Photo by Ben Talty
The last time Off With Their Heads came toured through town, it was with The Menzingers and both bands put on one helluva show. This time was no different for Minneapolis melodic hardcore punk band Off With Their Heads, who stopped in Tempe with Pennsylvania pop punkers Spraynard and Portland indie punk rockers Lee Corey Oswald. Opening up the show was Tempe melodic punk band New Colonies.
While they were certainly melodic and talented, they didn’t have quite the poppy energy that I was expecting to encounter at this particular show. I could certainly enjoy their resonance and drive, though. The guitarists in particular provided a great mix of both momentum and harmony. The more punk rock elements that New Colonies provided led well into Lee Corey Oswald’s set. Despite obviously being heavily influenced by punk, I really noticed their more rock leanings. Even with that fierce power, they seem to balance it well with indie pop melodies similar to Jets to Brazil, which was very noticeable between the guitarists and Lee Ellis’ Blake Schwarzenbach-ian vocals. Corey Ciresi’s frantic drumming definitely drew attention as well.
Up next, Spraynard brought incredible energy and fun to the show. At the same time, they maintained intriguing melodies between guitarist Pat Graham and bassist Pat Ware. Regardless of their poppy intensity, they still know how to rock hard. I had heard this band talked up for days before the show and I wasn’t let down. Following this was yet another great show by Off With Their Heads. They stole the show with their more hardcore elements while maintaining some sweet harmony. The energy bounding back and forth between guitarists Ryan Young and John Polydoros truly enchant listeners. This is only built on by drummer Ryan Fisher and bassist Robbie Swartwood. If their fun thrashiness wasn’t enough, Young’s chaotic vocals are the topping on the cake. Overall, this was a fantastic show to catch some new and old fascinating punk bands.
~ Garyn Klasek
