Syracuse NY – Music blogger

WHO: The Action!

WHERE: Syracuse, NY

GENRE: Rock/Alternative

The Action!’s new album titled 5 is what I wish I had when I was in high school. A fun angst-y colorful collection of songs that make you say both, “get lost” and “wait, come back, I like you.”

With five band members, each one adds another color to the palette. No wonder they work so well together; the group will celebrate their 20th band anniversary next year. Tracks like, “I’m Gonna Beat Up Your Boyfriend,” “Never Been to Boston,” and “Too Scared to Dance” remind you to stomp your feet and have fun. Not only do guitar and drums lead these songs, but the horn section brings this band to a whole new level of musical nostalgia. They come off edgy with a simple speck of vintage medley’s; something not all bands can accomplish. “Styles and genres switch from song to song on this album and I think that keeps things interesting. You never know what’s coming next” the band’s ringleader Mike Gibson says.

Every lyric is fun and honest; imagery spills into your mind with every verse. “She’s cooler than Joey Ramone…hotter than Memphis in June,” lead singer Mike Gibson sings on “Let Her Heart Break.” While the song, “Amy” becomes one of the slowest one off the album, but sends a heartfelt message of love and friendship; “what can I do for you Amy? how can I help you get through?” Written for Amy Helm (singer/songwriter and daughter of Levon Helm from The Band). Gibson said, “Her father’s music meant a lot to me and when he died I wanted to write him a tribute but not something that sounded cliché. So I thought about his daughter – I may’ve lost a hero, but she lost her dad – and wrote this for her…” he continues to say, “Yes she’s heard it, yes she loves it, yes she recognizes me and hugs me when I go to her shows.”

5 should be in everyone’s car, so you can blast it on the highway, curse out your ex, or just be happy about life. Either way, The Action! will get you moving, whether you like it or not.

JEREMY ZUCKER:

“I’m missing class on Monday” Zucker says with a little boy smile as he addresses the hype Syracuse crowd. A senior in college and aspiring musician, Zucker has the skills to get there. He admits to creating all his own music in his basement, just playing on his laptop. His collab with Blackbear, “Talk Is Overrated” got the crowd singing along, as well as some of his earlier tracks.

SMALLPOOLS:

They embody every alternative band out there; slammin’ chords, catchy lyrics, and serious good vibes. After a hard blow of a bass speaker, and a huge chant for a drum solo, the band jumped back on their feet to perform more fun tunes. Their latest track “Passenger Side” had fans screaming for more.

MØ:

She’s the fairy sprinkled on every hit track; “Cold Water” and the viral “Lean On”. Her voice couldn’t be more perfect if she tried. Mirroring exactly what we hear through our own speakers, MØ knows how to put on a show. Dancing in a leopard print tank top, she ran right to left with a passionate energy. Eventually jumping into the crowd, grabbing hands, hugging shoulders, making fans feel the love. MØ is one of the purest artists out there.

UGLY GOD:

Ugly God was one for the partiers of the day. Shouting things like “bitch” and “f*** Ugly God” there was no shortage of “lit” during this set. He spit game as (mostly frat) boys sang along. As the juice jammers chanted “Thanks Ugly God”, he held the mic down and smiled with his all-gold teeth into the crowd.

DIPLO:

There’s no doubt, he stole the show. Playing all his hits, while mixing in current hip-hop faves, like “Rake It Up” and many more. Diplo knows how to command a crowd, no matter the size. With a setlist mixed to perfection, every beat is sharp and smoothly transitions into a new movement that the crowd rides for a straight hour. What Diplo does is so beyond the EDM world. He somehow is standing on top of this mountain of talent that most can’t explain. All we know is it’s really good.