If you were in junior high during the early 2000's and you grew up in a church setting, it's likely that the majority of your music consisted of bands like Stellar Kart, Hawk Nelson, Relient K, and Switchfoot. Which, of course, meant that all your junior high dreams came true when you heard about the "Searching for America" tour featuring Relient K and Switchfoot.
I know I internally fangirled (and maybe externally fangirled just slightly) when I heard about the concert. I've seen Switchfoot once before in concert and I knew they'd be sure to entertain. But, my true excitement was at the possibility of seeing Relient K live. After listening to the vocal talents of Matthew Thiessen put my junior high angst to words -- and eventually seeing the music video for their 2004 hit "Be My Escape" -- it was only logical that a celebrity crush would develop.
While I still listen to a lot of my favorite songs by them, I wasn't expecting to fangirl quite as hard as I did when Matthew Thiessen -- in all his curly haired glory -- bounced onto the stage and opened with an old favorite of mine, "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been."
While I can't claim to be anywhere near as dedicated to their newer music, I did enjoy the bubbly, lyrically creative songs. But, when those first few chords of "Sadie Hawkins Dance" came through the speakers, I screamed until my throat was raw.
However, despite my love of their punk-pop, angst-filled, lyrically-genius music, I think my favorite part of the concert was seeing how the entire band reacted to the audience. Their stage presence was phenomenal -- they didn't rely on special gimmicks or over-the-top light show -- and it was incredibly endearing to see the look of surprise and excitement on their faces when Matt pulled away from the mic and the audience continued to sing their songs. The sheer joy rivaled that of a kid on Christmas morning.
The only two downsides were that the concert had to end, and that they didn't play "Pink Tux To The Prom" or "Mood Rings," which are two of my favorite songs by them (I daresay they're classics) from their album "Two Lefts Don't Make a Right, But Three Do."
If you've never listened to them, I would highly recommend checking out their YouTube page, where they have official audio tracks of their music available for your listening pleasure. Or, if you have listened to them, dust off your Converse, put the windows down on your car and blast the angst-ridden beauty of their first few albums while you relive the (awkward) glory of junior high.
