Agony Way

I’m not sure why they picked this name, cause Agony way is everything but an Agony way.
They may even sound a bit cheerful, but that might be just my opinion. One thing is for sure, Agony Way is ready to enrich the alternative rock scene!
This punky rock band from Italy is only a few years old, but they’ve already managed to capture their very own sound in their new record called ‘For rent’. The next Vanilla Sky? No, cause they’re not as poppy and emotional as the Vanillo’s. But they do have potential, cause they sound like no other; Original, energetic, catchy, honest with a punky attitude.
“For Rent” is full of powerful songs that makes you want to dance, jump and scream at the same time. Especially “At terror street” and “The quick brown fox” are very addictive songs, even when you listen to this songs for the first time. I usually need to get accustomed to songs, but this time it was different, special... The songs sticked to my head even after the first time of hearing them. So, that could mean that the songs are catchy, predictable, easy listening or just pretty amazingly special?! Some of the songs on “For Rent” are catchy and some of the choruses are maybe a bit predictable, but that’s okay, cause they’re part of a total called ‘great rock music’. Let me be clear about this: Music doesn’t need to be complex, it needs to be friendly for your ears. And that’s what makes this music so pretty amazingly special! Agony Way is nice and punky, just the way I like it!

Interview Attack! Attack!

Honesty didn't get me anywhere, but I'm sure it got them far...
I've honestly never met such an honest,nice and relaxed band before. The way that they treat their fans is phenomenal, so gentle, so polite and very sweet! But once they climb the stage they turn into wild animals! The energy and power that they capture in their songs on-stage is mind blowing, something I haven't seen before. It's obvious that great music brings out the best in Neil(vocals), Ryan(guitar), Mike(drums) and Will(bass). Attack! Attack! is ready to Attack! the global rock-scene by stealing millions of innocent hearts by honest, nice and polite raw booming ROCK MUSIC!

Interview with: Neil and Ryan
Interview by: Pearl

Are you excited to play in Rotterdam tonight?

Neil: Very, even more than normal I think, because of what happened last time. We couldn't make it then.

How are you going to make up for that?

Ryan: We'll play naked tonight!
Neil: Yeah...

Really?

Neil: Yes! No that's not making up for that. You don't want to see us naked. There's nothing we can do, we promised to come back and we did, so that's everything we can do. So that's probably the best that we can do, but we always try to do that anyway.

I'm always surprised by the energy that you have on stage. How do you capture the energy and power in your songs?

Neil: that's a good question...I don't think that there's an answer on that, it's just natural I think. Music and the energy that we feel is in the music just brings out the best in us while we are on-stage and playing it. That's probably just what it is. It's just that we enjoy the music so much that we really get into it.

You grew up admiring the Lostprophets and you've got the opportunity to work and tour with them. What did you learn from them?

Neil: I think that they taught us that you can be a couple of average guys of South Wales and still make it in the music industry with hard work and determination.They worked so hard, they believed in what they did and they've achieved their dreams. That gives bands like us the believe that we can achieve our dreams as well.

I've seen the video of "you and me" and it kind of reminds me of the film Charley and the Chocolate factory.

Neil: Really? Cool, I love that film!

Which one is your favorite character?

Neil: My favorite is Grab a Joke!
Ryan: God! I think it's got to be Willy Wonka, Gene Simmons. It's got to be Gene Simmons...
No he's not Gene Simmons! Gene Simmons is definitely not Willy Wonka right?! haha..
Neil: I didn't see the remake, what was the remake like?
Ryan: Nothing on the original...

I haven't seen the original.

Ryan and Neil: O NO! You've got to see that! Get it on the screen now!
Neil: Is Grab a Joke even in the remake? Our answers are based on the original.

The video also reminded me of a time I was afraid of people coming out of the television.

Neil: Like the film the Ring! have you seen that film?

No

Neil: That happens in that film, it's a horror movie, it's scary!

What used to be your fears as a child?

