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Everything seemed smooth until the exit. Two albums listened to and just over an hour later, we drove into the parking lot. Knowing the dilema that leaving poses after big shows like this, I planned to park as close to the exit as possible (remember this statement). We were denied my first pick due to the parking attendant, so I went a few spots up and over to an almost as good spot.
The smell of burnt toast was rampant just outside of the press tent (which was right near food venders, though none that sold toast). People were all about bumping into me, and/or vice versa, and it took a bit of time to figure out where places were (similar to beating a maze and getting rewarded for your effort). Other than that, things were pretty smooth, overcast and fun, at least at first.
I was able to catch a few songs of Broadway Calls before I had obligations to attend to. They had a great pop punk sound, and their drummer looked like a tan version of this kid I went to high school with (oddly enough, the same kid who I believe I saw at the Bosstones show).
I missed a couple songs of Against Me!, but was still able to catch ? songs. I was stoked to hear "Baby, I'm an Anarchist," as I'm pretty sure that I've never heard the song live before. I heard mostly older songs, and only heard "Thrash Unreal" off of New Wave. Regardless, they were still a fun watch.
I spent the next almost half hour looking for the Smart Punk Stage, which turned out to be right near the Hurley Stage and the press tent. I found the stage just in time to catch Set Your Goals play "Mutiny" to a hyped up crowd. While searching for the stage, I stumbled upon pop punk band Pull the Pin. Girls were loving them, screaming at the singer as if he were a teen idol, and he gave the girls something to wet themselves over, using his guitar as a phallic extension. The music was melodic punk that reminded me of MxPx or Better Luck Next Time.
I caught the last song of Beat Union before splitting my time between All Time Low and The Human Abstract. For not being on a main stage, All Time Low had a gigantic crowd. The crowd was almost too big, leaving me too far away to enjoy the few songs I heard. The Human Abstract was easier to enjoy, as I was sitting down at the ampitheatre that the Smart Punk Stage was located under. They sounded good, and their singer had a hell of a lot of stage presence.
The Briggs played a great set, despite some blunders here and there. The Larocca brothers were going nuts, trading off vocals and looking like they were having a great time, especially when the circle pit happy crowd got involved. I was a big fan of the fifth guy, who played second guitar when one of the Larocca's just sang, and he played bass drum (hitting the quarter notes) during a song.
I was waiting to do an interview when I got an odd text message telling me not to get electrocuted. Not quite understanding, I answered back with a quote from The Simpsons. Soon after, rumors of a tornado watch were floating around. Then the rain came down. Not thinking it would last, I went to find Greg. Then the rain turned into a downpour. I made my way back to the press tent, picking up a dry shirt (and a bonus wallet) on the way.
Because of the storm, people found refuge under the ampitheatre, which gave Medana Lake an unexpectedly huge crowd. I stayed where I was until the sun made its way out, hoping that I would soon dry off and glad that I just bought a new shirt.
The schedule was sort of messed up because of the rain delay. TAT had to cancel and the Street Dogs and Bouncing Souls played at nearly identical times, but everything else seemed alright (as far as I was concerned, though I did miss most of the ? Stage).
The first post storm act I saw was Charlotte Sometimes. She was really good, using her powerful vocals to keep me there throughout her set instead of trying to find Greg.
While walking around CD shopping, I ran into The Bronx' set. I had forgotten that they were playing, so it was a nice find. They sounded good and had a shit ton of energy. They blew Greg away enough for him to buy both of their CDs.
The Bouncing Souls took the stage and played a wonderful set. They looked like they were having an all out blast on stage, with Greg dressed in all white and smiling the whole time. He also did a great impression of Mike McColgan from Street Dogs, who were soon to be playing on the other main stage. Luckily, I was still able to catch a couple songs from Street Dogs. The crowd was gigantic, dwarfing the Souls' crowd (tough decisions have to be made). They played with a lot of heart, and McColgan proved why he is one of the best front men in current music. He was jumping around like a mad man, even getting up on the amps to sing.
I treked over to the Hurley stage to check out The Aggrolites, who put on a hell of a show, at least for the portion of the set that I saw. The ska/raggae was great and super tight, good music to chill out to after a long day. Their drum set lit up, which I found out after the show when Greg showed me pictures during the two hour standstill in the parking lot.
I caught a few songs from Relient K, and I enjoyed myself. I love how they play fast songs and then add pop rock parts to it.
Pennywise, the last band we were going to see (Katy Perry and Angels and Airwaves were playing as well) were only able to play four songs before another storm hit. We were walking towards the car when they started playing "Bro Hymn." We knew it was their last song, so we stayed, again getting soaked on the walk to the car, making me glad I brought an extra shirt with me.
Note: Pictures will be coming soon...