Review: Billy Geary
Having made the trip out here for last year’s infamous Counter Revolution festival, Yellowcard are far from strangers to Australia and its fans. This time around, the Californian quintet is touring in support of their new album Southern Air, the band’s best album since 2006’s Lights and Sounds.

Supporting Yellowcard for their East Coast tour were Sydneysiders Heroes for Hire who, after releasing their second album Take One For The Team last year, have taken huge strides in Australia. Their set at The Hi-Fi was no different, getting a great response with their ultra energetic pop punk. By the end of their set it was obvious that there were a number of new fans in attendance.

Soon after Heroes For Hire finished up, Yellowcard strode out onto the Hi-Fi’s stage amid cheers and wolf whistles from the swollen crowd. The band wasted no time showcasing their new material, opening the set with ‘Awakening,’ the first track off Southern Air. Next up was ‘Rough Landing, Holly’s soaring violin hooks courtesy of Sean Mackin worked perfectly in tandem with Ryan Key’s passionate vocals, resulting in a set highlight.

Much of the band’s set followed in similar fashion, with Key jumping around the stage in earnest, playing hit after hit, the majority coming from Southern Air and classic Ocean Avenue. Newer single ‘Always Summer’ garnered one of the bigger sing alongs of the night, whilst an acoustic rendition of ‘Sing For Me’ saw the audience drown out Key throughout the song.

Towards the end of the set, Key invited a couple of special friends onto the stage, with a young couple walking out. The man then went down on one knee and proposed in front of a proud audience, making for a very special moment. The band then dedicated ‘Only One’ to the couple, with huge cheers of approval from the audience. The distorted guitar line of ‘Lights and Sounds’ signalled the end of the band’s main set, with the track’s heavier edge ensuring the band ended with a bang.

Returning for a three-song encore, punters were screaming with delight (and not just the female contingent!). ‘Light Up the Sky’ received a roar of approval before the band finished their set with their biggest hit to date. As the first few notes of ‘Ocean Avenue’ reverberated around the Hifi bar, the place literally erupted. There was not a person in the room who wasn’t at least mouthing the words to the song’s infectious chorus, making for a more than memorable finish to their set.

It’s near impossible to listen to a Yellowcard record and not have fun, as such seeing them live induced the same feelings and multiplied them tenfold. The five-piece remain one of the best pop punk acts going around these days and their live show is a testament to that.

Review: Billy Geary
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