Show Review: Yellowcard/Spill Canvas/PlayRadioPlay

It’s always nice when you have heard of all the bands playing at a show and are at least somewhat familiar with what to expect. The current Yellowcard tour is one which the band is playing an all acoustic set (including a cello). It’s different than a typical Yellowcard show but is the tour worth checking out if you have the opportunity?

Treaty Of Paris was the opening act and were less than impressive. Although they had their set down better than the average high school band, including transitions, there was little to keep me from checking my watch every couple of minutes.

I was probably looking forward to seeing PlayRadioPlay the most as it’s always interesting to see how a primarily electronic band moves their act from the studio to the stage. Daniel Hunter is the main force behind PlayRadioPlay and although he covers the front man position he hardly looks the part. Looks aside, Hunter was able to recreate the stellar vocals that grace the new album, ‘Texas’. In addition to electric guitar played by Hunter, there was an amazing drummer recreating the drum loops found throughout the record as well as keyboardist/Moog player.  It’s not too often you find a Moog on stage but it truly is a treat whenever you do, this time was no different. The band only played 3 songs off the new album which was disappointing as they were the most aggressive songs as well as the ones that the crowd responded to the most. It was interesting to see little, if any, interaction between the band and the crowd with again, little to no talking from the band other than the occasional mention of the bands name and yet still get a loud sign of approval from impressed fans at the closing of their set. I would love to see the band again, but in a more intimate setting with similar acts playing.

The Spill Canvas has their stuff together and it shows. The music, passion, and overall love for music just flows out of lead singer Nick Thomas. Playing some of the most popular tracks from all records the band played to the crowd occasionally interacting with the audience but always keeping it short, even once saying “Ok, I’m gonna shut up now and just play some music”. I wasn’t aware of the large fan base the band had gathered over the years but most seemed to know at least a few songs as they sung along. Looking around it also seemed weird that there was a lot of girls with their eyes fixed on the stage until I remembered how The Spill Canvas has a tendency of turning pick up lines into songs which the ladies were eating up. I am not the biggest Spill Canvas fan but was still impressed with the stage presence and tightness of the band’s performance.

Whatever your thoughts on the band, Yellowcard has been around long enough that you almost certainly have a soft spot in your heart for at least one of their songs. Lead singer, Ryan Key, Opened their set with  “Rough Draft” which is an old song from the album ‘One For The Kids’. The band played at least a fourth of the old record including, “Sure Shot”, “Cigarette” and a personal favorite “Rock Star Land”. If nothing else, it was worth it to hear “Rock Star Land” done acoustically as it sounded awesome. Usually I really enjoy hearing a band talk and share about songs or other insights but Key spoke in such a formal, rehearsed manner that it was a bit painful. Overall the acoustic set was much more appealing to me than a standard Yellowcard set would have been as well as the chance to hear so many old songs that probably don’t get played much anymore.

If you have a chance to catch the tour before it’s over it’s probably worth it although if you can find a seat in the venue you’ll have a much better time.

[This show was on 4/11/08 at the San Diego House of Blues]

Tags: concert, music, play radio play, prp, show, the spill canvas, yellowcard

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 12th, 2008 at 2:50 pm and is filed under Full Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.