The Jive Aces – Live in St. Pete!

I had the distinct pleasure of being able to watch The Jive Aces down in St. Pete. The band really has a way of transporting you to another world. Everything from the beautiful atmosphere in the venue, with the turn of the century-esque year lit up, to the retro outfits of the band and attendees, to the charts themselves. It all hearkens back to an idyllic version of a time I’ve never lived, yet felt familiar. The band plays many charts and styles, encompassing jazz and rockabilly, but the night’s event was all about Swing! I’m not much of a dancer myself, but even I couldn’t help but get up and try for a song or two. The Jive Aces, with great energy and lively tunes, create an experience different from most in this day and age, which makes it all the more special to experience. As a bonus, I’ve included a photo from my first time meeting the band with Frank in New York, almost five years ago!

– Kev

Otoboke Beaver + Drinking Boys and Girls Choir

The all-girl, punk rock, double feature of the year. Both bands may seem youthful, but don’t let the aesthetics fool you. These are some of the most talented and seasoned musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. All without backing tracks and performed more accurately than most technical metal bands I’ve seen (and having a lot more fun while doing it). This already incredible experience was made into a truly special one by being a combination of the final date on this tour, as well as Acco’s birthday !

Drinking Boys and Girls Choir is a three-piece punk band hailing from South Korea. The band has a great dynamic together, and their positive attitude and clear love for the punk-rock scene, makes the reprieve between songs a nice contrast to their punchy performance. Plus the alligator suit and the crowd-surfing that followed, was absolutely legendary.

I’m not the first, and I won’t be the last to discuss the mind-blowing experience that is Otoboke Beaver live. The likes of Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) and Jack White (The White Stripes) have said more with their patronage than I ever could in this brief post. This Japanese quartet has become quintessential to modern punk, delivering aggressive shows, in a uniquely Japanese way. They may seem “kawaii” in photos, but be belligerent or disrespectful, and they’ll flick you off, throw you out and yell “f*** you” like any good punk rockers would.

When’s the next show because I need more of them ASAP.

– Kev

COUNTERPARTS

There could not have been a tour more aptly named for Counterparts than “Metalcore Dropouts.” Where most bands zig, Counterparts zags. Starting as a heavy band and then making your sound more accessible with clean vocals? Counterparts says, how about we get heavier. Hiring a social media manager to professionalize your band’s footprint online? Brendan (the vocalist) says, how about I court controversy by trolling. Where most bands from this era hardly sound like what they did to get big to begin with, Counterparts as stayed true to their audience, while continuing to grow and put out better and better work. Counterparts may not be the biggest band in the genre, but to quote a famous Counterparts fan: Mama if that’s moving up, then we’re dropping out.

– Kev

Neck Deep

Few bands have hit me quite like Neck Deep has. A staple in my life for over a decade, Neck Deep has seemingly grown up with me. From where it started with their album Wishful Thinking in high school and seeing them at Warped Tour, to Life’s Not Out to Get You and Peace and the Panic in college whilst seeing them at smaller venues. Now seeing them at the largest venue yet with yet another banger filled, self-titled album, Neck Deep just doesn’t seem to miss. I absolutely love these guys and so grateful to be able to see them yet again. As proof, here’s me backstage at 2014 Warped Tour after I waited in line to get their first record signed and got to watch their set.

– Kev