Neil: Still is, fish. I've always been scared of fish and chickens. At least when they're alive, cause I love them when they're dead and tasty!
Ryan: I'm not scared of anything! No.

Never been afraid of the dark or something like that?

Ryan: Maybe afraid of the dark when I was a kid, maybe...
Neil: maybe this time?
Ryan: hehe I'm not afraid of chickens... I used to be scared of dogs, don't know why, I love dogs.

What things inspire you to write songs?

Neil: All different kind of things: Everyday life experiences, touring in a band, being on the road, news things, movies.

Really personal stuff?

Neil: That's coming to it definitely.

Do you write about things that are very close to your heart, or do you prefer to write about things that everyone can identify with?

Neil: I think they both cross over anyway, cause a lot of stuff that happens to you, happen to a lot of other people as well. And you can interpret lyrics in your own way, so we might have written something that means this, but somebody might think it means something else. That's cool, as long as they could relate with it.

What's the nicest song to perform live?

Neil: I really like playing "From now on".

Are you going to play that tonight as well?

Neil: Yeah we will. When we recorded this song we didn't know what the song sounded like. It's hard to explain. The song wasn't finished when we started recording it. It might sound strange, but the first time we played the song from start to finish was actually live. I really like it because of the fresh feeling of playing it. A lot of songs you play hundreds and hundreds of times and then you record them, but this song is differently. We had the ideas, but we didn't actually have the full song.

Is it also your favorite song to perform live?

Ryan: No I like to play "You and Me" I think...I don't know I like them all I think.

Will you be playing all of your songs tonight?

Neil: We're not playing "Lost for Words"

That's too bad.

Neil: Sorry, we've played it only a few times, but it's a little bit hard to sing and that can cause problems. It wouldn't be so bad to sing it at the end of a tour, at the last day, cause if you damage your voice you can have time to recover. But that's not possible when you're on tour. i struggle with that sometimes. We stay away from that and pretend it doesn't exists.

You´ve performed on the London Forum, which is really big, but tonight you´ll be playing in Watt, which is a bit smaller but cosy at the same time. What do you prefer?

Neil: That depends as long as it is full. I definitely prefer Europe in general to the UK. You do get treated better by the promoters and the venues are very helpfull. In the UK, a lot of the time you get at a venue and you're out there on your own. In Europe there're always people to help you and that's cool.

Is there a difference between the British and the Dutch audience?

Neil: Must be..Neither of them understand us, cause we're Welsh, we speak too fast.
It's funny, because in the UK there are different parts with totally different attitudes towards bands in general. So you have places you look forward to more to go and play in the UK. We've played in two different places in Holland, Amsterdam and Nijmegen. The Amsterdam crowd is always really cool. And Nijmegen...You were at the Nijmegen show, it's always good. We've never had a bad reaction anywhere we've been, whether it's Holland, the UK or anywhere. But the Dutch fans always seem to be up for a good time, so that's cool. Enthousiastic! Which is always good.

What would your life look like if there wasn't any music?

Neil: Dark, boring..
Ryan: What our life would look like? No good!
Neil: I would have to kill fifteen hours a day. I don't know, I love listening to music, love playing music. If there was no music...
Ryan: That would have been bad wouldn't it?
Neil: That's why I would say thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing, thanks for all the joy they're bringing. I'll ask in all honesty, what would life be like? Do you know that song? No

Would you be another person if you weren't in a band?

Ryan: I'd probably be in prison right now.
Neil: In Wales you have two choices music or crime.

What kind of crime would you commit?

Neil: Anything! Car theft, drugs, an occaisional murder... Like when Mike and Ryan were younger they were in a crime gang. Ryan, show her your tattoos! They were dark times, but luckily they discovered music and it can pull you out of these things and give you a totally different direction.
If you could kill one person in the world who would that be?

Neil: Sean Smith..
Ryan: Can we kill a band?

SEAN SMITH??

Neil: No joking...I knew I would get a reaction on that!
Ryan: I would kill Scouting for girls.

