Throwback Thurday: Something Corporate, Punk Rock Princess

I'm going to throw it back to 2001 today.  Something Corporate was the first punk band I ever listened to and were the ones to get me hooked on the genre.  There is no better song choice for this punk rock blog than "Punk Rock Princess." Enjoy!

Show Review: Reunion Tour, We Are The In Crowd

            When "The Reunion Tour" was announced, I must admit I was incredibly confused.  To my knowledge, the band had never broken up...Well, I finally realized it's a joke.  They never broke up and that's the irony of it.  I credit We Are The In Crowd Tour Manager David Sheppard for fueling this epiphany prior to the show. Despite my confusion, I jumped on the opportunity to purchase a ticket to my local show as soon as they went on sale.  I opted for the $45 VIP ticket in order to get the unique experience of having a "Meet & Eat & Greet" pizza hang with the band prior to the show.  As a displaced New Yorker on the West Coast, I was pretty pumped to finally get the opportunity to see the local Poughkeepsie kids perform live. The rising stars of the punk rock scene did not disappoint. 

               With complete confidence, I recommend every WATIC fan opt to splurge in the future if they continue to offer opportunities like the "Meet & Eat & Greet."  The experience started with the band energetically entering the room and slapping hands with all of the awaiting fans.  They then signed a "Reunion Tour" poster for each one of us. After getting your poster from the band, it was time to grab some pizza.  I was not alone in furiously scarfing down one slice and then calling it good,because lets be honest, who wants to talk to Tay Jardine with a mouth full of pizza? After all posters were signed, the remainder of the hangout was dedicated to mingling with the band.  The band members began starting conversations with fans and asking if they wanted to take a picture with them. They made sure every fan got a picture with each band member if they wanted it.  They were all genuinely friendly and personable, just as they appear in interviews.  Although I wish the hangout would've lasted longer, the time given was adequate to  meet with each member of the band.  The amount of VIPs present was not too many to make the experience less personal or hinder it in any way.  I commend the We Are The In Crowd team for executing such a positive experience for fans, so flawlessly.   

               The show kicked off with Candy Hearts, a band I wasn't too familiar with going into the show, but I enjoyed their set.  Mariel Loveland has such a soft and unique voice. Next came State Champs (another band of New Yorkers) who got the crowd moving and delivered an energetic performance. Derek Discanio and the guys absolutely give everything they've got on stage.  That energy continued with an intense performance from Set It Off.  Frontman Cody Carson delivered a narrative between each song giving it a theatrical feel, and it was awesome.  Next came former The Academy Is... vocalist, William Beckett.  This set gave the crowd a little bit of a rest as his performance was way more relaxed. From his interaction with the crowd you can tell William is definitely such a great and genuine person. The opening bands included an eclectic variety of different sounds that catered to everyone.  

               Finally, We Are The In Crowd took the stage.  They kicked off the show with "The Best Thing," an uptempo song off  of their new album Weird Kids.  They then performed 5 of their "older" songs, including "Both Sides of the Story," "Never Be What You Want" and "Lights Out."  From that point on they pretty much alternated between new and old songs, playing "Manners," "Attention,"  "Long Live the Kids" and "Windows in Heaven," all from the new Weird Kids album.  The band played an awesome mix of songs from all 3 of their albums and the crowd never stopped singing along.  Of the upward of 50 bands I've seen live, We Are The In Crowd had the best stage presence of any I've ever seen, and I truly mean that.  They were constantly moving all over the stage, keeping the crowd completely engaged.  Their energy was superb and this was absolutely a complete performance from start to finish.  Being around the same age as the band members and having followed them since back in 2010, I feel I have grown and matured with them and am ashamed it took me so long to come out and see them.  This was an insanely memorable experience and I urge all punk rock fans to not make the same mistake I did and  get out and see them ASAP. Kudos weird kids, I will certainly be back for more.