The All-American Rejects have released a new album, Kids In the Street, and to be honest I had no idea. Having stopped listening to mainstream radio rock stations, i.e. KROQ and 98.7 FM, I've been ex- communicado from a lot of new music, especially in that genre, and I'm not sure if that's a bad thing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this type of music, but in small spurts like when I'm trying to hit on some freshman in college (Yeah, they're totally better than Fall Out Boy) or in Hot Topic. Yeah, I know. I never get far. But this was definitely a fun event, albeit short, but what do you expect for an album release party on a Monday night? Arriving fashionably late, I made it just in time to avoid the schmoozing and pastries (:-/), but in time for a nice little 3-song set. The setting was small, but their set up was pretty extensive and the acoustics were good. As for the performance, the lead singer Tyson Ritter brought the energy and stage presence of a larger show in Hollywood. And the fans rejoiced and swooned at every croon and high pitch that Ritter belt out. Performing songs "Kids in the Street," "Fast & Slow," and "I For You," it was a nice sample of the new music, and it at least got me interested in hearing the rest of the album (on Spotify, of course). But it was the personal touch that made this event even more special. The venue was covered in artwork from different artists, some personal and some from the new album. Oh, and there were masks, Victorian masks from the album's cover art. Very eerie.
They gave out All-American Rejects posters that were printed right there on the spot. While some were lucky enough to get Ritter's John Hancock, I decided I would just cherish the pristine condition of my cool poster. Here, see:
One thing I will give The All-American Rejects is that they don't pretend to be something they're not (Okay, maybe Tyson dresses up like he should be apart of The Casualties, but hey, so did Avril Lavigne). They write catchy pop songs and haven't tried to "grow up" like other pop-punk bands of late. Sure, while some of the older fan base will eventually grow up and not relate anymore, there will always be the next batch of 15 to 20-something year olds looking to take the torch of the skinny jean sensation. Here's to band for their loyalty: they love their fans and their fans love them. This symbiosis is what makes music special and they know it. Just see this snapshot:
They obviously think so. And it wouldn't kill you to listen to this album. Who knows, it might just save your life...if you're a suicidal pubescent teen. Or push you over the edge. Better yet, just call a psychologist. The All-American Rejects' new album Kids in the Street is out now!
0 PC Beasts Commented:
Post a Comment