The All-American Rejects // 9-23-2012 // Baltimore, MD
Review and Photos by: Cara Bahniuk
When you think of the The All-American Rejects, “Gives You Hell” may be the first song that pops into your head. “Gives You Hell” became AAR’s radio single before social networking really took over the industry. They had a powerful work ethic and determination to create a hit single and have it play on radio stations across America. AAR isn’t letting social networking’s new found home in the music industry slow them down. Instead, they are powering forward after releasing a brand new full length, Kids In The Street in March 2012. After taking a break from touring, AAR has jumped back into the music world with a headliner early 2012 and now taking the states by storm touring side-by-side with Boys Like Girls.
Heading to the show on a sunny, warm Baltimore fall day, I knew I was going to have a good time. I was able to see AAR in April in Chicago and was blown away by their lively performance. They didn’t disappoint me this time around, even after a full non-stop 2012 touring year. Taking the stage last, The Ready Set and Boys Like Girls had warmed the crowd up to their anticipation to see AAR finally.
Their performance was captivating and clean, showing that the band had put time into practicing and making sure they would go out on stage with the best show for their fans. Mixing a wide variety of slower and upbeat, old and new songs, AAR kept their audience involved even though there was no straying of their attention.
One of the highlights of the show for me was the bass off between lead singer Tyson Ritter and back up bassist Matt Rubano (who you may remember from his time spent playing bass for Taking Back Sunday). Both played bass lines from popular movie and video game soundtracks to have the audience guess what the song was and who won each round. Rubano won in Baltimore, but that doesn’t say anything against Ritter’s skills on the bass.
Overall, The All-American Rejects put on a show I wouldn’t refuse seeing again. Playing all their hit songs, as well as throwing in a few personal touches about how they came about writing some lyrics and what they mean to them as a band, they had their fans attention from the first note to the last. The All-American Rejects aren’t going anywhere, so make sure you catch them next time they stop in your town.
The All-American Rejects
Boys Like Girls
The Ready Set
