The first piece of music ever recorded and released by The All-American Rejects was known as the blue album, it was a rough demo selection of twelve songs, some of which would be included Same Girl, New Songs EP. The young band gained attention from this collection and after backing from producer Tim O'Heir they released their self-titled album in 2003.
The first album was a commercial success, peaking at #25 on the US Billboard charts and dented the UK charts too. It featured the band's first small hit 'Swing, Swing' which was a bigger success in Britain. The follow-up album 'Move Along' remains their peak US chart position, placing at #6 upon its release in July 2005. It holds a double platinum selling certificate in the States thanks to the help of three hit singles, 'Move Along' 'Dirty Little Secret' and 'It Ends Tonight'.
The third album 'When The World Comes Down' did not reach the top 10 on the US Billboard as its predecessor had yet it features the band's biggest international single 'Gives You Hell'. The track reached #5 on the US chart and #18 in the UK as well as appearing on various charts around the world, it was the fifth most downloaded song of 2009. 'Kids In The Street' was released in 2012 and became the band's first appearance on the UK album charts top 40.
Joyce Manor originally started as a dup group in 2008, with vocalist and guitarist Barry Johnson and guitarist Chase Knobbe. The name "Joyce Manor" came from the name of apartment building by Johnson's house, which they thought of while at Disneyland. After being joined by drummer Kurt Walcher and bassist/ back-up vocalist Matt Ebert, Joyce Manor released a split 7" with Summer Vacation in the fall of 2010.
In 2010 the band also joined 6131 Records and in 2011 released their self-titled, full-length debut album. The album did well with critics with Punknews naming it the 2011 Album of the Year, which helped them gain an even bigger underground following. For the sophomore album, “Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired,” Joyce Manor made the move over to Asian Man Records in 2012. The album contains a cover of The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star." Also in 2012, the band released another split record, this time with Big Kids Split EP. On 22 July 2014 Joyce Manor released their third album with Epitaph Records entitled “Never Hungover Again.” The ten-track album featured Hop Along’s Frances Quinlan on the cover. Aside from gaining popularity over their music, the band also garnered attention for their stance against stage diving, having interrupted several sets to deter stage divers.
Almost psychotic in his intense delivery Tyson, the lead for The All American Rejects begins his set acapella. He rolls on the ground writhing with his own seeming insanity before springing to his feet as the rest of the band begins playing. Waiting until the crowd is involved he begins stopping at almost random places in the song and allowing the audience to finish his phrases.
Tyson struts across the stage seemingly boneless and possessed by the music. He never misses a beat and seems to project an almost insane persona. Wide eyes he blows kisses to the crowd and grins like a Cheshire cat reveling in the screams of his fans. For his next song he is less animated but his eyes express so much more emotion. He stares into the audience and though he appears unseeing his eyes bore into my chest.
Mike and Chris have similar stares and their faces are screwed up with effort. It seems as if they are pushing the music from their very being rather than playing instruments. It is hard to tell where the musician begins and the instrument ends but in the moment I don't care for such details. Even when less animated Chris gestures almost frantically with his arms punctuating riffs, notes, and phrases and seemingly offering them to the audience. The experience is intense, emotional, and outside of the bounds of sanity. Limits mean nothing to this band and they are willing to rock you into oblivion with their passion.
Punk rock band, Joyce Manor has had a cult following since they first formed in 2008. Barry Johnson (guitarist and vocalist), Matt Ebert (bass and back-up vocals), Chase Knobbe (guitarist) and Kurt Walcher (drums) all came from Torrance, California and are now traveling the world to perform their songs to all of their fans.
When you walk into one of their live sets, you can hear the murmur of excitement and anticipation as the crew sets up and tunes up the band’s equipment. And then as soon as the band comes onto the stage, you can immediately be deafened by the screams around you. The guitar and strong bass immediately hits you in the face, and the energy level hits an all time high. Just when you think the crowd can’t get any more excited, Barry starts to sing and everyone seems to go wild. The music takes over their body and there is so much movement. On top of that, the band is clearly in their happy place, to be performing in front of such a great crowd. Their between song banter is also great, they obviously have a great bond and friendship between one another. They give it their all from start to finish, and even that is not enough, because once they finish their set, the crowd calls them back for more, which they oblige with atleast another song or two.