Here you'll find reviews of the latest shows.
FranKo, Me vs Hero
With a venue change made and the room in the university slowly filling up with the stragglers who missed the note about the change, first band FranKo took to the stage. Pushing out a blend of what can only be described as indie-pop with some hooky almost Kaiser-esque choruses. For a band who are seemingly new on our radar and no doubt many others they perform with a slight air of confidence that would have you think they were seasoned regulars. With catchy song after catchy song, they quickly and gradually win over the crowd.
Fun and sprightly Me vs Hero were up next. In a strange blend of hardcore, and pop with a hint of what would be described as a hip-hop style swagger the band powered through song after song. Dedicating one to the group of girls who had squealed from the moment they took to the stage. Breaking only to demand and persuade the slightly confused crowd join in the 'wall of friendship' - like a wall of death, instead of crashing into each other, you hug. With their attitude placed correctly they get the crowd moving, hugging and having fun, and that's what it's all about.
For a room full of Elliot Minor fans the lead up to the band taking to the stage feels rather subdued. However it was a case of all an sundry biding their time, because as soon as the lights went out the noise began and Elliot Minor took to the stage.
From beginning to end the band had the crowd in the palm of their hands. From singing along with them, to interacting with them and getting various sections to scream in varying degrees of pitch, there was nothing that the fans wouldn't do.
It doesn't matter if you like them or you don't, there is something that stands out when they're performing live. With a seamless blend of classically composed pop-rock which arguably should not work, but in live practice does, Elliot Minor are actually great at what they do and how they do it.
It does help that the five-piece have such a dedicated fan-base, as the energy that the band exude when playing for their fans is far more than most bands at this stage of their career might produce. An energy which is most definitely spurred on when the crowd takes over vocals on a song - of which the set list tonight proved as they worked their way through numerous tracks both older and newer, a lot of which had the crowd very excited over hearing.
Now with two-albums under their belts and a lot more to come, its going to be interesting to see where the band go next. But for the moment, they're doing what they do, the only way they know how. And they're doing an amazing job.
The Leftovers, MC Lars, Zebrahead
Tonight was one filled with anticipation and excitement. Mostly notable as the queue awaiting the opening of the venue wrapped itself around the building, groups of friends chattering and of course not complete without two guys dressed in nothing but thongs – after all what is the 'Party In Your Pants Tour' without at least one person in their underwear?
As the line trickled through the doors, The Leftovers took to the stage, filling the hall with their upbeat and punchy sounds. Playing a few older songs and songs from their latest record they won over the sometimes hard to please crowd. Having fun and playing with an air of determination and enthusiasm that most opening bands sometimes don't quite reach, The Leftovers pulled off a seamless and smooth set. Latest single 'Telephone Operator' grabbing most of the room and getting them moving. No mean feat by far, and no doubt a solid seal of approval from what can be a difficult crowd to win over.
MC Lars was next up along with DJ and his touring band Failsafe. How things have changed since the last time we saw him in Newcastle back in 2007. Gone is the laptop and projector screen, and in its place an energetic and stronger performance. When we saw him last, not many people got what he was about, and tonight showed us just how he has grown. From the opening strains of the first song the room was his. Powering through many old favourites and one or two newer, MC Lars showed just why he is the best at what he does. Proving that he is definitely here to stay.
Zebrahead are evidently a crowd pleaser, from the first step on stage to the last, the room was keen to do anything that they asked. Older songs and newer songs, they showed just why they are a crowd favourite. Splitting the crowd and having everyone crash together is not easy, unless the crowd are eager to participate and seeing as how the band continue to please wherever they go, tonight's participation is welcomed by more than willing volunteers. From the opening note, they not only musically but vocally gave nothing but their all. Although their want for the biggest mosh pit ever can't beat the one a few years ago at Leeds Festival, it could be claimed that it was one of the biggest that the evenings venue has seen. Powerful, energetic and comfortable with who they are as performers. Good on record but even better live.
As the anticipation for the nights head-liners grew, it was safe to assume that thing were only going to get crazy, and we were not disappointed. Bowling For Soup took to the stage to a deafening applause. Their performance exuded down-to-earth fun with just that small hint of cockiness that makes the band who they are as performers. From the first song to the last, the crowd were ready to bow to their every whim. With a set containing old songs as well as new, everyone was in for a good time.
Between pausing for a group photo opportunity, burping, beer breaks and chugging vodka Jaret Reddick's vocals were second to none. The humour side of their crowd banter let them down a little as only a select few people understood the American references. However their performance made up for the bad jokes.
A surprise for many the band belted out their version of Katy Perry's 'Hot and Cold' which, if we're being honest was better than the original.
Highlights from the set included crowd favourites 'High School Never Ends', 'Girl All The Bad Guys Want' as well as never songs including latest single 'My Wena', 'A Really Cool Dance Song' and 'Hooray For Beer' to name a few as well as closing song '1985' which enticed a mass chorus sing-a-long in the regional accent, an impression of Antonio Banderas and falsetto.
Tonight only set in stone the well known fact that while Bowling For Soup may be known for their humorous songs, they also put on one hell of a show.
Fun and energetic, this is one band that are definitely not sorry for partying.