On July 29th, fans eagerly gathered in Phoenix, Arizona’s Financial Theater for Yellowcard’s highly-awaited comeback tour which celebrated 20 years since the release of their freshman album Ocean Avenue. Needless to say, after a long hiatus, the fans expected a night filled with nostalgia, energy, and powerful performances from all the bands that came together in support of this tour.
Kicking off the evening were The Wild Ones, a talented indie rock band with a captivating stage presence. Despite being the opening act, they managed to command the audience’s attention with their stage humor, infectious melodies, and impassioned vocals. Their set was brief but they still managed to set the perfect tone for the night ahead.
Next up was Anberlin, a band that has mastered the art of blending alternative rock and emo genres flawlessly. As they took the stage, the atmosphere intensified with fans singing along to every word. Anberlin delivered a stellar performance, showcasing their greatest hits and new material from an upcoming EP. The band’s energy was contagious, and the crowd responded with wild enthusiasm. One note however, while the band’s decision to use red lighting the entirety of their set may have been intentional to set a specific mood or atmosphere, or to even set a tone of intensity and passion, red lighting; for me, limited my visual experience. The consistent use of red lighting hindered my ability to fully engage with the band’s performance, and if I was sitting far from the stage it would have been difficult to discern individual band members on stage due to the deeply saturated red hues. Mentioning this is most definitely not a critique on their musical performance, but is important as the ability to play with different lighting effects that complement the ebb and flow of their music could have greatly enhanced my overall experience.
As the night progressed, Mayday Parade took the stage, further heightening the excitement in the venue. Their emotional and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with the audience, evoking a mix of nostalgia and genuine connection. Fans swayed to their anthemic tunes, and the band reciprocated by pouring their hearts into each note. Mayday Parade’s set was a perfect blend of melancholy and celebration, capturing the essence of the emo genre they helped define.
Finally, the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting arrived, Yellowcard graced the stage. The crowd erupted into cheers as the band members stepped under the spotlight. Opening with a fan favorite, the set immediately immersed fans in a wave of nostalgia. Yellowcard effortlessly weaved through their discography, seamlessly transitioning between old classics and newer tracks.
Ryan Key’s vocals were as powerful as ever, tugging at the heartstrings of loyal fans who had waited years to see the band perform again. The instrumental prowess of the band was equally impressive, with violinist Sean Mackin’s signature sound adding a unique touch to each song. The emotional crescendos of “Ocean Avenue” and “Only One” left not a single person in the audience untouched. Beyond their musical sound, Yellowcard’s interactions with the audience was heartwarming. There was a sense of unity and shared love between the band and their fans, turning the concert into a beautiful celebration of the enduring impact of their music.
As the show reached its end, fans were left in awe of the timeless performance they had just witnessed. Yellowcard’s comeback tour was a triumphant return to the stage, reminding everyone why their music has remained a cherished part of so many lives. As the lights dimmed and the applause echoed through the venue, the night was etched into the hearts of all in attendance as an unforgettable experience, filled with music that truly spoke to the soul. As the special guest host, Emo Night Brooklyn exclaimed with enthusiasm – Emo is alive and well in 2023!
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ISABEL UZCATEGUI