The Noise Tour feat Mayday Parade – REVIEW

The Noise tour feat. Mayday Parade came rocking its way to the House of Blues in Chicago. Along with them came We Are The In Crowd, You Me At Six, There For Tomorrow, and The Make. You can check out our review after the break!

Pop rock has always been my first love. There is nothing like the energy that surrounds the genre. The thrill of the live show, kids going nuts and singing along to every word along with the band—nothing beats that atmosphere. When the lineup for the Journey’s Noise Tour was announced, I was certain the Chicago stop would be nothing short of a rousing good time.

As I walked up the stairs of the House of Blues, the first notes from newcomers to the scene, The Make filled the room. The mix of dancy synths and driving pop guitar was the perfect way to get the night going as the crowd started warming up for a long night of jumping and moving. Although the band mentioned that they have only been together for a few months, they must be doing something right to be on such a high profile tour so early in their time together. The high point of their set had to be their single “Fever” which features a hook that you won’t be able to get out of your head. Those catchy moments are sure to be what convinced Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers to sign them to his new label, Suspended Sunrise Recordings. Big things are sure to be ahead for these guys and lady.

Next up was a band that put out one of my favorite records of this year, There for Tomorrow. Needless to say, I was very excited for the sure-to-be high energy, rocking set. After being hurried up by HOB stagehands to start their set without a thorough sound check, the band jumped right into “The Joyride” off this year’s release, The Verge. Right off the bat, Maika Maile proved he is one of the strongest singers in the scene. Each note out of his mouth was near that of the recorded version, adding even more energy to a room full of fans singing along. Transitions of songs were made even more powerful with the bass drop sound effect that would shake the whole room, dropping many an attendee’s jaw in awe. There for Tomorrow set was rather short, though they were able to fit in crowd pleasers from both of their full lengths, and brought the energy up to 11, where it stayed for the rest of the show.

England’s You Me at Six were the next band to take the stage and wasted no time getting down to business. It is a rare occasion for the U.K. group to come stateside so fans to advantage of the opportunity to rock out with the band. For the first two songs, it was almost hard to hear Josh Franceschi’s microphone over the crowd, who were belting out every word along with him. Everything about the set was spot on and the audience savored every minute of the half hour set. You Me at Six has definitely made some noise stateside over the past few years, expect them to explode with the release of their next studio album, due out in early 2012.

Following You Me at Six were the New York natives, We Are the In Crowd. Supporting the recently released Best Intentions on Hopeless Records, the band rocked through a near 45 minute set consisting of songs both old and new. When looking at the stage as the band walked on, it was impossible to miss a hobbling Taylor Jardine who was nursing an injured ankle, strapped up in a boot and confined to a chair for most of the set. While most singers wouldn’t put up with the physically demanding lifestyle of touring with an injury such as hers, Jardine sucked it up and gave an unbelievable performance throughout the adversity. At one point, she even stood up to lean out to the crowd giving high fives to crowd surfers that made their way toward the stage. Along with Jardine, guitarist/singer Jordan Eckes, bassist Mike Ferri, drummer Rob Chianelli, and guitarist Cameron Hurley delivered a spot on performance that backed up the huge buzz the band has garnered over the past few months. Needless to say, all four support bands had the crowd excited and eager for the night’s headliner, Mayday Parade.

Few bands in the current pop rock landscape can say they have accomplished even half of what the Florida rockers have over the same time period. Three terrific full lengths cemented that the audience would be in for a treat tonight. As the lights dimmed and the band’s introduction began to play over the PA, there was a deafening scream from the crowd that got even louder as the band walked on the stage. An appreciative Derek Sanders stood on the riser looking so happy to be playing to a crowd that was going absolutely nuts during the first few songs. The band moved through a setlist consisting of songs from all three full lengths, as well as a few from their self released EP. Halfway through the set, a piano was brought on stage and Sanders played two of the bands slower numbers including the undeniably catchy “Miserable at Best.” After the piano was gone the band brought all of the energy back instantly finishing off the set with a bang. Mayday Parade is one of those bands that just plain and simply know how to put on a live show. The energy night after night from the audience in every city has to be the biggest driving force behind a band that has constantly gone through changes with members, labels, etc. and they are still going strong. If you are looking for night of dancing, singing along, and constant energy then make sure to catch the Noise Tour when it stops in your city!

Information about the review…
Tour: The Noise Tour feat Mayday Parade
Bands: Mayday Parade, We Are The In Crowd, You Me At Six, There For Tomorrow, and The Make
Reviewer: Neal Manahan
Date: October 28, 2011
Venue: House of Blues in Chicago, IL