This is a show we’ve been looking forward to and banging on a bit for a while now. We liked the new album and now we get to see if it’s going to cut the mustard live.
A few weeks ago, the show was moved to the more intimate venue of the QMU as opposed to the Barras. It does mean more of a trek into the west end (that’s a train and a subway for me as opposed to a 10 minute walk), but the extra voyage might be worth it for being closer to the band. It’s also a half six start tonight, so hopefully the supports use that to their advantage!
The first support, Gladie, seems to be capitalising on the extra time with minimal chat between songs – just an introduction that they were from Philly. There is a little conversation mid set for the usual “we love Scotland” stuff. The guitarist does love Irn Bru, so I imagine it’s all genuine. This band is a laid back, grungy punk. Imagine The Strokes were actually punk instead of just saying they were, then mix in a little Hole with a dash of ’90s alternative rock.
It didn’t take long to get into them – particularly the singer’s voice. Rough without playing on it or hamming it up too much. There’s good melodies here that are hiding under thrashy, sharp alt punk. A sheep in wolves clothing – in a good way!
Main support, Prince Daddy and the Hyena, are a bit more pop punk with their lead riffs and cheeky quips from the front (singing from extreme stage left) man. As the set goes on, the pop punk makes way for slower, rhythmic, rock. Think Weezer, little bit of Pup, and the indie parts of The Strokes. Mostly Weezer, though.
The best dancing you can get going to this is moving your hips in time with the slow headbanging. The sulky teenager that I once was would be into that, though. I may not be a sulky teenager any more, but I imagine those that do still walk the earth would be into PDATH.
By the time The Menzingers come on, you can barely walk in this place. Not on the floor, not on the walkway behind the sound desk, and I imagine not upstairs, either. Knowing that when the room is going to kick off as soon as the headliners comes on the stage fills you with an excited anxiety. You’re going to have no where to hide and you’re just going to have to join in.
The lights dim and ‘Walk Of Life’ by Dire Straits plays through the PA. Obviously it starts a song along the likes of which is only seen at festivals. No one knew where the “woohoo!” came in, though. When The Menzingers come on and fly straight into ‘Hope is a Dangerous Little Thing’ a few things become clear. First, this band seem happier to be here than the crowd… And the crowd are beside themselves with joy. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a band grin so much while playing.
The second thing that becomes apparent is that this joy makes the songs mean something that they didn’t mean before. If you hadn’t seen The Menzingers before, I imagine you’d see their music in the same light that I did. Bleak songs about heartbreak, the daily grind, and futility that are made to be sung at the top of your lungs through blurry eyes as you’re driving. Now, that’s all changed. Now the songs are about being in a room with your friends, knowing you’re not alone and they’ve felt how you feel. There’s no bleakness here, only joy and comfort… And I wasn’t expecting that.
Every song in the set seems to be a hit. It wasn’t until I saw it happening in front of my eyes that I realised how many great songs this band have. They’re not all about ‘I Don’t Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore’ – proving this by playing the anthem second, which gets it out of the way and let’s the fans stop wondering when the big hit will be played. It makes for a more interesting encore too. As good as the encore is, nothing is going to top ‘America (you’re freaking me out)’ – I’ll fight anyone who says this isn’t their best song in any format.
All in, it’s almost a relief that tonight was so good. After ranting about it for months and pushing the album onto everyone I know, I feel vindicated. Tonight didn’t just provide a bunch of fans with some entertainment with expensive drink (QMU is supposed to be a student union, yet I’m still paying £6.50 for a pint??). It gave the first timers the induction into the Menzinger family and reminded the old timers why that’s special – and tonight was certainly special.
Photos by Catching Light Photography