After fifteen years in the business, it can be hard to create new hype around a band. In an effort to keep things fresh, Yellowcard have embarked on a very special co-headline tour with old ska-punk friends Less Than Jake and, on their second night at a sold-out Koko, they play the sacred final slot and are sure as hell going to do it justice.
With the self-confessed slower, heavier sound of latest album Lift a Sail, Yellowcard have definitely taken their music in a new direction of late. It’s hard to imagine how these more mature, anthemic songs are going to play out in a live scenario; that is, until you see it with your own eyes. Opening with the overwhelming chorus of ‘Transmission Home’, Yellowcard capture the feel of a stadium show rather than the theatre-come-music-venue in which they are playing tonight. The sing-a-long continues with the awesome ‘Only One’ and piano-led ‘California’, both of which engage the crowd and tug at their heartstrings.
But, try as they might, Yellowcard will never lose that wild, upbeat pop-punk energy that they are so loved for. Instead of trying to shake off that age-old label, Yellowcard do nothing but embrace it, with catchy chorus of ‘Awakening’ nearly blasting the roof off the place and the quirky violin intro of ‘Believe’ making their set all the more entertaining. With Less Than Jake opening the show tonight, the crowd’s thirst for fun is higher than ever and Yellowcard definitely scratch that itch, especially with the final two songs – timeless fan favourites ‘Way Away’ and ‘Ocean Avenue’ – giving us one last chance to give it everything we’ve got, as frontman Ryan Key encourages.
While some were sceptical of this tour, questioning how two bands from two different genres could possibly bring together one crowd, you only have to watch the show to realise what a genius idea it was for Less Than Jake and Yellowcard to join forces. The atmosphere is electric, even after Yellowcard have played their final note and left the stage, with fans still buzzing about the once-in-a-lifetime memories that they have created here tonight.
