WE THE KINGS SHAKE UP BOSTON WITH SPECIAL GUESTS CUTE IS WHAT WE AIM FOR, PLAID BRIXX, AND ASTRO LASSO

By Francesco Albanese

Last Sunday, February 26th, we caught up with We the Kings as they made their Boston stop on their tour celebrating ten years since the release of their self-titled, first EP. Along for the ride the band brought the likes of Cute is What We Aim For, Plaid Brixx, and Astro Lasso.

Kicking off the night was Indie-pop duo, Astro Lasso. The band, comprised of Jordan Davis and Tristan Martin were no joke, coming right out of the gates with their bouncy and live energy. It was hard not to smile and move along to what these guys had to offer, with some killer beats and vocals that made it hard to believe it was live. To add, the duo treated the crowd to a spotless cover of Ed Sheeran’s latest hit single, “Shape of You.” We’re anxious to see what these guys have in store for the future so be sure to check them out!

Next up we had rock-group Plaid Brixx. The three-piece is vocalist/guitarist Chris Duggan, drummer Mark LeRose, and on keys, Jared Sawaya. This band got the crowd going with their hyper energy that even had lead singer, Duggan, rolling on the floor; and that was just a taste of what the band had to offer. These guys seriously didn’t miss a beat and gave us a tight performance. This is the kind of showmanship we need with rock bands today and anyone who checks these guys out will definitely see that these guys put real effort into every aspect of the band.

​Following Plaid Brixx, we had long-time favorites, Cute is What We Aim For. Yup the pop-rock band came back with flying colors after celebrating ten years of their own first record “The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch” just last year. After so long of on and off playing music, the current line up absolutely brought their A-game last Sunday night. Longtime fans were in the crowd because the energy from the crowd was heating up, singing along to fan favorite songs, one of them being arguably the band’s top single, “The Curse of Curves.” Frontman Shaant Hacikyan still knows how to work the crowd with great vocals and his fun, genuine attitude, and leading the band with great stage presence. If you haven’t heard of these guys before, check them out; fans of the genre will not be disappointed.

Finally, the main act, the moment everyone was waiting for, We the Kings. The air was electric from the great previous acts of the night, and when the lights went down, an explosion of excitement followed. The pre-recorded voiceover intro left everyone laughing and anxious for the act that was to follow. The ten-second countdown began, and the band rushed the stage right on cue. The band started off the set with classic “Check Yes Juliet” and followed with tracks “Headlines Read Out…” and “Whoa.” Being the 10th anniversary of their first record, the night was filled with all the tracks from the record and the crowd couldn’t have been more excited and happy to be a part of the nonstop party. There’s no question to the band’s veteran status being tight musicians as well as pro entertainers. The mix of the two shined that night and it’s no wonder why these guys are here today still chugging right along. The band treated the already spoiled crowd with their cover of pioneer pop-punk group Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle.” But alas, it was time for the band to depart, but not before we were treated to “Check Yes Juliet” one more time.

​The tour may be almost half over, but if you have the chance, do not hesitate to see this tour, you will most certainly not be disappointed. Tour info and ticket links can still be found on the band’s website! If you were one of the lucky audience members that night, let us know what you thought in the comments and all over social media!