February 5, 2012

Concert Preview: This Time Next Year

This Time Next Year

Winter Break is over and its time to get back to the grind of school. What better way to start your semester than with a show at SOMA? This Friday, January 29 at 7:00PM, This Time Next Year, Strike Anywhere, Title Fight, and Four Year Strong are playing at SOMA sidestage.

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to interview Brad Wiseman of This Time Next Year and we talked about their new album and touring experiences. TTNY (as they are commonly known by their fans) is a classic pop-punk band looking to avoid the clichés of the scene in effort to make genuine music. With hints of New Found Glory and Saves the Day recognizable in their sound, it’s evident that they are looking to go back to the roots of the scene in order to make music that comes from the heart. They take an interesting approach by using duals vocals, often complementing each other to show drive and passion within the song. When listening to them, you can feel the emotion behind their music and lyrics, bringing an incredible freshness into what is becoming an all too bland genre. If you’re interested in checking them out, Brad suggested you first explore their song “Alex in Wonderland” of their new album Road Maps & Heart Attacks. Critics and record labels recognized the potential of this band and their label, Equal Vision Records, made sure that their first full-length release received the production that it deserved. For this reason, the band was able to work with producer Brian McTernan on Road Maps & Heart Attacks. McTernan is notable producer in the genre, having worked with bands such as Thrice, Senses Fail, & Circa Survive. The overall partnership between McTernan and This Time Next Year has produced a strong album reminiscent of pop-punk from the past. I would suggest that everyone who enjoys Blink-182 or New Found Glory go out and give This Time Next Year a listen.

Update: Concert Review added.

Last Friday I had the privilege to attend the aforementioned Enemy of the World tour when it made its stop down at SOMA. I had a fantastic time and all of the bands put on a great show. I was especially impressed when This Time Next Year took the stage. They sounded great live and every member of the band had an awesome stage presence and brought a lot of energy in their performance. After their set, I had the opportunity to just chat with vocalist Pete Dowdalls who was really down to earth and had the right mindset about music. The success that is coming to This Time Next Year is well deserve and it couldn’t happen to a better group of guys.

Atticus Tour: Old Favorites and New Starters

Right before Thanksgiving break I was able to see the Atticus Tour at nearby SOMA. Although all bands there were great, two in particular grabbed a hold of my attention. When I found out that these bands were touring together I made the necessary connections to interview them before their set at the concert.

Let's Get It

Let's Get It

My night began by spending some time with the opening act, a band I believe will soon be huge on the scene, Let’s Get It. Now some of you may be asking: “Let’s get what?” but allow me to explain. Let’s Get it is an up and coming band that is looking to create a new sound. This group’s influences range from synth-based pop to symphony driven, hard rock, but this range of sound is expected out of a band who says that their car ride to San Diego was filled with a mix of The Black Dahlia Murder and Eminem. The good news is that this combination works perfectly and each of their songs sound surprisingly unique. This band’s music will get you pumped and get you ready to party; it just carries an energy that makes you want to move. This energy carries with them when you see them perform and it makes for an all-out awesome show. If you’re tired of looking for a new band to listen, only to find the same sound over and over, you can finally stop search. Let’s Get It is a band that I would highly suggest you check out or catch on their next tour in early 2010.

Blessthefall

Blessthefall

As I’m walking to class in Zombie mode on a Monday morning, I scroll through my iPod looking for the band that will get me ready and make my walk from the Vistas a somewhat enjoyable experience. I realize that I often end up only to the B’s and choose the band Blessthefall . Ever since I got their new album Witness I can’t help but stop on their name every time I’m looking through my music.

After catching up with Let’s Get It, I was able to spend a few minutes with Blessthefall’s bassist Jared Warth to talk about what has changed with their band since the release of their first album His Last Walk and what created the greatness behind their new album Witness. Since their first album, they had undergone a lead singer change from Craig Mabbitt to new singer Beau Bokan. Jared explained to me that Beau brings a whole new, positive energy to the band that shows up on Witness. He also told me bands such as Killswitch Engage, Thrice, and Story of the Year inspired the style and sound of Witness, so if you like these guys you should check out the band’s most recent album. The combination of bands like these, mixed with Blessthefall’s original style creates an awesome listening experience. They are bringing it hot and heavy and have an intensity that few bands can match.

If you are looking to check Blessthefall out, Jared suggested to get a feel of their music by checking out these songs of their new album: “What’s Left of Me”, “Witness”, and, for a more pop sound, “Hey Baby, Here’s That Song You Wanted.” I would suggest those who like to listen to hardcore music to check these guys out and try to catch them when they are on tour again. Overall, I had a great night, catching up with a long time favorite, and learning more about one of the newest and most promising bands out there today.