Nos·tal·gia: a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
“What do you need? Anything? You guys feelin good?” lead singer John O’Callaghan says sweetly to the boisterous crowd in front of him and the other four members of The Maine. A pop punk band from Arizona on their latest tour titled Modern Nostalgia. The band consciously decided that this tour would be different than previous tours; both of their latest albums Lovely Little Lonely and American Candy will be played back to back in full. Both show off the musicality still left in this band, from stretched out guitar synths to their classic pop/punk sound, and even a couple acoustic gems. Nostalgia seems to fit this bill. Nostalgic for love and everything that surrounds it seems to be the message.
A stage lined with a striped curtain reminiscent of a candy wrapper set the mood for the night; playful, sweet, and beautiful. Plush red rugs sat on the floor of the stage as the men (all in crisp white suits – which later turned to powder blue signifying a shift in the set) rocked out to some of their greatest music (in my opinion).
Songs like, “Lost In Nostalgia,” “American Candy,” and “How Do You Feel” felt even more electric live than they do when listened to through headphones. Zipped and tied up in suits didn’t stop these guys from head banging and shredding guitar for close to two hours. O’Callaghan makes sure every fan feels welcomed and happy. He high fives the one brave soul who crowd surfed, and wished the girl in the front row a happy birthday while performing. The flirty singer walks around to each band member, slapping their butts, rubbing their hair and leaning on shoulders. It’s clear the group has formed quite the brotherhood over the past 10 years and John is the ringleader elevating every moment as much as possible.
Not only do they manage to make you sing along, but they put a smile on your face, and a little sanity in your head. Like O’Callaghan preaches near the end of the show; it’s okay to not be okay, look to the people next to you, everyone’s going through something, but tonight everyone is enjoying music.
For Modern Nostalgia tour dates, visit here
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