Pierce the Veil w/ Neck Deep and I Prevail
Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
09.06.16
Because bands often attract a certain type of crowd to correlate with their music, there are bound to be similarities between all of the eager fans standing in line for any given show. This is taken to a whole new level when you look down the line for a show like Pierce The Veil; it’s a conservative, suburban mom’s worst nightmare. This is a crowd that has a much higher density of people with facial piercings, dyed hair, and ripped black clothing than most shows ever see.
Opening up the night was four piece band, I Prevail. The group introduced the more hardcore side of the older sounds from PTV that were to come that night, with songs that featured occasional screaming, a general aggressive tone, and a vibe that got everyone headbanging. I Prevail wasn’t anything too special, despite some of the covers played. If you ever thought that “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift couldn’t be more than a pop song, you were wrong. Mid-way through their set, the band launched into a cover of the song that left any new fans in shock, as it didn’t even sound out of place in their set.
Next to take the stage was Welsh band, Neck Deep. Taking a bit of a genre turn after I Prevail, Neck Deep presented the pop-punk sound of the newest PTV album. Neck Deep was a very pleasant surprise after I Prevail. They generally looked very happy to be playing, and were super thankful for the crowd and the opportunity to open for a bigger band. The band’s sound is best described as pop-punk, taking heavy influences from big names like Blink-182, Sum 41, and State Champs. To hear that they won the 2016 APMA for ‘Best Live Band’ was no shock, considering that they gave an energetic and fun performance that truly captured the audience.
After an elaborate set change, the lights over the crowd dimmed and a short countdown video was projected onto a screen at the front of the stage. As the countdown finished, the lights shut off completely and the screen dropped to the floor. Suddenly, everything was back in action as the opening of “Dive In” rang through the crowd. PTV had a fantastic performance; it was easy to tell that they know what they’re doing, both in terms of their live show, and the composition of the songs. However, despite their sound being one that is commonly played in Hot Topic, and the fact that they’re obviously an experienced band, they had a certain joy and humbleness to them that was particularly refreshing after such a raw and aggressive set like I Prevail’s. They smiled, laughed, messed around with the crowd, and thanked everyone multiple times, making it impossible not to love them.
One fangirl’s dreams came true as she was pulled on stage by Vic Fuentes, the lead singer of PTV himself, for the opening of “Bulletproof Love,” a popular track from their 2010 sophomore album, Selfish Machines. After what fans refer to as “the new ‘Bulletproof Love,’” (or “Floral & Fading” as it’s listed on the new album), Fuentes quickly told the backstory of their next acoustic song. He explained how “Kissing in Cars” was originally written as a song for his friend’s wedding, and wasn’t actually meant to be on the 2010 album. The groom had written all the special little things between the couple in a notebook, and given it to him to use as he wrote the song. After the story break, all members of PTV sat down at the very front of the stage to play an especially touching version of the track. As expected, flashlights, lighters, and tears were all quickly present in the crowd.
While PTV’s music has softened up a bit as their sound has matured, the older music is still entirely enjoyable, such as their most popular track, a 2012 release called “King For a Day.” Confetti cannons were fired, smoke machines went off, and suddenly the set was over much too soon.
As a whole, it was a great night, and totally worth the fact that it was in downtown Seattle on a Tuesday night while there was also a Mariner’s game. I Prevail didn’t offer the strongest start, but Neck Deep definitely picked it up, and the smiling faces of PTV brought it all home for the night fans had been hoping for.
Review by Lulu Dawson
Photos by Logan Westom
Pierce The Veil
Neck Deep
