In my personal experience, gigs at the Roundhouse can go either way. For example, it was where I first got to meet a big band, but also where I first got beaten up. Being a long time pop punk fan, there was no way this show could go wrong, so it was with high hopes that I entered The Roundhouse to catch You Me At Six with We The Kings and The Mission In Motion.
Local support The Mission in Motion started off slow, though as the venue filled the crowd gave off a much warmer vibe. The Sydney based band were clearly enjoying themselves, which made the show all the more entertaining. Though I have seen the name popping up more and more, I was yet to give The Mission In Motion a hard listen, though I’m sure after this gig they will be getting some high rotation on my iPod.
As We The Kings took the stage, the crowd of predominantly teenage girls screamed – and I thought the Jets were loud! Though clearly used to this kind of reception, the band came out strong and ready to party. Lead by frontman Travis Clark, whose charm and banter earned him many disapproving looks from the mother awkwardly hovering around the edges of the room, WTK played a great set. I wont deny it, it was hard not to get caught up in the hype. Tunes off their latest release Sunshine State Of Mine including Friday Is Forever and Every Single Dollar went down well, though it was their classics (for lack of a better word) Skyway Avenue and of course Check Yes Juliet that had the whole crowd singing. I may have known one or two of the words, I admit.
The crowd was now well and truly ready for UK pop punk giants You Me At Six – who came on with a bang (I thought the screams were loud before). From the moment lead singer Josh Franceschi briefly introduced himself to the security guards, stating that they were now about to earn their pay, he had the crowd hooked and was reeling them in. You Me At Six played a great, almost note for note set. It was great to see that even after playing all over the world and dozens of festivals they obviously still loved being on stage. It was as though every song was a crowd favourite. Playing tracks off both Hold Me Down and Take Off Your Colours as well as a sneak peak from the up and coming Sinners Never Sleep, everyone seemed to know every word to every song, and so did I. Even though pop punk is a thriving genre, you’d be hard stretched to draw parallels between another band and You Me At Six, who combine a seemingly light, innocent subject matter with highly personal undertones. You get the feeling this band is only just getting started.
What a great show – awesome music and a great atmosphere. As a reviewer, it’s hard to ignore the fact that everyone seemed to leave with a massive smile on their face! You Me At Six spread the flames of Soundwave 2012 rumours by telling the crowd they’ve asked to come and play – that would be a must see set in my opinion!