Really? Why?

Ryan: Because it's a terrible band!
Neil: Are we going to be found out for killing this person?

No

Neil: Okay, this is good..Gordon Brown I think. Gordon Brown is the prime minister of the UK. I got to kill Gordon Brown and give the UK a fresh start in politics.

Wouldn't you kill the other Attack! Attack! band?

Ryan: O yeah, we'd kill them as well!
Neil: No we'd hug and kiss!
Ryan: I'd kill them, definitely!

How would a sixteen-year-old Neil or Ryan look at the person that you've become today?

Neil: I don't think I'd believe it.
Ryan: No I wouldn't believe it, I'd laugh!
Neil: I've totally changed, cause I was very shy as a child. I think I'd be very happy with what I've done with my life from that point of view.

You don't have any regrets?

Neil: There're always regrets, meeting Ryan that was a regret.

If you could have a time-machine, would you go forward in time or would you go to the past?

Ryan: I'd definitely go back.
Neil: I'd go back too.
Ryan: I'd go back to the seventies.
Neil: No I'd go to the sixtees when that whole Beatles explosion happenend, that would have been cool to see.

I've heard that Mike is the father of the band, in what ways does he different from you?

Neil: He's taller and he's kind of sensible I think. When it's time to leave he's always like "comon can we leave now?" He's always thinking ahead of the next show.

Are you a typical rockband? You know where the singer and the guitarist are more with the groupies and stuff, while the drummer and the bassist are more down to earth?

Neil: Well, you can't keep Will away from the girls. He can't stop it. I don't really think it's like that.
Ryan: We're nothing like that at all.
Neil: We like to meet people, but we're not interested in "Do you want to come back to our bus" kind of stuff you know? Forget that. We have our computer games on the bus, what do we need girls for?

Is there any prejudgement about rockbands you would like to get rid of?

Neil: No, it does happen with some bands. Some guys in bands are into that kind of stuff and maybe that's why they go in a band in the first place, cause that's what they wanted to do. But it's different for us, we're just four guys looking to have a laugh. We'll see what happens and we'll be going with the flow. But it does happen, just not to our band.

If you could solve one problem in the world, what would that be?

Ryan: Poverty
Neil: Poverty is a good one. I was going to say disease, but then can you imagine if you get rid of disease that the population will grow absurd! So I would go for poverty as well.

If you could be president of the USA what would you do?

Ryan: O that's too much! I can't go into that one.
Neil: I think Obama is awesome, really really awesome! You just try to do the best you can, it's a job that I wouldn't want. I would not want to deal with such a big country. It's the most important country of the world!

You would be very famous!

Neil: Yeah, but it would still be bad! You wouldn't be able to do anything, everything you do is watched and critisised. Very little praise is coming out of doing that job!

Do you like to be famous?

Neil: No, not to be famous. I like to be in a succesfull band and I quess that will become part and part together. So I suppose yes is the answer, but not to be famous. To be succesfull with the band that's what we want to be. Honestly, we want as many people to come to our show as possible and for every night to be in big venues and to meet loads of new people and have fun everywhere around the world. Which I think you can't really have if nobody knows who you are.

I'm giving you three wishes..What would you wish for?

Neil: Health

For yourself or for the world?

Neil: I was going to say for my family and friends, which sounds a bit selfish. What would you choose Ryan?
Ryan: Succes and inpoverty
Neil: Yeah something like that.
Ryan: What would I wish for? Loads and loads of money!

Always usefull

Ryan: You can do a lot with money!
Neil: You can cause and also solve a lot of problems. I think I would buy a football club if I had loads and loads of money. I think I wouldn't buy a big one, but a small one and try to build them up. I would help a small team to get bigger, maybe our home town Cardiff, that'll be good...

Thank you very much for this interview Neil and Ryan!

Taking Back Sunday in Amsterdam

Let it be clear, Taking Back Sunday is new again! With their new singer and cd they manage to sound like they've just reborn. And along with this powerful cd called New Again came a glorious and spectaculair gig in the Amsterdam Melkweg.

