You Me At Six, The Swellers, Twin Atlantic, We Are The Ocean

     I had the opportunity to see some bands that aren't usually something I would necessarily have listened to or gone to see.  But I am always up for hearing a band... or 4... play. I do like to know some of an artists music before I see them play. Not because I wanna screen a band, but because I love to be able to jam along with the music. I knew none of these bands but my daughter had some music from one of the bands. I listened, and went searching for the others. Since I knew I was seeing them play and I prefer to purchase a physical CD I searched for the bands on SoundCloud. (A seriously good way to check out new music)

I found Twin Atlantic and couldn't bring myself to go any further to hear the other 2 bands. I was caught up with the lead singers voice, yeah yeah I'll admit it was partially the Scottish accent, but I couldn't stop listening. The lyrics, the repetition in some of them, the sound. Just worked for me and I really enjoyed seeing them live. Twin Atlantic Faves- "Human After All"  "What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?" <-- awesome Skrillex mix of this one on Soundcloud. "Babylonian Throwdown"  "Your Amazing Lying, Lion, Lie in"

Now a few days before the show my daughter and I started talking about the bands. She looked at me seriously, and with a little concern, and said "We Are The Ocean, mom, your probably not gonna like them, they have some screamo." (thinking about it now I'm laughing, she actually seemed concerned that I wouldn't enjoy. That'll be a first...) I told her ok, lets just see how they sound.

First of all, you tell me a band has screamo and I think nothing but screaming, no way to possibly understand the lyrics. They weren't that at all. I thoroughly enjoyed them. They had 2 singers, one had the smoother voice, and the other rougher more gravely voice, which perfectly handled any of the "harsher" lyrics. It actually was an excellent pairing. They had the crowd going, even walked thru the crowd to the bar and sang from on top of it. Really some excellent songs. We Are The Ocean Faves- "Before I Die"  "Now And Then"  "Overtime Is A Crime"  "Runaway"

The Swellers were the only American band on this tour. They had lots of energy, and a very animated bassist... I think he was the bassist, he mouthed all the lyrics.  LOVED "The Best I Ever Had" Still learning their songs. Definitely not done listening.

Now the band all the girls "squee'd" over... You Me At Six... The lead singer really took control of the crowd. His stage presence struck me as much older than I believe he actually is. You Me At Six Faves- "Little Bit Of Truth"  "Bite My Tongue"  "Loverboy"

 I considered seeing if my daughter wanted to write up her own take on the show...It popped into my mind for about 2 seconds and then I thought better of it. She'd be horrified I was even mentioning her. You know cause I'm mom and totally not cool! HaHa! She still has a lot to learn.

Enjoyed all of the bands more than I thought I would, and shared it with my daughter - that was the icing.

I recommend giving them a listen even if it's not your type of sound. I'm even considering hitting Warped Tour this year, for the first time, since I've heard some of the bands will be playing it.

Just a little bit more of my 2 cents I suppose. Take it all as you will... but as always...

May music keep your heart beating... Like it does mine.
-ThisMusicHeart
www.Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart