All Time Low and Yellowcard Take On The Sound Academy

If you're a music lover of any kind then you would understand me when I say that walking into a concert venue is like walking into the spa. You instantly relax, shake out your tense shoulders, grab a drink and forget all your worries - if for a small moment in time. It's instinct to just let go and enjoy the sounds around you, the excited chatter of seeing your favourite performer and the overall hum of a crowd waiting to be entertained. It's not exactly a feeling anybody can describe specifically, it's just something that you really just have to be there fore. All I know is that the feeling is always mutual.

Fireworks (01.17.13) - Taryn McElheran

The night of the All time Low and Yellowcard show on January 17, 2013 I was tense and worried about a situation that was taking place at my place of employment. Leading up to the show I was worried and agitated and thinking about how this may just ruin my night. I met up with my dear friend and some of that irritation lifted and as soon as we stepped into The Sound Academy (formerly known as The Docks), I instantly felt my mood lighten. Sure I was surrounded mostly by teenagers and it was bulging at the seams, but the overall excitement everyone was giving off was kind of a dose of contentment.

Lets be honest though, the first act Fireworks didn't exactly appeal to my ears - or anyone else's for that matter. I think the crowd was just being polite by nodding their heads along to the music. The music itself wasn't anything spectacular. Just like every other band out there trying to make it, they were belting out lyrics like their life depended on it but to me they didn't have anything that stood out. They reminded me of just another garage band and it pains me to say it. As most of you know I'm not exactly a fan of giving out harsh criticism but I can't praise something I didn't like! The band itself, while looking energetic, seemed to be doing so on an individual level. They had the energy but it wasn't cohesive and together. I don't know if that makes sense exactly but looking back on the night I remember the guitar player and the drummer rocking out, and the lead singer struggling to dance/move around the stage and sing at the same time.

Check out their myspace radio and judge for yourself! http://www.myspace.com/ihearfireworks/radio

I first heard Yellowcard live this past summer at Van's Warped Tour in Toronto. Crazy I know that I just started listening to them now as they were around when I was in high school but forgive me as I went through more of a boy band craze in high school instead of rock/punk/indie/pop/whatever I listen to now. While I didn't know any of the lyrics and only vaguely knew some of their new music of their most recent album Southern Air, I was pretty much foreign to the band. However, while I didn't know any of the lyrics, I did enjoy their set. Interacting with the crowd came easy to them and you could tell they loved their fans and they were thankful for the opportunities they were given. As the lead singer said on stage, they were gone for almost four years without producing any music or touring but when they came back their fans were still there. It's amazing what people will do when music is this good to your ears.

All Time Low (01.17.13) - Taryn McElheran

While Yellowcard was the main attraction for my friend (seeing as she actually listened to them in high school -unlike me), All Time Low was the reason I was excited. While I haven't been a long-time fan, it's going on almost five years now and it's been five years of great music. In the beginning they were more of a punk-rock band and while they've progressed into mainstream pop band (on some levels) they still produce catchy tunes that keep people coming back for more. Now I know some of you may be thinking that this is a band for the younger generations, I beg to differ. While standing in the 19+ section (that was pretty packed btw), I witnessed more than a few older adults jamming along to ATL - so don't judge! These guys have an incredible energy and vibe when it comes to interacting with their audience and their love of Canada and us Canadians was apparent. While Jack Barakat (guitar/bg vocals) and Alex Gaskarth (lead) did most of the talking the camaraderie on stage was undeniable. I think it's safe to say that Jack loves boobs (as if the abundance of bodacious bras thrown on stage wasn't a sign) and Alex loves is job. We can't leave out Rian (drums) or Zack (bass) either because while they may have been quieter on stage, that didn't stop them from feeling the love of the girls screaming their names.

Unlike Yellowcard, I knew most if not all the songs and lyrics they played during their set. Being a fan of their older stuff I was pleased that they mixed it up from songs off their most recent release Don't Panic! with old favourites from Put Up or Shut Up, So Wrong it's Right, Nothing Personal and of course Dirty Work. I was a little sad that they didn't play my favourites "Vegas" or "Remembering Sunday" but they more than made up for it with their rambunctious attitudes, infectious personalities and catchy tunes.

Needless to say I forgot all my worries for those few hours and had myself a rocking good time. My ears were pleased and my desperate need for a concert satisfied. Here's to hoping 2013 will bring more fun times and many more memories!

-Taryn