Taking Back Sunday rocks Peoria

On the brink of daylight savings time, Taking Back Sunday, along with The Mezingers and Letlive, arrived upon the Limelight Event Complex in Peoria, Illinois. When pulling up to the venue it looked as if there would be no room available as the line was all the way out the door and down the front side of the building. And to think that punk rock was dead? Plaid shirts and Coors Light was the outfit and drink of choice for this rock show, which was led by the most surprising and impressive group of the night, The Mezingers.  The vocals from Tom May and Greg Bartnett paired with the well written punk rock beats was impressive. Though a few technical difficulties were had throughout the breaks and beginnings of their songs they ultimately put on a very solid show. This band alone is worth seeing again. The same cannot be said for the likes of Let Live. The band had numerous difficulties with getting the vocals set correctly. At times it was almost as singer, Jason Butler, was non-existent, turning his back to the crowd, or covering his head with everything from a towel to a jacket. Even though he may not have been the most entertaining lead singer of the night, he shared his story and battle with cancer which resonated through the crowd. Last but not least was what everyone came to see, Taking Back Sunday, who were in support of their newest album Happiness Is: The Complete Recordings, one of the most complete albums the group has put out. To open the night they rocked the first full song on the album, \”Flicker, Fade,\” perhaps the best opening song the group could have performed. Shortly after this song lead singer, Adam Lazarra, shared \”the funniest moment on the tour\” where the guy standing about five rows back from the stage threw his beer, the beer hit the lighting apparatus, and smacked him in the face. This was just the start of a perfectly executed show with full a full light show including the effects from huge LED signs that showed everything from a cougar to a fat guy dancing in a theater. Taking Back Sunday did not only focus on the newest album but reached back to some of their most popular off Tell All Your Friends with \”Cute Without the \’E\’\”, “Where You Want to Be” with \”Liar\”, and finished with their signature song from Louder Now– \”MakeDamnSure.\” Overall, the show was impressive and proved that the punk rock scene is still alive and kicking.  -Luke Ballengee