It just so happened that the first act on my itinerary for Sunday was a band that reminded me in part of Pink Floyd. Wunderhorse is a band from the UK, and the lead singer has a style that I'd compare to Roger Waters. There is definitely meaning to the lyrics, but there's also great importance in a singing that can be more about the sonic effect of Jacob Slater's voice that co-creates a soundscape. I could also see influences from 90's alternative bands like the Counting Crows and Fuel. Like with Fuel songs, the tension of Wunderhorse songs can often ratchet up to a point where the vocals are raw, guttural, and teetering on the verge of breaking.
It was a short walk over to the Red Stage to see the next act. Mayor Michelle Wu introduced the young band from Los Angeles in an address to the audience about supporting local artists, and those who travel a greater distance. Be it Brooklyn, Toronto, Cornwall, or LA. At ages 18, 16, 15, and 12, the Linda Lindas remind me of the Hanson brothers. In sound, I'd compare them more to the Go-Go's or 90's Green Day. Each in a different style, each of the members sings lead in different songs. Showing off a versatility in music, and the rare quality of a singing drummer, Karen Carpenter, Don Henley, Phil Collins, and Zack Hanson all have demonstrated multitasking abilities similar to Mila de la Garza. :) Yes, I'm willing to step forward and say that Hanson was largely underappreciated. Some of their early videos are corny in retrospect, but the talent has continued on as they become more and more prolific. The pilot for the Stargirl TV series is what turned me on to the acoustic live version of "MMMBop". Go ahead, give it a listen.
The next stop on my magical mystery tour was at the Orange Stage on what I assume is usually a tennis court. Sorry Mom is a small band that was performing on a small stage (it's where the Linda Lindas were practicing earlier), and festivals like Boston Calling are great opportunity to help bands at such early stages. Hearing Juno Moreno sing, the first person that came to mind was the voice actress E.G. Dailey. You may know Dailey as Tommy Pickles in the Rugrats franchise, or as Phoebe's former music partner in Friends, or as the original Buttercup in Powerpuff Girls. Dailey has a music career, but not so much matching Sorry Mom's punk style. That would be Buttercup. Grown up. Fronting a punk band.
People had to leave the Sorry Mom show a teensy bit early in order to see Bleachers perform at the Red Stage, Like with "St. Vincent", "Bleachers" is the name of a one person band who is joined by accompanying musicians. The Wikipedia page says that Bleachers is inspired by John Hughes's high school movies, but I was seeing a more direct line to Hughes's post-grad film "St. Elmo's Fire". Jack Antonoff/"Bleachers" is living out the career goals of Rob Lowe's Billy character. Seeing Bleachers (and his band) perform, it's like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band stepped into a time warp during the 80's, and emerged in the present. Right down to the saxophonists. When Bleachers said that he's from New Jersey, I was like "Of course he is.".
I was beginning to psyche up for Paramore after that. I got some "Loaded Latke Fries" from Mamaleh's Delicatessen and a watermelon Red Bull before hiking over to the Blue Stage. The latke fries are in the shape of... Think "mozzarella sticks". They are then topped with pastrami, melted Swiss sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Like with when seeing Fletcher, I didn't want to get too close to the stage and have a hard time getting to the next show slated for the Red Stage. I'd describe the Walkmen's music as a cross between some of U2's rawer songs from the 2000's (think "Get On Your Boots") and Bob Dylan.
I wasn't too familiar with Queens of the Stone Age when I made my way back toward the Red and Green stages. With that band name, I didn't know if they created the gayest metal since Rob Halford sung about being being a "backdoor lover". I read their music as being abstract and experimental, with an overwhelming display of lights. I'm glad that I wasn't too immersed in their show. It seemed louder that when I saw Queensryche perform, and I wanted to be as ready as I could be for the Paramore. The Queens of the Stone Age set was like a prelude as people started staking out their positions for the final show.
At 9 pm, the lights at the Green Stage started to flash as Paramore and their fellow live musicians appeared on stage. I had been listening to their music, and interviews conducted by Mayim Bialik and Zane Lowe. I was beginning to get an idea of their live shows and connection with the fans. Seeing it firsthand was nothing short of awesomeness. Songs from all throughout their two decades together with emphasis on 2017's "After Laughter" and the new album "This is Why". It is a rarity to see musicians who appreciate and care that much about their fans. Openly at least. I had seen in Lady Gaga, the Foo Fighters, Brandi Carlile, Aly & AJ, the Scorpions, and some lesser known acts. The show was stopped on two occasions, and people patiently waited as two emergencies were attended to. The crowd was involved in singing "Rose Colored Boy" (and I wished that the audiences further back were as involved. Hayley Williams paid a little tribute to the late Tina Turner, and then referenced a Foo Fighters song in appreciation of a fan's amazing guest appearance on stage. The overall energy that Paramore brings on stage is so infectious, and I try carrying it with me. During my everyday life, when I'm meditating on music, or when I'm getting myself into an optimal mindset for writing. I write with such personality that my feelings and emotions get channeled into that communicative art, So like a musician or athlete getting into "the" zone, I have a similar channeling technique.
Now, I have to start planning my next blog post. And thank you for your readership.
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