Band: Antennas Up
Venue: Nathan P. Murphy’s
Location: Springfield, MO
Tickets: $5 ($2 w/ student ID)
Date: 3-10-12
Myself and my friend Nicole with Antennas Up. From left to right: The Ryantist (performing some crazy dance moves), Nicole, Bo, myself, Jonny Universe and Kyle (that's probably his British face). And as the date stamp suggests, we time traveled.
This night was wonderful. Super crazy impressive like.
First, Antennas Up manages to consistently be awesome. This was my third time seeing them, and I can honestly say that they bring it every time.
Second, my friend Jon came to the show and loved them as much as I do.
But I should probably speak a little more coherently about the show. Like, maybe I should have a chronological order of the night. If you insist on order, who am I to naysay you? Other than the writer of the blog post. But whatever.
We got to the venue a little after doors. Because you can’t miss anything, you know?
We went and inspected the merch tables (Yes, I bought things. It’s their fault for having the iPhone app enabling them to process credit cards. FYI, everyone going to their shows, they will accept your credit cards. Weep with joy/despair.), then grabbed a table. After sound check, Kyle came over and sat with us for awhile.
Jon informed him he looked like Tom Baker. Kyle was flattered and shocked.
Then, the show began.
Antennas Up tearing it up.
It was, as previously mentioned, wonderful. They played mostly new songs from their upcoming album (should be available in the next couple of months) and, if those songs are any indication, this album is going to be amazing. The songs are crazy catchy, and very well written. I think this album is going to be better than their debut and, considering how much I like their debut, that’s saying something.
More impressively, the guys managed their usual energetic stage presence and played impeccably. They were the first band up, and they really set the bar high for the rest of the night. Everyone just has fun listening to them.
My only complaint is that their set wasn’t as long as I would’ve liked. Here’s a copy of their setlist:
Antennas Up 3-10-12 Setlist, obtained from Kyle.
Eight songs just wasn’t enough. But they did do a whole lot with those eight songs. Nicole and I were hanging out in front of the stage, and we were having a great time with it. Some couples started dancing. It was a party.
Moral of this story: Antennas Up is a fun band with fun guys playing energetic and addicting music. You have to admire the tongue in cheek humor (I’m looking at you, “On the Line”) even as you identify with some of the unrequited themes in “December.”
“I’ve come a long way for this and every time we try and forget for one moment that we are only friends…I can’t help my intending.”
That song makes me sigh every time I listen to it. And the live performance was just as stunning (if not more so) than the single I’m currently listening to on iTunes (btw, you can buy it here).
And, after the show, they still manage to be personable and entertaining. Bo and I talked about music and books (Thank you for telling me about The Weeknd. I downloaded House of Balloons and love it.).
Kyle, Jon and I had a lengthy and enlightening discussion about Doctor Who (For real, Kyle, you need to watch the latest season. It’s sooooo mind blowing).
Ryan danced at random moments during conversations. And I mean HE DANCED. He’s got some moves.
Jonny was told a story about the time a man fought a shark, killed it and made a hat out of it (this story will only make sense to three people…you know who you are).
I bought an Antennas Up hoodie (Which I’ve been wearing since I left the concert. It’s now the most comfortable hoodie I own.) and received a CD with their single on it, and a song that didn’t quite make the cut for the new album.
December.
Also, their version of “Friday.” I’m going to hate them for making me sing that song.
And, as has been my habit for the past few months, I got them to sign my shirt.
My website shirt. The guys of Antennas Up and Heypenny signed in red. You'll notice that Jonny Universe ♥'s Allyson's Setlist. It'll be hard to top that signature.
We came, we listened to some awesome music, and we hung out with some awesome guys. It’s hard to get better than that. Except when you consider that Heypenny was also there. But that’s for tomorrow’s blog post.
Now, it is time for the report card!
Concert: A
Venue: A
Drink Prices: A+
Audience: B*
Overall: A
*For quite a bit of time, there were only three people standing in front of the stage. Come on, ya’ll. That’s where the cool kids stand!
PS: Kyle and Bo told me they’ll be back in Springfield later next month as part of their album release tour. If you’re sad that you missed this concert (and you really should be sad), don’t fret. They’ll be at Patton Alley. I’ll keep you posted.
PPS: Kyle and Ryan also said that they’ll be developing a Kickstarter soon. I’ll be committing to it. I hope you’ll join me.
