The band

Before their gig at Concorde 2, Mayday Parade was previously unchartered territory for me. The band had come straight from their tour in Germany, hitting the UK with their fourth visit to the UK: having formed in 2005 I thought this was a fairly impressive repertoire and a good start. However, the American rock boy band were aesthetically and musically predictable as part of the emo punk scene, revealing an evening full of clichés.
While I personally struggle to see the appeal of both music and appearance, this is clearly what some people buy into- indeed Concorde 2 was on its way to being full. The venue harboured a bazaar array of characters, revealing a crowd of lusting teenage girls shrieking at the front, tattooed adults and strangely enough the occasional elderly lone man. Most components of the audience seemed appreciative of the night, caught up in the two youthful support bands- also American- in the build up to Mayday Parade.
Indeed once the main band had come on, the crowd were continually singing along and awkwardly dancing to whatever the five American males threw their way. While I was not moved to do either and found it difficult to differentiate between the seemingly monotonous songs compacted with lyrical heartbreak and teenage angst, I was entranced by the musician’s energetic enthusiasm and sporadic movements.
Their passion for their own music was evident as they jumped around the stage, flinging their guitars and head-banging continually. This was largely distracting and directed attention  away from any musical talent potentially being displayed. While I was wholly unenthused by the band and more than glad to escape by the end, I’m content with the thought that presumably, at least someone, left the gig feeling satisfied.

Ruth Atkinson

Categories: Music

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