We're at the end of an era. As the pre-MySpace generation looks back at the bands they grew up on, one can't help but come to the stark realization that they're nearly all gone.
With an all-out, ever-energetic performance, pop-punk vets New Found Glory (NFG) had everyone in attendance dancing and singing along Thursday night at the Town Ballroom, reminding all of what it was like to be a kid again. Under the spell of the ultra-hyper front man Jordan Pundik and his musical cohorts, you were no longer that aging college student or lost post-graduate; you were that kid who just picked up a copy of Nothing Gold Can Stay and falling in love all over again.
Kicking off their set with "Understatement," it would be anything but an understatement to say that the Ballroom crowd was undoubtedly theirs. Maintaining the energy and fast-paced fun, NFG immediately went into "All Downhill From Here" and "Coming Home."
The sugary sweet, musically fleet tunes that grace the NFG discography were all on display, as they jumped from stand-out track to stand-out track. After ten years of performing, a show like this, even though in direct support of the just-released cover album From the Screen to Your Stereo Part 2 (FSYSP2), played out like a virtual greatest hits performance.
Accelerating the already fast-paced set was "Hit or Miss," which had fans screaming back the lyrics to NFG's debut hit. This overwhelming fan accompaniment was mirrored with "Something I Call Personality."
After playing "King of Wishful Thinking" off FSYSP2 and old favorite "Better Off Dead," NFG took the time to dedicate their cover of the classic Goo Goo Dolls track "Iris" to the Senses Fail front man Buddy Nielsen. Pundik and guitarist Chad Gilbert had an awkward exchange as to why they were performing said song. Nielsen would later shed light on the situation.
"Jordan was too embarrassed to admit that the Goos were the biggest influence on them growing up," Nielson said. "The only reason NFG exists is because of Senses Fail and the Goo Goo Dolls."
As the set neared its conclusion, NFG ripped through "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" and "Head on Collision." Pundik then took the time to dedicate "On My Mind" to opener Bedlight for Blue Eyes, who were on the last date of their tour. The band gathered on stage left as they enjoyed their moment in the spotlight.
Building up to an epic conclusion, NFG ended their all-out set with their current single "Kiss Me," and, of course, their biggest hit, "My Friends Over You."
"New Found Glory was easily the highlight of the show," said UB freshman James Twigg. "The crowd was barely moving during the first two bands, but as soon as NFG came on stage, the crowd erupted with cheers and kept on going throughout the entire time they played."
The night's headliner was pegged as Senses Fail (SF), but it was more than evident that they didn't belong in that spot. Though they delivered a solid performance, following NFG and maintaining their level of fan support and crowd command proved to be nearly impossible.
Vocalist Buddy Nielsen had energy to spare as his scene standout band powered through an hour long set. Though musically sound, Nielsen's vocals often shot off key and to levels not previously known outside of a-ha. It was more than evident that the band was just getting back into the swing of things after months off from touring.
Decked out in a shirt that read "Arnold Palmer eats his own sh*t," Nielsen had fans guessing what he would say next. After explaining the wonders of alcohol and waking up next to someone who looks like a troll, Nielsen went into an excessively long rant on the benefits of salad tossing. And he wasn't talking about sprucing up a healthy pre-meal appetizer.
"If you girls don't lick a**hole, you'll never get married," Neilsen said.
An attractive but befuddled redhead nearby offered, "Well I guess I'm never getting married," in response.
SF played all of their hits, ranging from the delightful "Buried a Lie" to "Calling All Cars." The early SF track "Bloody Romance" was another highlight of their set. A new song entitled "Broham" was introduced, as well.
After offering their gratitude and stating that they were going to be recording a new album after their current tour, SF ended a thoroughly entertaining night with "The Priest and The Matador" and "187."
The night's opening acts, Bed Light for Blue Eyes and The Receiving End of Sirens, both delivered impressive performances to a seemingly unimpressed crowd. It seems to be a concert commonality; openers are rarely given the chance by an antsy crowd that's waiting for their band of choice.
Sirens delivered a riveting, technically sound performance, flawlessly recreating "The War of All Against All," "The Evidence" and "Planning a Prison Break," among others. It was unfortunate that they delivered such a performance to a crowd that wasn't even remotely ready for their experimental take on prog-rock.
Bed Light For Blue Eyes started, or at least attempted to start, the night's festivities with their accessible blend of dancy pop rock. "Whole Again" and "Life Without Turns" proved to be two of their standout tracks.
For a concert season that's been nothing but dull, New Found Glory, Senses Fail, The Receiving End of Sirens and Bedlight For Blue Eyes brought some musical refreshment to a parched Buffalo scene. One can only wonder how long it will be until another show of this caliber strolls through town.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
