The Rocket Summer with Sumerlin

Location: Soapbox Laundro Lounge, Wilmington, NC

Date: April 10, 2012

This was an interesting show for a few reasons.

1. There were maybe 100 people attending this show. (Don't get me wrong, that's not a bad thing, I love an intimate show like that.. but it did not work for this show in particular.)

2. The music overpowered the singer.

3. I couldn't hear out of my left ear after the openers second song.

But, despite these few facts that I wasn't too fond of, the music wasn't that bad. I actually preferred the opener more than the "headliner".

I'll start with Sumerlin, since they opened the show. Sumerlin is a relevantly new, local band. I actually knew of these guys a couple years ago because my friend was the bassist. (He's actually now playing in the band I reviewed in my last blog called The Capital.) Anyways:

1. They played a five song set.
2. They have great energy and demand attention of the crowd.
3. The guys have this adorable synchronized head banging.
4. The lead singer's voice was exceptional
5. From what I could understand, the lyrics were pretty good (because the music was so loud) and I would definitely buy their EP.

Next, is The Rocket Summer.

1. They played for a long time.
2. The lead singer is talented with instruments; but his voice is a bit too nasally for me.
3. Great sound; music was definitely way too loud

I really can't think of anything positive to say about The Rocket Summer. I knew two of their songs, they were good. Maybe I was overtired? Maybe the music was so loud that it made me so uninterested in this show that I shut down the minute they took the stage.

Definitely would not recommend The Rocket Summer to anyone, but I would definitely recommend Sumerlin.

The next show will definitely be better.

Next Show:

Tyler Hilton

Soapbox Laundro Lounge, Wilmington, NC

April 16, 2012

Concert Through the Eyes of a Friend

My goal has been to go to as many concerts as possible this year, but my hectic school and work schedules have prevented me from doing so. This blog entry will be through the eyes of my best friend.

My best friend, Kristen, went to a concert Saturday night in Greenville, North Carolina at the Tipsy Teapot. There were five opening acts for the band 'Jonas Sees in Color'; 'Nice to Meet You, James', 'The Capital', 'Poetically Purple', 'The National Rifle', and 'The Ethnographers'.

Even though there were six very different, very great bands who played, I am going to focus in on 'The Capital'. (For the main reason that I went to high school with the basist and my best friend is dating him.) They played a five song set, starting with four newly written songs and ending with their newly released single "Safe and Sound".

This was the first time the guys had played together on a stage in front of an audience and are still figuring out their image. Kristen thinks this is probably why they they did not play to the audience as much as she would have liked.

Will, the lead singer, was confident in his vocals. Hunter, the basist, was hoping around stage, really getting into the music and getting the audience to clap. Aaron, the drummer, was really getting into his music and was thoroughly enjoying his first time on stage. Dan, the guitarist, just did his own thing off to the left of the stage. She says they are each unique and talented, and as soon as they find a way to combine their talents they will be a force to be reckoned with.

The audience really enjoyed the first few songs and as soon as they got to their single "Safe and Sound", loud cheers filled the venue and immediately starting singing along to the lyrics. Kristen says that it was amazing to see people she didn't know singing along to this song.

After their set, Kristen is sure that 'The Capital' gained a lot of new fans who can't wait to hear more from them. Kristen says, "For their first time on stage together, they did a great job! Next time they are on stage, no one will be able to deny their talent!"

Take Two: Parachute

When I go to a concert, I hope the band knows how to demand my attention. That is something that this up-and-coming band 'Paracute' does with very little effort. The lead singer, Will Anderson, is very interactive with the crowd. He frequently jumps in the crowd with the fans to have us sing back the names of his fellow bandmates to introduce their instrument solos.

I have seen these guys a few times in concert, and honestly, they get better each and every time I see them. If I am being completely honest, I think they sound better live than they do on CD. Just by watching them perform you can tell that their passion for music is undeniable. Will is constantly changing up what instrument he plays and you can tell he really feels his music from his facial expressions.


This picture was taken by my friend, Holly, from left to right you have Kit, Johnny, Will, Alex, and Nate. They all took a break from their instruments to harmonize together. Let me tell you, this was one of the best moments of the concerts. Their voices blend together perfectly, you can tell that they have been working together since they were fifteen years old.

Not only are these boys very easy on the eyes, but they demand you notice how creative and talented they are. I know I left wanting to learn how to play an instrument because they made it look so easy.

I know I will definitely attend more concerts in the future, and I can see their popularity skyrocketing in the very near future. Their catchy songs and talent will take them very far in the music industry. I would recommend seeing them in concert if you get the chance because these boys know how to put on a good show and keep you wanting more.

First Concert of the Year: Kelly Clarkson

My New Years resolution for 2012 is to attend as many concerts as I possibly can. I love being surrounded by people who have the same love of that band as I do. I love "people watching" at these types of events. Most of all, I love experiencing the different concert environments.

The first concert of the year was Kelly Clarkson on January 31st in Durham, North Carolina at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Kelly Clarkson is a force to be reckoned with. When she says "Jump!" during her hit song "Since You Been Gone", you jump. It doesn't matter if you like the song or not, you are so caught up in her energy that you find yourself getting the best workout of the week! Her high energy and love of crowd involvement creates an incredibly fun environment for everyone attending.

Her voice is so unbelievably strong. As soon as you think she can't get any better, she blows you away with a power ballad.When Kelly sings, the audience is right there with her feeling that emotion. She feels the music so much that you can hear the emotion in her voice and it is enough to bring a grown man to tears.

At the concert in Durham, Kelly covered "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles, by the end of the song she was in tears and the rest of us were in awe. Watch it and I promise you will understand.

I would recommend that everyone attends a Kelly Clarkson concert at least once in their life. There is no limit to her vocal capabilities and she always leaves you wanting more.