My friend and I escaped outside during a string of slow songs. We were greeted by a woman who wanted to have a deep conversation about global warming. The security guards next to us were trying their damndest not to laugh but it was really hard not to. The woman went on to ask us if we were “having the time of our lives” tonight. One of the security guards and I just kind of snickered to the side while my friend held up the conversation with the drunkard. Eventually, the security guard broke his silence and explained that the headlining act was nothing special so no, he was not “having the time of his life”. I couldn’t have said it any better than that.

Don’t get me wrong, last night’s show wasn’t the worst thing on the planet. Honestly, my friend had been having a crappy couple of days and I have been super stressed out because of my impending move to a new apartment that starts today. There was no other place I would rather have been last night than at a concert with a friend I hadn’t seen in awhile. I always preach that live music is the best kind of therapy and last night was no different. Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the music, being at that show had the same effect on my stress and I instantly felt relief as soon as I felt that first drum hit go through my body and soul.

I was late getting into the show due to some issues with the guest list so I missed most of Cruisr’s set but what I did catch sounded great. I have seen these guys before and am always impressed with how clean their surf-pop sound comes across. The crowd didn’t seem to be too into it but that’s how crowds like this work. Typically, when you have a headlining act that has that one song on the radio, the other bands just fall to the wayside. The people that go to these shows don’t seem to go for the music, more for the event. This is fine, this is great, at least people are getting out and going to see live music, but I hate when the opening acts don’t get the attention they deserve… especially when they’re better than the headliner.

The second band to play was Lydia. Lydia is a band that I honestly haven’t thought about since high school. They were around in the early 2000’s and I saw them play a few times supporting other bands, but they broke up in 2010 and just weren’t a band I was into enough to keep track of. I was a bit shocked to see them on the line-up but was excited to see them play again for the first time in damn near ten years. The songs have definitely changed. I didn’t recognize anything they played but still felt a connection to them. The singer of Lydia has an extremely distinctive voice and as soon as he started singing, I was transported back to the days of hanging out at The House of Bricks in Des Moines seeing these guys play with bands like Copeland, Armor for Sleep, and many, many more.

Pvris was the headlining act last night. They walked onto the stage to a packed house of screeching teens. I just don’t get it. Why were they getting all of this attention when their music is mediocre at best? Sure, it’s catchy, and poppy, and yeah, I started bobbing my head a bit during certain parts but there’s nothing special about it. It’s like the godforsaken radio rock only with a more punk look and female singer. I watched the crowd in amazement as they pushed and shoved each other around just for a chance to get one step closer to the stage. What were they feeling? Why did I feel nothing?

I truly don’t get it. There is so much good music out there. Why is this the music that everyone is obsessing at? There have been so many great shows lately with little to no people in attendance. Why is this the show that damn near sells out? Then I looked around me and realized that I was easily older than 90% of the crowd. This music wasn’t my music to understand. This phenomenon just could not be explained to me because I’m not the demographic they’re going for. I think that realization made the show a bit more enjoyable. I stood back, sipped on my beer, and thought about how thankful I was to not be in the demographic that is brainwashed to think that this stuff is the best.

As I mentioned, Pvris wasn’t the worst band I’ve ever seen. They played well and their energy seemed to be high but there just wasn’t that something that I needed. It seemed a little “wash, rinse, repeat” and, had it not been for my friend standing by my side, I would have definitely ditched out early to go home and do some last minute packing.

One thing the singer said really got to me and I’d like to address it quick. She asked the audience to put their phones away for just one song and pay attention to the band. I definitely agree that people are on their phones too much in this day and age but I don’t agree with her bringing it up on stage. I was on my phone last night because the show wasn’t keeping me entertained. It wasn’t me trying to be rude, it was me trying to stay awake. So dear bands, do not tell me to put my phone away, put on a show that makes me keep my phone in my bag. Keep me entertained.

No, last night was not a life changing experience. I wasn’t a fan of the music and the crowd just annoyed me but I was at a live show with a dear friend. There’s no better place on the planet.

Line Up:

 

Cruisr

Lydia

Pvris

Venue: Mill City Nights

Sausage Fest Meter- -10 out of 10

Average Age of the Crowd- 16

Crowd Surfers- 2 Failed Attempts

Stage Divers- None

Danceability- Low

Most Popular Band According to Everyone’s Clothing- Pvris (for the love of God children, do NOT wear band merch from the bands playing that night to the show. Promote someone else that deserves the attention. Obviously you were a fan of Pvris if you went to the show last night, you freaking spent money on a ticket!)

Broken Bones- None

Drunkards Taken Out By Security- None– Pretty sure my friend and I were the only ones old enough to drink

Celebrity Sightings- None

Overall Score- 3 out of 10

Show on Deck- Saosin!