Starting with one of my favorite songs, this gig was garanteed for a lot of fun. Imagine the intro of "What's it feel like to be a ghost?"and you'd probably know what I mean. Adam, the singer really looks like a performer and apperantly he is. he has the moves, the looks, the attitude, the only thing I was missing was a real honest connection with the audience. Come on rockstars, you know what them girls on the front row like. Take off your shirt! or at least give them some high fives, that shouldn't be too hard right?

But I have to be honest, this had been an exeptional good show. The music was powerful and so full of energy. They've played for one and a half hour in which they performed 17 songs. Almost all of their good songs. Songs that really make you go crazy like spin and liar, but also songs from the new album called New again and lonely lonely. Trust me, you would really like to have this new cd, it's Taking Back Sunday like you've never heard them before, fresher, more energetic and completely New Again.

bye bye blackbird

There's an ending to every story. It may sound depresssing, but unfortunatly it is. Luckily their is a start to every end as well, although it might be hard to see the light at the tunnel sometimes.I hope you're not expecting a very cheerful story right now, cause this is the time for me I start to realise that some rockbands may sound immortal, but doesn't seem to be.

It has already been a few weeks ago since the announcement of the break-up of Little Man Tate. Right, it 's devastating and so unexpected! The last time I've seen them had only been a few months ago. I've even had a interview with them and nothing, really nothing in the interview, performances or conversations referred to a upcoming break up. They were're really the most cheerful and funny band I've ever met. They were one of the few bands I was sure of that could last, cause of the on and off stage fun they had. Don't people say that fun is the most important aspect of a job? Anyway, apparentely they thought about that in a different way. Or are they just very good actors? It seemed like they had it all....Looks, fun, critical acclaim. Alright, they didn't agree with me on the last part, but as a serious rockband, you have to be a bit realistic too. They sold out arenas, tours, had a lovely and huge fanbase, but still they wanted more. Jon (singer) actually told me that he thought that Little Man Tate was one of the best modern britpop bands. I have to say that I agree, but I'm sure that a lot of people would laugh at him if he tries to compare his band with The Beatles. But it all doesn't matter anymore, cause they quit. They are done! Finished...Over and out.

If it could happen to the most cheerful and fun band I've ever known, what would that mean for the others? Does that mean (I can barely write this down...) the end of bands like Deep Insight? The Lostprophets? Uncommonmenfrommars? It can happen to anyone of them and that scares me a bit...

And the most scary part of it all is that you can't really prepare yourself for it. How do you know if a band is going to breakdown? Or what does a band need to last?
First of all a lot of fun. Most musicians just don't make that much of money, they have to make music cause they love making music and not for the money, groupies or lifestle. They also need some fans, cause they have to get confident with the music that they are making. They need support, otherwise they'll get insecure and lets be honest, they just won't be able to handle it financial. A third and very important point is that the bandmates have to be good friends or family.Someting underrated is the role of the mamagers and promoters. They also play a very important role in the band. I'm sure that there are tons of other important factors for a healthy and long bandlife, but how can I know. I've never been in a band for more than 2 months...

So it's not that I blame them. The important message that I'm trying to tell you is that you always have to be aware that nothing lasts forever.
Eventhough,always remember the that there is nothing more worth than a great memory. Remember that memories never break up. Remember that memories never collapse. Remember that memories never get wasted or addicted. Remember that memeories and music never die.

lyric by me

CLEAR

Seperate the thoughts of a paranoid mind
You´ll gave me the clear insight of a magical kind
Fantasy walks into reality but never turns back
Confusing my mind and blocking my track

My thoughts are rare
but the answers are there
Seperate love from lust
Affection from trust

Tired of waiting and seeking trough my mind
Concluding that fantasy is what I can´t find
The colours of the wind, the music in my head
Let it never be said

My thoughts are rare
but the answers are there
Seperate love from lust
Affection from trust

The story so far...

