By Delia Paunescu
The idea of bringing a rock-and-roll show to the University’s Adams Playhouse may not be something students would have imagined as a rousing good time, especially since the Playhouse, with its pristine, theater-style seating seems more fitting for the theatrical performances it is regularly hosts.
Despite the pomp of the venue, however, it played host to the All-American Rejects, halfway through their Verizon-sponsored college tour, and thanks to corporate sponsorship students also got three opening bands for the $10 admission price.
The first of these was Damone, a female-fronted ’80s hardcore throwback. Though she is the band’s only female, the singer, known only as Noelle, certainly fit right in with the boys, spitting and pouring water all over herself despite being fully dressed in a leather jacket and boots. (Noelle’s method of cooling off proved dangerous when bassist Vazquez slipped on the small puddle she had created in the middle of the stage). Slip-and-fall aside, the Boston-natives did not do much to excite the packed house.
Luckily for the crowd, Ima Robot followed. A mix of synth-pop and light rock, the band, led by singer Alex Ebert, all donned a consignment-chic wardrobe of skinny jeans and torn tees that added to their general weirdness. And while Ima Robot’s set did not exceed that of the other openers, it was their excellent energy that did much in bringing the crowd to their feet and pretty soon, their chairs (much to the dismay of Playhouse employees). The dancing that ensued with tunes like “Operator” and “Black Jetta” had students finally realizing the true excitement of the evening.
Still on a high of exhilaration, the crowd welcomed Under the Influence of Giants. This California band was fully expected to deliver an even more stimulating set because of the very danceable summer hit “Mama’s Room,” but most of the band’s appeal was in the their very eccentric manner of dressing – both in lead singer Aaron Bruno’s red loafers and bassist David Amezcua’s likeness to Luke Wilson’s character in The Royal Tenenbaums (complete with Unabomber beard, sweatband, dark aviators and yes, a track suit).
With so many bands trying to raise excitement, the All-American Rejects had a prime audience when they finally emerged. Playing almost entirely from their newest album, Move Along, the crowd could not have been more pleased. Applause was rendered useless because the cheering was so overwhelming and students swarmed all around the stage, especially on the aisles.
While most of the female fans could not wait to get a look at frontman Tyson Ritter, praise should be given to the band’s second guitarist Nick Wheeler. While Ritter simply stood behind his mic, most likely in an attempt to not reveal what from the front row was apparent intoxication, Wheeler worked the stage like a pro frequently moving between both sides and seductively playing his guitar to the swooning females that overpowered the front rows.
When Ritter finally emerged from behind his mic stand, it was for the show’s last number, “Swing Swing,” the only song not on their current release. With that, a high-energy evening came to a close as a stunned crowd left the Playhouse. Kudos should be given to the crew of Hofstra Concerts for expertly maneuvering between the four bands and quickly switching equipment from one to the next. Overall, it was a show so fun it has prompted students to create a Facebook group aptly titled “I was there, I danced on my chair” – a way to remember the good times while anxiously awaiting another major Hofstra show perhaps also in an unlikely venue.
