OC Music Magazine

Star Christian Aherns

 

Come one come all for The Sequence, Dommin, I Am Ghost, and the Ataris who headlined Friday’s gig at Chain Reaction. The shiny, happy people form The Sequence not only brought their perky music to the crowd they decided a fifth member to the pop-punk group. Adding a fifth shot like any other numeric adventure can end one of two ways-successfully or in a stupor. Thankfully the newest member of the Sequence, Craig, just Craig who is a life force you want to reckon with is intending on pushing the band till they fully break into the music industry. Spectators were a bit taken back at first wondering from one young student shocked with the latest addition to the act as she asked, “Who is this guy?” The Sequence, not a glam band or glittery guy group put the energetic musician Craig to work testing the follower’s abilities to either embrace their decision. Post show congregates fluttered to the newest Sequence musician letting actions speak for themselves. Craig who is as vivacious as he is vocal not only draws in onlookers onstage, but keeps those teenagers attention off stage when conversing with them about everything from his day job to his previous musical experiences. Craig offers an earful and eyeful wherever he is fully resuscitating any energy deprived person for he is a contact high by osmosis allowing anyone to embark on his musicianship and fellowship. While some concertgoers welcome the bands cover of pop artist Rhianna’s Disturbia set to a rock groove, others were a bit taken off with the random interjection of the insertion of another hit songs lyric, “Take Off That Polka Dot Bikini Girl.” While not all were ready to disrobe everyone was excited to see what the next virtually unknown group had to offer for their price of admission.  

Carrying on the Gothic vibe for the evening is none other then I Am Ghost whose steadfast fans will travel as far as Massachusetts to see the show. The dedicated fan accompanied by her even more enthusiastic mother who enjoyed hanging out an all ages club after traveling all day. I Ghost Fans will go to the ends of the earth to be present at multiple concerts because the quintet arranged by Steve J. truly envelopes their followers set after set. The teenager willing to fly to California to see her favorite band proudly displays her I Am Ghost tattoo because her allegiance is more then skin deep. She was welcomed backstage with her mother [who brought specific treats for the guys] just the same as the bands friends and family since everyone is treated equally with respect. I Am Ghost thrives off of the very energy their fans emit once their name is announced that they will be taking the stage finally the putting the evening into a welcomed frenzy. Bob your head, head bang, but know you will be moving form the second first note of the opening background track is played setting the mood. Screams and applause fill the air as the room capacity becomes tight. The fully body experience I Am Ghost offers onlookers puts you in a safe mode where you can dance around, mosh if permitted, then simply scream along venting all of your weekly woes that built up day after day. You are not going to be judged by the stranger standing next to you as there is a common motto concertgoers thrive off of-be yourself. Letting loose was definitely called for since the headliners were soon ready to take their crack at the night.

The Ataris live up to the notion of what punk music is. The already elated crowd courtesy of I Am Ghost spun out of control with the highly anticipated Ataris performance beginning. Sometimes loosing control in a safe non-alcoholic environment at an all ages venue is the safest form of expression for teenagers who have the ability to delve into a myriad of other recreations. The headliners brought together by older fans and teenagers who probably first discovered the band at this summers Vans Warped Tour were one for a short period of time. When age is not a defining factor of a crowd people will naturally be themselves and teenagers especially need such outlets so their adulthood is not hindered by a lack of self-confidence. No matter where you were in the venue, backstage, at the front of the stage mere inches away from the band, or back by the merchandise tables you noticed the array of thrills to be felt from the vastly respected band. Not only were teenagers and preteens in attendance showing their enthusiasm toward the band, but actual bands that also played the bill were jubilant concerning their very own proximity to the band they grew up on. The Ataris are known for their songs because they are inspiring and mostly you cannot help but to sing along. The night took a intensified when the humble band invited I Am Ghost who preceded them on stage. The band members who were mostly assembled on the side of the stage raced with instruments to toe to live out their own musical fantasy in front of their own crowd which was they cherry on top. Once in a lifetime opportunities will always be cherished and The Ataris made an already memorable evening more interesting when they shared the stage allowing a couple of the I Am Ghost Clan to unplug their instruments plugging in their own. After the song the Goth band members flooded backstage where one met the other in the middle of the room for one jumped off the front stage and others left on the side of the stage. Steve hollered backstage, “Did anyone get us on video?” Thankfully one of the band member’s girlfriend’s and one photographer captured the two bands on film which made the Goth band musicians ecstatic awaiting the upload onto YouTube.

Evenings like these prove anything is possible when you go in Orange County with an open mind. You never what to expect, which bands you will ascertain for the first time, and most of all how great being yourself is at any age.