It feels just like yesterday that I went to pre-university education for the first time. Me as a little shy girl inc. braces and a huge backpack! Emberassing? no, cause I think everybody had been that way once and I'm pretty proud of what I'd become out of that little girl...You're probably wondered why I'm so sentimental right now..Well, it had just been graduation day and I am finally finished with my pre-university education!! Congrats to me;)

This day really made me think of all the changes I've been trough... I've gained more sense of style, I've grown a lot, but most important I've leared a lot about music! I've got the chance to meet a glorius phenomenan called rock music...

But let me think...Where did it all start? Right, I remember..you have to promise me though not to tell this to anyone! The first artist I'd been a huge fan of was Jamai. The first Dutch Idols winner. I even made a hat with his name on it. Loving artists had always been in my DNA I quess, but why Jamai? I really don't know...I quess love really makes blind...and deaf!

I went to his gig in a huge venue called Ahoy, he sang there along with several other artists, including The Rasmus. This band impressed me so much. I didn't know if I had to love or hate them. They scared me and pleased me at the same time. For the people who don't know who they are: Finnish gothic/pop band famous for their song 'In the shadows'. They were mysterius and that really attracted me, though I wouldn't admit that to anyone including myself. But at a certain time during second grade I became a Rasmus fan.

When they came to Amsterdam I really had to go and it was going to be my first real rockgig! Dressed like the singer Lauri (feathers in my hair and DYNASTY written on my arm with permanent marker) I went to a Rasmusgig. I know what you're thinking...but be honest, haven't you been just like me, once? a long time ago?

The Rasmus had been great that night, but I discovered something new that night. Something way more exciting than The Rasmus. Something I loved and still love sooo much! Four of the roughest and toughest guys I'd ever seen! Deep Insight... They played before the Rasmus, and I couldn't take my eyes of of them. Especially not of the bass player Miska Holopainen. He looked so wild and handsome and I totally fell in love with him and his music. After the show I asked them for some pictures and autographs and that made me so happy! I couldn't wait till I got to see them again..

About six months after that, they came back to Holland. I was really excited, had become an even bigger fan and couldn't wait to see Miska again!There he stood along with the best band in the world! They blew me away with their gorgeous songs and super energetic performance. Even so much that I needed to see them a few days after that again.

That day the 18th of April 2006 is going into history as the best day of my life until now. Deep Insight performed in a tiny cosy venue in Amsterdam and I was about 45 minutes late, but fortunately they'd just started. They played incredible, amazing! Jukka even sang me a birthday song! And they played my requested song as an encore 'Red Tape'.At the end of this show, I got the chance to talk with them and that was really special. I had always seen rockbands as this unatainable people, but Deep Insight is different and that really makes them special. Although this had been over three years ago, I still know what they said that night. First Jukka gave me a hug when he came off stage and wished me a happy birthday. Then I got a little chat with him about the gig and that he thought wasn't emotional enough. Then I went to Miska for a picture and he apologized for being so sweaty, which I didn't have problems with though;) After that I went to dear Johannes and he kept saying that he liked me name so much. When I turned to Ville he even followed me and told my name to Ville and then Ville told me: Pretty name for a pretty girl... Alright I'm getting too much into detail, I'm sorry...It's just that I get so excited telling this story that I tend to forget what is really interesting...

I quess my rock obsession started with Deep Insight, but not only my music interest! Thanks to them I think about musicians in a different way than I used to do. I'm not afraid to approach them anymore. I'm less shy, I do my interviews, I'm even going to study communication science to become a music reporter or international journalist, because of Deep Insight... They've also given me an interesting approach of life. I'm determinded to marry a rockstar, I'm a huge fan of Finland and I do not drink alcohol, nor smoke or use drugs. And this all had started with Deep Insight in some way...

