprising because usually bands are pushed to find five members for the standard “rock” set-up; The Blackout have this, plus an additional vocalist). I don’t really know The Blackout, to be perfectly honest, but I listen to a fair bit of hardcore and they seemed pretty sound – their set was tight, their singers were energetic and they had a good singing/screaming ratio.
All-American Rejects, likewise, played a tight set, and again, I don’t really know them all that well. However, a little bit of criticism their way (as if it would affect them in any way) – they seemed so commercialised and also, Ritter (the vocalist) pronounced Nottingham in such a way, and so repeatedly, it began to get on my nerves a bit… There’s only so many times I can hear an American say Nottinghaaaaaaym before I want to whack them one in the face. DeLonge’s later joking about this may prove it wasn’t serious, but it was still annoying.
However, with only one thing to ruin a perfect night, I don’t think I could criticise this for being any better a gig.
If you haven’t heard any of their new stuff, here’s the first single they released from the 2011 album Neighborhoods:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpYhGdrknlA1
C x
