Every year at the end of December, there are a slew of bands that play holiday shows within a considerable driving distance. Unfortunately, I usually don't get to attend these shows due to conflicting schedules. Luckily, I was able to attend the Valencia holiday show at Hangar 84 with The Wonder Years and a bunch of local bands. I really didn't pay too much attention to the opening bands for obvious reasons. I give them credit for being able to write songs and play them in front of a crowd, but there were times when I just wanted to slap the booking agent for the venue.
After about 4 local bands, The Wonder Years took the stage. I will be the first to admit that I am not a big fan of The Wonder Years. Some of their songs are catchy but I never really got into them the way I did for other pop-punk bands. I don't know if it was the lyrical content or the overall collaboration, but I never got hooked. But this was my first time seeing them live and I was impressed. They played a good set, and the lead singer got really into every song. And despite mixed reviews of the already leaked album The Upsides, I enjoyed the two of three new songs I heard. I may not like songs about Captain Crunch and the Kool-Aid pitcher, but The Wonder Years can captivate a crowd and put on a decent live show.
Valencia took the stage with the largest crowd I have ever seen in Vineland. I have been seeing Valencia play small shows in Vineland since 2004 or 2005, and it was great to see them play in the town where it all started for me. The crowd sang along with every song and the band sounded great. This was the first show I've seen Valencia play since they put out their second album and the songs they played were awesome. I really can't say enough good things about this band. All hard-working musicians, Valencia told the crowd they have written over 50 songs for their new album, and they continue to tour while preparing for an album release. These guys are something Philadelphia should be proud of and support.
Setlist:
Free
Away We Go
Holiday
Where Did You Go?
The Closest I Am to Living Life On the Edge
All at Once
Will We Ever Know How?
Safe to Say
Wake Up (new song)
The Good Life
Three Thousand Miles
Better Be Prepared
Encore:
Que Sera Sera
The Space Between
The Wonder Year's myspace
Valencia's myspace
After about 4 local bands, The Wonder Years took the stage. I will be the first to admit that I am not a big fan of The Wonder Years. Some of their songs are catchy but I never really got into them the way I did for other pop-punk bands. I don't know if it was the lyrical content or the overall collaboration, but I never got hooked. But this was my first time seeing them live and I was impressed. They played a good set, and the lead singer got really into every song. And despite mixed reviews of the already leaked album The Upsides, I enjoyed the two of three new songs I heard. I may not like songs about Captain Crunch and the Kool-Aid pitcher, but The Wonder Years can captivate a crowd and put on a decent live show.
Valencia took the stage with the largest crowd I have ever seen in Vineland. I have been seeing Valencia play small shows in Vineland since 2004 or 2005, and it was great to see them play in the town where it all started for me. The crowd sang along with every song and the band sounded great. This was the first show I've seen Valencia play since they put out their second album and the songs they played were awesome. I really can't say enough good things about this band. All hard-working musicians, Valencia told the crowd they have written over 50 songs for their new album, and they continue to tour while preparing for an album release. These guys are something Philadelphia should be proud of and support.
Setlist:
Free
Away We Go
Holiday
Where Did You Go?
The Closest I Am to Living Life On the Edge
All at Once
Will We Ever Know How?
Safe to Say
Wake Up (new song)
The Good Life
Three Thousand Miles
Better Be Prepared
Encore:
Que Sera Sera
The Space Between
The Wonder Year's myspace
Valencia's myspace
how about the lead singer from that band getting on stage towards the end? haha
ReplyDeletehaha skinny little foul-mouthed kid. i loved his gloves though.
ReplyDelete