My interest for other rockbands had also been awoken by DI. Like my second love 'The Lostprohets' Their shows impress me so much! And not only because of Ian Watkins, although he has a lot to do with it. I really can't help it, and it is cliche but I do really think that Ian is really attractive. And that is why I've always said that Ian is going to be my lover and Johannes (Deep Insight) my husband. Believe it or not, I don't care, I will:) Ian is really the driving force behing the Lostprophets, he is a really really good performer! And that is simply why all the girls and boys go wild during a Lostprophets gig. But of course they make terrific music as well (I'm not that superficial!). How much of a fan I really am? I've once waited 11 hours in front of the venue for a gig of them. Convinced? Probably...Was it worth it? Definately! Cause I got a picture with Ian Watkins!

Anyway, you can read more about that gig in another blog called "Lostprophets are heaven". The Lostprophets are the first British band I really liked. But you can't really call it britpop. The first real meeting with britpop had been on the London Calling festival in Amsterdam. Going to festivals is a really good way to develop your taste in music. I've seen a lot of nice britpop bands on the London Calling festivals, like The Pigeon Detectives, The Wombats, The Rifles, Little Man Tate and Look See Proof.

In first instance the Pigeon Detectives impressed me the most. The energy on stage had been an inportant factor for that. I fell in love, again...with the singer called Matthew Bowman. With a head full of curls and his British look, I thought he was irresistable...I've seen the Pigeon Detectives 7 times now, but I still can't wait to see them again! One time I even won a meet and greet with them! Although the best time with this cheeky lads was on the Lowlands festival.

Another nice britpop band that have played a huge role in my life is Little Man Tate. I've interviewed this band as well and they were definately the funniest band I've ever met! Alright I'm sorry but I have to tell this story in more detail... We went to Parafdiso to ask the woman there if we could go backstage for an interview. I have to admit it was only three pm, but the band was already there. This stupid woman told us to come back at 8.30. That wouldn't be a disaster, but it was raining really hard outside... So we had a drink, something to eat, a little shopping expedition and than we went back. While we were walking we walked passed the band! I was so nervous and shocked that I didn't have the guts to walk up to them and asked them for the interview. So we followed them....alright stalked them. They went into an Irish pub and we still stood outside in the rain. Suddenly the bassist Ben went outside for a sigarette. I thought this was my chance, so I went to him and asked him for the interview. He said O you're Pearl! And kissed me on the cheeks:) He said: We will be back in the venue soon, but you can have the interview here as well, if you want... Of course I did, so we went inside and I had an interview with Jon (one of the most charismatic men I've ever seen!) We had the interview and it was so nice to talk with them cause they had a huge amount of british humor! After the interview we talked for over an hour until the last minute till they really had to leave for their gig. We talked about things like pooing in a Dutch toilet."When I have like this huge poo, it just touches my but!" and he was convinced that I kissed Matthew, which I didn't. He told me what Dutch man he thought were attractive, he called some footballers, but I didn't know them... About him standing on the Wallen (red light district), how he would be as a woman and if Jon had to choose between 10 virgins and one gorgeous experienced woman, he would go for the last one...I quess you know what kind of conversations this were, you get the picture... We went to the gig and it was awesome!! Really cosy audience and a incredible band, what more do you need? After the show Ben came to me and he started taking to me. He kept saying "We are friends now":) He was really nice, really a sweet guy. After a while we went downstairs to a party, but me and my friends dind't stay long. I went to Jon to say goodbye and then to Ben to say goodbye. He kissed me on the cheeks and then he asked me to come the next day to the gig in Utrecht as well. I told him that I wasn't sure if I could make it, but he said I really needed to come and then I had to asked for Ben and then he would come and get me. And then he kissed me again:) This had been one of the nicest gigs ever, along with Deep Insight and the Lostprophets. The next day I went to Utrecht and there I met Ben again. The first thing he asked my friend was how old is Pearl? I had told him nineteen the day before..But I actually was 17. Well, he could see that I lied... But he was very sweet and when I left he told me to really keep in touch with him over e-mail! Well that lasted for about two e-mails...

