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The KRZQ Jingle Ball was packed with fans in their skinny jeans, hoodies, and side-swept bangs, and the event featured local bands Weston Buck and Days No Different, followed by national acts Anberlin and Hoobastank. Chris Payne and the crew from KRZQ entertained in between acts, but I don’t think the younger crowd quite got the humor.
Weston Buck
I love when local talent has the chance to open for larger groups, rather than all openers being tied to the tour. In the case of Weston Buck, his poppy and robotic sound got people moving, and the man prides himself on making people dance. His lyrics were typical, but I think he has potential to develop. The highlight of his act was a yo-yo performer that did cool tricks during Buck's third song.
Days No Different
The second band to perform was Days No Different, who I'll admit I am very partial to. I’ve been following them for more than 2 years and have been addicted to their CD, “Surrender the Mystery” for months. Lead singer John Gray has the ability to get the crowd pumped, but I'd never been to a show where so many people were singing along, especially to their signature song “Some Days.”
Anberlin
Anberlin is one of my favorite bands, and so I was so excited that they came to Reno. But I was disappointed when Stephen Christian's vocals weren't better mixed – he has an amazing voice, but the sound quickly deteriorated and was muffled for most of their songs. They did have a good variety, performing many songs from older albums as well as their latest, “New Surrender” (notice a pattern in these bands’ album names?).
Hoobastank
It was apparent that most of the crowd had come to see the one of the other acts or just tire easily because by the time Hoobastank came out, the place was noticeably emptier. Hoobastank, best known for their hit, “The Reason” (from way back in 2004) had the best sound quality of any of the bands. And while their newer songs haven't received nearly as much airplay, they were catchy and the band had a likable presence. Maybe the audience will be inclined now to check some tracks out on iTunes.
The New Oasis reminded me of places in San Francisco with a more intimate feel and good views of the stage no matter where you were on the floor. And having a show start on time with four acts was a definite plus (and all-too-rare occurrence).
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