Gina Catalano
Contributing Writers
The student-run College Union Activities Board, also known as CUAB, decided to take an alternative approach to this year’s Springfest concert by booking Yellowcard, who is currently set to perform all summer on Warped Tour and announced that they finished recording their latest album on May 15.
Chicago-based alternative band Mighty Fox opened the show and got the crowd out of their seats and tapping along to their Coldplay and U2 inspired melodies.
“If Coldplay and U2 had a friend who had a baby that might have heard the band while in the womb, we could be considered similar to something they were inspired by,” said lead singer Mike Jansen in a recent interview with the Chronicle.
Guitarist Markham Jenkins chimes in, “If you wanted to describe it in an image, it’s like in a car with the top down, you’ve got that really great sky going on. Not too bright, not too dark. You don’t have to wear sunglasses but you’re cruising down the highway and you’re just like ‘Yeah man, life’s good.’ That’s what we sound like.”
The band got together nearly two years ago thanks to mutual friend Marc McClusky, who has produced for names such as William Beckett, Weezer and Letlive. Their EP, Oceans, was released last year and produced and written by McClusky with major help from each band member. They spoke of plans to release a full-length album sometime before the year ends. However, a specific date is not yet set.
Although having rock bands playing inside Pfeiffer Hall is like having the lion’s cage completely open at the zoo, both bands were able to own the stage and make the most out of a room full of theater seats.
Yellowcard got their set going with “Lights and Sounds,” getting the room’s energy high. The set list was filled with old and new songs, allowing the band to reach each audience member.
Lead singer Ryan Key admitted during the show that they almost cancelled due to their recent departure with drummer Longineu Parsons III, but their last minute replacement for the show went above and beyond to make sure the band still played. With an hour’s practice and the threat of the San Diego fires engulfing his home, he played those drums as if he’s been their drummer since 1997.
In between songs there was banter, ranging from f-bombs and inappropriate jokes to Blink-182 and All Time Low references. For those who have been longtime followers of the band, their sense of humor was welcomed like an old friend.
Even though the majority of the audience only knew their radio singles and believed that the band was outdated, they showed fans old and new that their sound and stage presence is one of a kind.
They ended the night the way they always do – with “Ocean Avenue.” A chant of “encore” went on for about five seconds before the lights came on and security emptied the theater in a matter of moments.
The show may not have ended the way Hoodie Allen’s did at last year’s Springfest, the DJ might not have been as great as B96, and the carnival might not have been as boring if it were outside, but students and fans alike enjoyed a music-filled night with great friends.
