On Friday night my Cuz and I went to the Brendan Kelly show at the Buckingham here in Edmonton. Brendan Kelly is a member of the Chicago based band The Lawrence Arms. I know very little about the band, but my brother has mentioned being a big fan of them, so I took my brothers advice and figured I would checkout this show. As well, the three opening bands all being local bands were bands I was familiar with, that and I like the venue. So it was off to the show we go.
First act of the evening was James Renton lead singer and guitar player of the band Fire Next Time. This was my third time seeing James play solo, and the previous times I had seen him he was amazing. So I was looking forward to seeing him again, has it had been a few years since the last time. I had hyped him up a lot for my Cuz, but sadly on this night James seemed off for some reason. Too drunk or not drunk enough, I'm not sure, though I would lean to the not drunk enough. I was surprised by how packed the venue was already for the first act. James came off as angry on this night, he played some stuff that I wasn't familiar with. So that might have had something to do with it. He messed up the start of a couple of songs, and had to start over. His half hour set was alright, but have definitely seen him put on better shows. The last song of the night "Rosewood Jesus" was fucking awesome, just wish the rest of the set had been as good. Nonetheless, still a musician well worth checking out.
James Renton.
Next up was the pop punk band Old Wives. They play a 90's style of pop punk, remind me of bands from the Fat Wreck Chords label. Just not my thing, the music felt dated to me. So didn't much enjoy their set. I do have to say though that there drummer was kick ass.
Old Wives.
The last local band of the evening was a band lead by Ben Sir called Worst Days Down. This was my first time seeing this band live, and they didn't disappoint. They rocked the hell out of the Buckingham. Great energy and vibes from this four piece, great lyrics and great music. They remind me of a mix of Vancouver band Carpenter, Social D and Gaslight Anthem with way more edge. Loved their set.
Worst Days Down.
Headliner of the evening was Brendan Kelly from the band The Lawrence Arms. This was his second time playing the Buckingham apparently. They flew him up for this show and then the following night he was playing in Calgary.
The place was super packed by the time Brendan hit the stage with the crowd seeming pumped about his show. I just wish I knew his music better. The crowd was singing along and getting right in to it. For the first time hearing his solo show I have to say he was quite good. His singing was great and his playing was good as well. Wish I could tell you more, but I can't. I will say that I will be picking up some of his music in the near future. All and all a fun night of live music. Good times!!!
Brendan Kelly.
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