Tyson Ritter could define “energetic.”
The All-American Rejects’ lanky frontman worked up quite a sweat during the rock group’s vigorous Pacific Amphitheatre show Wednesday night. He rarely stood still and often ended up flat on the stage, stringy hair all drenched.
Since 2003, the Oklahoma-bred band has notched eight Top 40 pop singles (three received alternative radio airplay) and saw its first three infectious hook-laden albums reach gold or platinum status. The latest, Kids in the Street, came out in spring. Produced by Greg Wells (OneRepublic, Mika, Adele), the sound is more expansive (thanks to synths, programming and horns) and less polished than before.
Several tracks feature backing vocals by fellow Sooner State native Audra Mae, Alex Kandel (female vocalist for buzz band Sleeper Agent) and dramatic Russian singer Elizaveta. Lyrically, Ritter ruminates about a self-described “quarter- life crisis” he experienced during a temporary move to L.A., but the overall mood is far from downbeat.
At Pacific, a major chunk of impressive new material comprised the 85-minute, 18-song set. The Costa Mesa venue was slightly over half-full, yet there was no shortage in enthusiasm from high school and college-aged fans. Many of them sang along loudly whenever TAAR dipped into early effervescent hits like “Swing Swing,” “Move Along” and concert opener “Dirty Little Secret.”
Spry tour bassist Matt Rubano (ex-Taking Back Sunday) gave Ritter a partial breather from his usual instrument and a chance to mix it up with people in the front rows. Recent minor hit “Beekeeper’s Daughter” was propelled by lead guitarist Nick Wheeler’s tasty wah-wah and talk box effects. The sensual, Strokes-styled shuffle “Fast and Slow” found Rubano and rhythm guitarist Mike Kennerty bopping around.
Ritter recalled playing the Pac Amp six years ago and admitted a longtime affinity for California. Still, he couldn’t resist showing a little hometown pride by asking if there were any “Oakies in the house.”
The snappy, glam-rock crunch of “Walk Over Me” was a highlight, with a fresh group vocal coda and the outfit’s tour keyboardist triggering assorted odd noises. An acoustic segment with just Wheeler and Ritter on the ballad “I for You” was emotionally raw and proved the singer can do more than yelp. Equally poignant was the title track to 2008’s When the World Comes Down and a sweeping, piano-driven “It Ends Tonight.”
Both bassists’ extended solo duel led up to “Gonzo.” The slow, U2-ish buildup – complete with atmospheric keyboards and dynamic guitar effects – was awesome. For the encores, the Rejects emerged with lighted tubes surrounding their instruments. Ritter aimed a flashlight in his face for the fine, percolating, nostalgia-themed “Kids in the Street.” The lyrics “I’ll burn both ends ’til my fire’s out” could have easily described his actions. Naturally, the group saved its most successful single, the robust chant-along “Gives You Hell,” for last.
From the late ’90s to early ’00s, Eve 6 made a mighty impression on alt-rock and pop radio with a string of hits and pair of highly successful albums. Now the La Crescenta trio has re-emerged from an eight-year studio absence with the solid, Don Gilmore-produced album Speak in Code, on Westminster’s Fearless Records.
The new dance-rock-leaning song “Situation Infatuation” launched their 35-minute opening set at Pacific. Lead singer/bassist Max Collins specializes in sardonic lyrics and has a cavalier stage presence. In O.C., insanely catchy tunes like “Promise” and the band’s latest hit single “Victoria,” plus Eve 6 calling cards “Inside Out” and prom-favorite ballad “Here’s to the Night,” made up for any perceived shortcomings.
What’s left at Pacific: Heart, Aug. 9, $22.50-$52.50 … Martina McBride, Aug. 10, $35.75-$65.75 … Duran Duran, Aug. 11, $29.75-$89.75 … “Weird Al” Yankovic, Aug. 12, $17.75-$37.75.
Previously in this series:
- Jeff Dunham previews next TV special
- The Fab Four delight again
- Cinderella, Sebastian Bach sets marred by rough vocals
- Victoria Justice thrills kids of all ages
- Tears for Fears unchanged but solid
- Guess Who set leaves Three Dog Night racing against clock
- Earth, Wind & Fire prove mighty as ever
- Steel Pulse, the Dirty Heads rock steady
- Allstar Weekend outshines Hot Chelle Rae
- Sheryl Crow plays it predictably
- Young the Giant roars at crowd-rousing homecoming
- Aussie sensation Cody Simpson leaves girls squealing
- Bachman & Turner, Foghat deliver mostly satisfying rock
- Adam Lambert returns still soaring
- Scotty McCreery impresses with poise
- Mastisyahu re-emerges with new look, revamped sound
- Happy Together Tour’s nostalgia trip clicks with cheering fans
- Willie Nelson gets season started with hearty helping of classics
