LipstickStains

Found iT’s release show was just as spectacular as I had hoped.

I got there about 30 minutes early, and I’m glad I did, because most roads to the venue were closed due to an event. This event, which I was not attending, also forcibly charged me 10 hours for parking, which came out to $30. I understand why event parking exists, but why do I need to pay to park for 10 hours when the event itself is actively being closed up? Couldn’t hours be set to match the event’s hours so I wouldn’t have to pay to park until 5 am, when the event certainly isn’t lasting that long? This will be added to my list of reasons why I hate Raleigh.

Neptune’s Parlor is where the show was held, a very cute venue with lots of personality. It’s located below Kings, a venue I’ve heard a lot about but haven’t actually visited yet. The venue is small but not uncomfortable, though I’m sure it can get crowded. It’s more spacious than Rubies on Five Points, which helped me not get immediately overstimulated. The only outdoor area is the sidewalk where you enter, which can get a little annoying because the small door gets cramped. Now, I will say, obviously they can do literally nothing about this, but I still think it can be helpful information when picking a venue. Aside from that, I actually really loved being here; it felt intimate but still breathable. 

I did my usual loop of checking the bar’s menu (I only saw their beer menu because I opted not to drink this evening), checking out the merch tables, and taking the first smoke break of the evening. I got to Found iT’s table first, and the first thing that caught my eye was their new pink shirts, a light pink shirt, with their band name in a hardcore-style font. I fell in love with it instantly. I also loved their grinders, beanies, and so many other t-shirt designs. While their merch spread was incredible, I have to say that no one was better than Blankstate’s for Pokémon cards alone. SIGNED BY THE BAND, I could have lost my mind. They also had kandi and stickers, along with their CD and vinyl. 

After my smoke break, it was time for the first band to take the stage. The band opening us up for the night was The Wild. I had never heard of this band before, but as I’m always looking for new music, I was excited to hear their sound. They really brought a presence to the place and had an energy unlike any other. Their sound was hard, loud, and fucking crazy. My friend also loved them, which is always a plus for me.

After a far more crowded second smoke break, it was time for the band that, if I’m being honest, I was here to see: Blankstate. Blankstate is an indie/emo band out of NC. I had seen them on so many good bills but didn’t have the chance to catch them live until this evening. They were even better than I had hoped. I absolutely loved their sound, and loved their screams even more. They were raw, gritty, and above all, emotional. They are a three-piece with the guitarist and bassist pulling double duty as vocalist and background vocals/screams. As for the instrumentals, they can be slower and more folk-y, and at times they’re quick and bouncy. To my knowledge, they were playing the track list from their latest EP, Rituals (on all streaming platforms btw). There weren’t very many people dancing for this set, and I think that’s a real tragedy; I would have loved to see more people dancing to this incredible music. I’m definitely hoping to catch them again (and this time I will know all their lyrics).

The third band was Ham Radio, a band coming from Tennessee whose van broke down on the way to the venue, though they still made it on stage. The vocalist looked like Steve Harrington, which I enjoyed. They have a really creative sound that I’ve never heard before, but it works exceptionally well for them. I’d definitely recommend checking them out on streaming even if you can’t catch them locally. 

The end of smoke break number four, brings us to Found iT’s performance. A performance I had been looking forward to since I heard the album (early, might I add). The set began with the opening and titular song, “A Goodbye Letter to You,” which, of course, led into “A Kiss of Death.” I’m writing this the day after the show, so I can’t recall whether they went straight into AKD or did a little talky bit first. Either way, I got to see Jordan sing “Grey matter splashed around her” and it changed my life.

   I really loved their use of samples on stage, doing so with both this song, “I found it sucks to be friends with the guys in found it,” and the following song. If you read my album review, you know I love the lyricism in this chorus, so seeing it and screaming it was really the highlight of my night. The next song they did was “BUT I DON’T SPEAK ITALIAN!” They actually used a sample of this on stage that wasn’t on the album, which was so fun to experience. This song was just as sexy in person as it was on streaming. You could tell that it was a lot of fun for them too, and I always enjoy a band that can let loose and have fun. Following BIDSI was Summer Bummer, and I screamed. I really love this song so much, and the more I’ve streamed the album, the more my love for it has grown. It’s a really fun song, and to be able to witness it being played was such a blast.

  Afterward, Tangled began to play; I think this was a nice break for the boys, and it was a smooth way to help them transition between gear. They closed everything out with the final song on the album, My Life Was Written as a Tragedy, a song name I have the hardest time spelling, and I have really learned that this week, I digress. Honestly, I preferred this song live; that’s not to say what’s on streaming is bad by any means, but I think the combination of hearing the song and watching everyone perform it is what really drove it home for me. Found iT always brings such amazing energy; it’s like the more tired they get, the harder they go, and this song and performance were no different. 

  After the final song, they went offstage. A few moments later, a voiceover announced that Found iT had left and that they were trying to get them back. In just a few minutes, the boys bounded through the door once again, but instead of their show attire, they opted for more comfortable clothes, casual T-shirts. They proceeded to play a few songs I’m waiting on the names of, and they were ok. Then they closed out the show with a song we all know and love, Over It. You know what I’m not just so over? That song, poor girl, it’s about lololol. Over It is just always a great time. It’s quintessential pop-punk, yet still sounds original and fresh. The performance was just as lively, with Jordan even briefly bringing a guest on stage. This song, a banger and a throwback to their roots, was the perfect way to close out the show,

This show was such a blast, and I’m genuinely so happy I got to go, even if I had to pay $45 to do it.  Everyone I met was so gracious and kind, and I felt so inspired by the end of the evening. I wanna go to more shows!! Be sure to check out Found It’s new album, maybe follow @founditrocks, and maybe go like the “Over It” music video on YouTube.