I tend to avoid local shows. Most of the local bands are trying too hard to be "metalXcore" and most of the kids that go are just scene kids that are too cool for school. Meaning; they're pretentious little pricks.
Yesterday, however, was an eye-opening experience. I was invited to go to a show put on by a few bands my friend Dott assured me were "amazing". Now, I figured I'd go, just because I hadn't hung out with my good friend in a while. What I got was so much more. The bands playing: Miles From Home (Pullman, WA), Goodnight Sunrise (Helena, MT), National Product (Orange County, CA) and 1997 (Chicago, IL) were all FREAKING AWESOME. Like, holy crap, I'd never listened to such good music at such a small show. (There must've been less than 50 people in the crowd)
Even better, I'd never listened to Pop Punk live that wasn't in front of a crowd that was less than 1,000. The hooks were catchy, lyrics were anthemic and the bands were just <i>fun to watch</i>. And best of all, you got to actually hang out with the bands. They didn't run off to their buses (Vans, in this setting) and hide from their fans. It was so much fun, I'm having Dott tell me about ANY show she's going to, because I'm sure I'll have just as much fun. It was a breath of fresh air that I really needed.
Seriously, if you're just into good rock/pop punk music, check all of these bands out. Thanks to all of them for putting on a good show and restoring my faith in live music again.
