It was time for a change of scenery with a nostalgic feast of pop-punk at Beanfield Theatre. On this evening’s menu: Rival Town, The Anti-Queens, and Bowling For Soup. Having only visited us way back in 2004 when the Warped Tour hit Canada, it was about time they came back.
Beginning with an amuse-bouche, Rival Town. A six-piece treat of raw, energetic goodness from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Described as heavy pop-punk, they were certainly on the heavier side. The singer of a hardcore band, Cary Hensen, joined them in 2019, bringing that extra edge to their performance.
Entertaining our palates with nine songs, they were a colourful mix of sounds. The audience was game to sing along and clap, participating heavily and keeping the rhythm with the band’s syncopated flow. With the nostalgia of the 2000s in full swing tonight, they ended with an explosive cover of Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff” that got the audience riled up, crushing beer cans.
Up next with a delectable starter, The Anti-Queens. A dish best served hot. Add a dash of sweetness with a ferocious bite of spice; these ladies were here to kick ass. On this tour for their upcoming release with Stomp Records, Disenchanted. Having backed out of Stomp’s anniversary show last year due to injury, it was nice to have them here on a bigger stage.
A four-piece with a monstrous sound, singer Emily Bones commanded the stage with vocal range and a pure no-f*cks-given attitude. Especially when you hear their consensus and dislike for their hometown, Toronto. We know Montreal is cooler; it’s just nice to have it confirmed. Our singing along with older songs proved that, in fact, we rule!
Sprinkling some extra flavour in with the fan favourites “Miss Scarlett,” “Run,” and “Worse Than Death”. All faster punk songs with some great guitar playing from lead Valerie Knox. Gifting us with a tasty sample of some new material, all while working out the kinks live. One of the new songs, “Owe You Shit,” seemed to keep on the topic of toxic relationships and heartache. With only two original members remaining, the energy was still just as raw and fun. Having been a fan since I saw them at Pouzza Fest, I fully enjoyed the mix of new and old tunes. I’m looking forward to the new album.
It was time for the main dish – Bowling for Soup. Soup, you say? What kind of main dish is that? “The best in the world!” – Band! exclaimed the lead singer Jared Reddick as he appeared onstage with his bandmates, full of witty banter.
Serving up seconds since Bowling for Soup made a name for themselves on MTV. During the poptastic era, when everything that could be marketed as some kind of gimmick was, they were the cream of the crop of spoofs of our favourite artists alike.
“Punk Rock 101” and “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” were the songs that had the most fanfare overall. They proved not to be exactly just a gimmick. Making the most fun out of the songs they write to entertain, isn’t that the point? Also not taking it too seriously either. With the ability to poke fun at almost anything, highlighted in the songs “My Wena” and “The Bitch Song.”
Tonight, I witnessed grown-ups who are fed up take a trip back to a simple, fun time. A seven-year-old boy named Thomas will never forget this event from all vantage points recorded. As this was his first show, he and his dad were invited up onstage to take part in entertaining the crowd. Nervous but smiling ear to ear as the audience gave him some encouragement. Followed by a photo shoot to immortalize the moment forever. Overwhelming but life-changing.
One last song, “1985”, as they sat on chairs comically waiting for us to finish our ‘Ole, Ole’ chant so they could finish this sold-out night. It was a night of hilarity and just good spirits all around. I hope it doesn’t take them another twenty years to come back.
Review – Sam Morris
Photos – Eric Brisson
