Liverpool Echo Arena
15th July 2017
Up first and playing to a half vacant arena is New Jersey band, The Front Bottoms. A thirty-minute set is enough to portray their direction as frontman, Brian Sella recites his way through emotionally wrought themes about heartbreak, love and being misunderstood. If this band was a person it would probably be an emo kid.
15th July 2017
Up first and playing to a half vacant arena is New Jersey band, The Front Bottoms. A thirty-minute set is enough to portray their direction as frontman, Brian Sella recites his way through emotionally wrought themes about heartbreak, love and being misunderstood. If this band was a person it would probably be an emo kid.
When supports were announced it was hard to tell if Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls would be a good choice. However, as songs that ooze punk flood the venue, the uncertainty turns to delight. Tonight is about having a good time, looking out for each other, (Google ‘safe gigs for women’) and positivity – this band provides all of that and more.
Turner really is everything you want in a frontman – energetic, charismatic and obviously has a profound love for what he does. What kind of man brings someone who has never heard of him or played harmonica up on stage for a solo? Who dives into a human pit and still delivers every lyric so clearly? Frank Turner does. Renowned for being on tour non-stop, this band know what they’re doing. If there’s one thing for certain it’s that Turner really is the epitome of the word ‘cool’.
The moment everyone has been waiting for arrives, as the theme to Stranger Things blares out the PA system. The flag adorned with the bands logo drops unveiling the trio. It's been a good three years since pop punk veterans, Blink - 182 graced the UK with their presence. After mixed reviews from 2014's Leeds & Reading sets and a change to the lineup, there's some high expectations. Opener, Feeling This is unexpected, yet well received.
With a discography that dates back twenty- two years; it’s clear there wouldn't be a huge amount of interaction. however, Mark Hoppus, the bands main de facto frontman makes sure he introduces the band and makes way for none other than Matt Skiba.
It takes guts being the person to fills the boots of predecessor Tom Delonge, who notoriously departed the band in 2015. Replacement guitarist and joint frontman Skiba is no doubt going to get mixed reviews - but tonight, receives a relatively warm reception and holds his own. A few songs in confirms the replacement was a more than worthy choice.Granted, Delonge's distinctive vocals throughout classics such as I Miss You are absent and in some ways will remain a distant memory. However, hearing classic tracks in a new way is refreshing and in order to help cultivate a new fanbase perhaps, necessary.
Despite being just over a year old, this is the first time the band has done a UK tour promoting their seventh studio album California. The latest songs, to an extent, contain more mature themes - which are in many ways a tribute to their hometown California, cue Skiba's time to shine. Overall, song choices are varied and cater to an audience of all ages. Absent, are any tracks from 2011's Neighbourhoods, perhaps an appropriate choice. However, just when you thought Blink peaked too soon playing ridiculous tracks such as Dysentary Gary and Family Reunion, they close with none other than All the Small Things and Dammit. Combine this with bursts of pyrotechnics, slick lighting with vibrant background videos accompanying every song, you have yourself a stellar rock show.
It’s challenging to say what the best part of the show is. The fact music can still be about just three guys on stage without a bunch of session musicians shows that in some cases less really is more. Extremely notable is drummer, Travis Barker. He is the glue that holds the songs together, the guy who steals the show playing intricate rhythms so effortlessly as if every gig is his last. It seems Travis Junior – only 12 years old is keen to follow in his dad’s footsteps as he launches into solo during the bands finale.
Now in their 40’s, it’s safe to hazard a guess that Blink-182 are past their prime. In some ways perhaps that could true, a classic Blink -182 gig would have been the dream. It still doesn't feel quite like 'The Blink -182 show.' Despite that, they are too experienced and profound as a band to really mess anything up. They are definitely progressing in the right direction and if there’s anyone who can still pull off khaki shorts, toilet humour and catchy riffs– its them.