But that wasn't such a disaster, cause while I was e-mailing with Ben, I got this lovely e-mail from my favourite guitarist of my favourite band Deep Insight. Just out of nothing and I was very very very shocked and surprised and definately not worried about the not replied e-mail to Ben anymore. It was the sweetest mail I've ever gotten and I will never forget it in my whole life. Luckily the e-mail contact with him lasts longer than that with Ben, cause I still receive an e-mail now and then. Although I really love it, it makes my life a bit more difficult as well...I really don't know what to expect from him and I'm not sure if I will see him even this year. I'm not sure of anything about him, but one thing is for sure, Deep Insight still plays a huge role in my life. Deep Insight is more than just a band for me, they lead me trough life, personally and musically....

Attack! Attack! and You Me At Six in Amsterdam

It has been already the third time that I was about to see them. Attack! Attack! from the UK, the good one I´ve been told, cause there seem to be two bands with this slightly powerful name. A.A. definately deserves a name like that. Their music is incredibily powerful and especially live. So that seems like it is going to be a great night!

Walking to the venue, expecting a cosy audience, I kind of fell into an unfortunate shock. There it was, a huge row in front of The Melkweg. I didn't know that You Me At Six (headlining) is such a populair band! But without even knowing this band I was able to predict the sort of music that they were about to play, just from taking a look at the audience. You probably know what I'm talking about, 14 year old girls with their sceptic parents...

Well, at least I was going to see Attack! Attack! too. Cause I wasn't really trilled by the idea of another Forever The Sickest Kids/Metro Station/Mc Fly/Panic at the Disco act.

So, obviously I wasn't garanteed for a spot first row. But luckily these kids weren't full grown yet, so I could easily see over the sea of blond teenage gils (with their parents...). I was wondered whether they knew to sing the words of A.A.

Obviously not. Pretty strange, cause this incredible band had been in the Netherlands for a quite a few times. But still they haven't managed to built up a large fanbase. I have to say I'm very puzzeled about that, cause they play with a certain unusual energy and power that they really stand out. They are the hidden treasure under all these crappy bands nowadays. They would make a perfect festival band, though I haven't seen them on a lot of setlists yet. And I don't want to get to tecnical with you, but the quality of their music is exceptional! Just very good musicians!

I'd decided not to bother about the teenage girls anymore, cause I might be one too (just a little bit older and wiser). Just not wise enough not to sing along... It's just impossible not to, cause these songs are quite catchy too. "This is a test a wake-up call, it's a mission too tall" sing... After a few songs the attackers managed to conquer their catch. Finally the 14 year olds had been convinced, they had transformed A.A. into real rockstars. I was really happy to see that A.A. noticed that as well, cause they got more confident on the stage and they blew everyone away!

Including You Me At Six, although the teenagers didn't agree with me. Though, it was obvious that A.A. had so much more quality to offer than Y.M.A.S. Apparently good looks were enough to convince the audience. Although I could discuss about that as well. The singer might look okay, but that was about it... I think that that the real populairity of You Me At Six lies into a strong performance with catchy songs that are not to heavy, so accesable for a large audience. The singer "Josh" is what you call a real entertainer, he plays the young girls in a very smart way. Which makes me think of Ian Watkins. Not that he can tip that, he's not even close...But certain moves definalely have some resembles.

I might be not to positive about Y.M.A.S. but I definalely appreciate one certain thing about them. I really respect the singer for his lovely attitude towards the fans. When he left the stage to get involved with his fans, he got overwhelmed by a sea of girls that wanted to make a picture with him. He definalely stood there for over an hour just to make sure that everyone that wanted a piece of him got what she wanted. You could see in his eyes that he was tired and didn't really enjoy it. But I couldn't blame him for that. He knew that it was his duty to do so and although he had been treated like a rockstar he didn't act like one. He was polite and patient and that's one thing I could really appreciate. And although it would have been nice to have a picture with him, just for the collection, I couldn't do that to him and to myself, just because I'm not that kind of girl...

(anymore...)