By Chyrisse Tabone, Tampa Correspondent
Venue: Jannus Live, St. Petersburg,, Florida–September 18, 2015
You have to love a band that is so dedicated to their fans and getting their music out they are offering a ‘Free For All Tour”. Indie-alt band The Maine has been touring non-stop this year—first in the Spring as a headliner to promote their new album American Candy and later a short stint in Asia in mid-August. The “Free For All Tour” was launched on August 30th and wraps up in the beginning of October on the West Coast before The Maine heads to the UK.
Now, The Maine played in May at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg to a very welcome and appreciative crowd—and they were back on Friday night a free show, which included support by Beach Weather and a local band, Airsickness. Beach Weather recently released a five-song EP called What A Drag and a single “Wolf”and Airsickness released its EP Between All the Lies in the Spring.
When I arrived at Jannus Live there was quite a crowd waiting to get into the venue at 6:30 p.m. The line which consisted of the 20-something crowd wrapped around the corner until they politely marched in when the gates opened. There was plenty of pizza, beer, and pop available during the waiting time because the first band did not play until almost 8 p.m. The local band Airsickness came out to warm up the crowd, who were mostly there to see The Maine. This I gathered from speaking with a few folks who had been rabid “The Maine” fans since high school. As one noted she kind of “grew up with them” since the band’s debut album Black and White was released in 2010.When asked about a website labeling them “punk-pop” she remarked they have matured and mellowed a tad into a comfortable indie-alternative style through the years.
I have to say that Airsickness put on quite a show with lots of heads bobbing and the metal “hair shake” we all have come to love. The music appeared to be alternative-rock with twinges of metal. The band is pretty tight and I expect to hear more from them in the future.
“Beach Weather” was really a pleasant and welcome surprise! The music may be considered alt-pop because there are definite melodies and nice catchy hooks. The lead singer has a really melodic voice and the songs have pleasant key changes. I really enjoyed the set immensely! Kudos to The Maine for choosing this band to compliment their tour.
Overall, the crowd was pretty well-behaved all evening. There was no crowd-surfing or shenanigans (which was a good thing because security was limited). Annoying were the crowd of people sauntering behind the barricades with cell phones (or without cameras), waiting for The Maine hit the stage. While we photographers were trying to take photographs a blond chick kept crawling on top of the speaker and stayed way past the usual “three-song-limit”. Sorry to sound like a sourpuss but we have a job to do!
When The Maine took the stage the crowd definitely was enthused, danced, and arm-pumped their fists in the air to the beat. Most of the crowd were singing or mouthing the words to the songs which consisted of mostly their latest from American Candy. If you have not heard the album, you must check it out. Every song on the album is catchy and features the clever lyrics we all love. The songs are all very upbeat except possibly “24 Floors” which takes on the very serious subject of suicide. Anyway, back to the subject of the concert! Songs like “Miles Away,” “American Candy,” and “English Girls” were probably a highlight and well-received.
All I can say is “Come on back, The Maine, and bring your pals Beach Weather!”
Photo Gallery
The Maine
Beach Weather
Airsickness
TOUR DATES
The Maine Presents American Candy
9/5 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
9/7 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club
9/13 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
9/15 – New York, NY – The Bowery Ballroom
9/24 – Austin, TX – The Parish
9/26 – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
9/29 – Los Angeles, CA – The Troubadour
9/30 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom Of The Hill
The Free For All Tour
8/30 – Henderson, NV – The District At Green Valley Ranch
8/31 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Club At 50 West
9/1 – Westminster, CO – Orchard Town Center
9/3 – Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights
9/6 – Westland, MI – Westland Shopping Center
9/11 – Howell, NJ – GameChangersWorld
9/18 – St Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
9/19 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
9/22 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
9/23 – Mission, TX – Las Palmas Race Track
9/28 – San Diego, CA – Quartyard
10/1 – Fresno, CA – Strummer’s
10/2 – Tustin, CA – District At Tustin Legacy
Video Snippets from Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
WEBSITE LINKS
The Maine
Beach Weather
Airsickness
The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission to Rock At Night and the photographer. Use of any image is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws.
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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