[ Live Review ] [ ]
Reel Big Fish , 04/18/2004

Maxeen was playing as I walked into the Avalon in Boston, Massachusetts. I never heard of them before, but I was quite impressed. The music and the lyrics were good, the band was completely into what they were doing, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the four enthusiastic musicians on stage. Definitely a band to check out if you enjoy a little punk mixed with some bouncy rock.

Next up was Sugar Cult. Now, I have not seen this band in about four years, but they were still a fun crowd pleaser, just as I remember. The music was awesome; the crowd was dancing and singing along. So far this concert was awesome!

Reel Big Fish was the headliner for the show. They came out onto the stage like the huge rock stars that they are! The crowd was cheering and screaming like crazy. If you have never seen RBF before, you should know that they are definitely a performing band - out to please the crowd. RBF is made up of six very entertaining and talented guys. The band has gone through quite a few changes between band members. The newest change: the drummer, Justin. The band is still just as exciting and fun as ever. I have seen these guys several times and I am never disappointed. Scott and Aaron were actually civil during this show. Surprisingly there were no rude or snippy comments being made back and forth. As always, Tyler was present with his bottle of Jack, stirring up trouble with the Boston locals. Many people were flipping up fingers and shouting at the stage as Tyler was chanting "Go Yankees!" and "Red Socks suck!" The show really was a good time. The guys have perfected their act with only four albums and an obscene amount of tours throughout the years. The lyrics are not all that serious, but the music each member can play is absolutely impressive and amazing. Dan and Tyler (trombone and trumpet players) get many times to shine and play solos while partaking in synchronized dance-like movements. Scott and Aaron are the talented guitar players (Scott also plays the trumpet) and responsible for the vocals and funny conversation throughout the show. Matt strums away on his bass, and otherwise seems very quiet, except for when it's his turn to play what he wants. He played “name that tune” with the crowd during his introduction by playing various songs while the crowd decided to sing the words. Justin is definitely a good match for the band in my opinion. The drums sounded great, he looked great, and I'm sure I'll find out more about him during the next few shows I'll attend in the future. Oh yeah, Scott fell, although I think maybe everyone was supposed to forget that happened, so.. shhh, don't tell!

Setlist

Here's the set list, complete with a couple very cool, new tunes:
Dateless Loser
She's Famous Now
Everything Sucks
You Don't Know
Drinkin'/ The Fire (new)
Say "Ten"
She Has a Girlfriend Now
In the Pit
Brand New Hero
Cheer Up
The Bad Guy (new)
Boss DJ
Beer
Rock n' Roll/ The Setup
Where Have you Been
Take on Me/ Sell Out