Matchbox Twenty und Dashboard Confessional

I was so excited to see Matchbox Twenty and I definitely was not disappointed. I grew up listening to their music and "Unwell" was probably the first song I ever knew all the words to. The Matchbox Twenty concert I was a part of wasn't like some crazy party. There weren't giant mosh pits and people jumping all around but it was special. It really felt like you were a part of something. The band, especially Rob Thomas (the lead singer), really wanted you to have fun. You could tell that they had fun too. Rob loved the words he was singing and the band loved the songs they were playing. They had a good mix of their earlier and later songs. It was almost impossible not to shout out all the words you knew to the songs. It really was impossible for anyone there to not be enjoying it. I think another important thing about a Matchbox Twenty concert is that the fanbase is not composed of people who could ruin your experience. No one there is going to make you feel uncomfortable. The fans aren't there to get super drunk or high. They're there to listen to the music they love and that makes for a great atmosphere.

Although emo may sound like an outdated term in modern society, Florida outfit Dashboard Confessional have always associated themselves as emo rock due to taking influence from a whole variety of artists including Jawbox, The Beatles, Refused, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder. Throughout their whole career they have enjoyed a devoted, loyal following who have really emphasised with both the band's lyrics and music. The band has been on the road for over ten years and appear to be playing lately with more energy and direction than they have in the past.

Lead singer Chris Carrabba really recognises how dearly the fans hold the music and keeps them continuously involved in the show throughout the night. This is often credited to the reason that audience members attend the tours again and again. The singalongs to the likes of 'Remember to Breathe' and 'Where There's Gold' seem to be getting louder and louder with every show. An impassioned performance throughout culminates in an encore of 'Stolen' and 'Hands Down' with the band looking incredibly gratified to the huge reaction they are receiving from the crowds.