The Alt Black

Stagnation is the word that comes to mind when I think of how I have treated my blogs. But there is good news! New Content is coming! I will be posting more about albums and shows!

I have missed two shows already, I missed Chance the Rapper’s coloring book tour and The Story So Far, and believe me, I have spent a considerable amount of time sulking because of it. If you know me, you know that I can count my favorite rappers on one hand. Chance the Rapper, Raury, Noname (formerly Noname Gypsy), and Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots. So missing this show was a huge let down for me, but thanks to Instagrams new algorithm, I have been watching clips of the concert for weeks now.

From what I can see from the concert clips, the sets match Chance’s childlike manner. From his singing puppets and his high energy performances, it’s easy to imagine that I am in the room with hundreds of fans, singing along to every song.  They’re two songs in particular that I wanted to hear live, How Great and Finish Line. Both songs have great production, nostalgia,  and lyricism. I have no doubt that I will see Chance the Rapper perform one day, but for now, I will have to wait for his next tour.

The Story So FAR! I have seen them perform live once and I had the time of my life, the show’s lineup increasingly got better, with every band that took the stage the size and energy of the pit were amplified. The Story So Far is a pop punk band from California and their signature heartbreak/ get over it lyrics have carried them well into their third album. So well in fact that they are currently touring with pop punk legends Good Charlotte (who happen to be from Waldorf, Maryland).  I have missed two tours featuring The Story So Far and hopefully, I will not miss any upcoming tours with them in the future.

 

GOOD NEWS

Seaway, MooseBlood, Knuckle Puck, Real Friends and The Wonder Years are all touring together and will be coming to MD in 12 days. Honestly, I do not know any seaway songs and I like one song by MooseBlood, so I am not pumped about those two bands. ( Once I am there I will regret not listening to more songs, I always do.) Knuckle Puck alone is enough to get my energy elevated, but along with Real Friends (my favorite band), and The Wonder Years ( they have the best lyrics)! I am in there and I am not sure if I’ll be able to make it out.

I have loved Knuckle Puck since I saw them on the American Candy Tour and their first full-length album “Copacetic” hit home.  I have seen Knuckle Puck perform live twice and this time, I hope that they bring the house down.  You all know that I love Real Friends, I have a signed poster (all the members, plus Dan the Merch Guy), limited edition Burberry flag, two hats, shirts, limited edition hoodie, buttons, and stickers. Although their second full-length album The Home Inside My Head left me wanting more and turned off, I am still a fan of the boys. I have seen Real Friends perform live three times and every time I have left their shows I have left hoarse, sweaty, and a with a lifetime of memories. Real Friends always put on an awesome set and I will be there and I hope to see you in the pit.

The Wonder Years shutting down this tour will be epic, The Wonder Years are veterans in the pop punk world and after seeing their tour last year with Microwave, Tiny Moving Parts, and Letlive. I have nothing but high expectations for this show! I have seen The Wonder Years live twice, once at Warped Tour and another time at The National in Virginia. They never fail to put their all into a show, this is a band who never gets lazy on stage and strives to give their fans a show to remember.

OCTOBER 21, I will be at this show and I will let you know how it goes.

IT WILL BE AWESOME.

 

-Justus Jermaine Hawkins