LA-based Say Anything returned to the Masquerade on Sunday, April 22 along with Tallhart, Fake Problems, and Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band. They’re currently on tour to support the release of the band’s fifth full length album entitled Anarchy, My Dear.
Kevin Devine took the stage just before Say Anything to play for a slightly unreceptive crowd eagerly awaiting the headliners. It was apparent within the first few songs that this audience wasn’t yet fans of his, but he won them over by the end of his set. It was incredible to watch Kevin transform his small venue feel to fill the giant stage. He ended his set with “Brother’s Blood” and watching him go through the emotional progression of that song on a larger scale than usual was mesmerizing.
After Kevin Devine came Say Anything. With six members giving it their all, Say Anything’s stage show is entertaining no matter where your gaze rests. Jake and Jeff Turner, from Atlanta’s own XO, play all the guitar parts so that Max is free to roam the stage and engage the crowd. Anytime a chorus of voices was needed friends from the opening acts joined the stage. And Max even brought his wife Sherri on stage to sing her beautiful part in the song “So Good.” Not only were the multitudes of people amazingly entertaining to watch, they provided a full sound just as if listening to a studio-produced album.
Say Anything’s performance was -as always- the true definition of pop punk. Max Bemis’ brilliant song writing intertwines powerful, and sometimes provocative, lyrics with intoxicating, catchy melodies. These qualities coupled with Max’s on-stage charisma makes for an extremely entertaining live show. Although Max writes his songs to express his usually controversial opinions or to relate a personal anecdote, his humility fosters an inviting environment rather than an alienating one. Say Anything got parents, kids, and every age group in between to “Say Anarchy” and “Hate Everyone.”
Chloe Stoakes
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