The Spring in Barcelona not even show the face and not let off all the pollens as usual but the season of concerts is hotter than ever. The now traditional Vans Tour came full in the melody for this year and brought one of the icons of punk rock, if we can give some style to Pennywise, now goes through my head that the band`s name is a music format. However, it is obvious that they were not the owners of the party by themselves, two other bands showed up to and made a breathtaking concerts. A Wilhelm Scream, who will arrive in June in South American for a little tour and also the respected Strike Anywhere.
To the exception of Pennywise, both groups mentioned were presenting recent releases. The first with a self-titled EP and the second "Iron Front", two albums of last year but quite fresh to the audience that packed the traditional Apollo Theater A. Four years living in Barcelona just few times I saw a concert of that style hang the "sold out" sign on the door. The audience had reasons for this, besides the already mentioned (reasons, of course) with about the other bands, Pennywise was not seen in this city for many years and this time had Zoli from Ignite as a new front man and it helped a little.
Few hours before the concert and just after the sound check, we had the opportunity to meet band members of Strike Anywhere and A Wilhelm Scream and they are anxious about the brazilians and South America`s concerts. Commenting on with them that the reciprocal is the same I could feel a bit of "envy" (positive) of Striker`s, perhaps they also want to be in this party. Nuno Pereira is super excited to have the opportunity to communicate freely with the public, since, as many know he is the son of Portuguese and speaks our language with that there`s little land accent, but let`s talk about the present and not the future.
The day was still light outside but inside the theater we had the first act of the night, the room was already receiving a good crowd and the guys from Boston had forty minutes to accomplish their mission and they did. Showing an impressive energy and speed A Wilhelm Scream did a show far without annoying the audience and leaving the same with instant nostalgia when the presentation was over. Songs that deserve attention and which will certainly setlist in Brazil are "The King is Dead," "Me vs.. Pretentiousness Morrissey In The Contest (The Ladder Match)" both of Ruiner. We can not leave out also "The Horse" Career Suicide album and latest release "Skid Rock" deserves our attention.
When the Strike Anywhere arrived at the scene, had a heated and still warm crow, not a difficult mission to maintain or even raise the level with songs like "I`m Your Opposite Number" and "Sedition", both recent releases and singer Thomas Barnett was quite moving and full integration with the public. "Lights Go Out" by Exit English was another highlight in the presentation.
Finally came the big moment of the night. The kings of Hermosa Beach was ready to go on stage and show what`s new for the audience. Probably many people was wondering if the fusion Zoli / Pennywise was going to work, surely the most curious looked on the web videos and compared those before watch or check it live, etc, etc.. But to start the presentation with "Peaceful Day" all the fears began to dissipate with the same speed as the guitar Fletcher`s guitar riffs and after a declaration of Zoli made clear his position in the band, "is a pleasure to be singing the band which has always been a fan", you do not need many words to evaluate. The real truth is that Pennywise had lost the singer, Jim Lindberg simply left the band and Zoli belonging to one of the most respected bands of the circuit does not need to promote himself with this participation. When watching the "new" front man leading and very well, songs like "Society", "Fight Till Die," "Dying to Know," "Searching," "Same Old Story", a classic after another, throwing herself at audience on "Fuck Authority" it became clear that the post was filled by someone infinitely capable and indeed has plenty of merits to this with his charisma that comes from the Ignite, with his speeches supporting the peaceful organization Sea Shepherd, and even with all their force physical arrives panting at the end of songs, making it clear that is dedicated to the fullest and do not want to disappoint the old fans. Although an old fan yelled beside me "won`t work!" in the first seconds of the presentation, the same guy later came to admit that everything fit perfectly on a night that has already made history. It is noteworthy also that mostly of the songs were from older albums than those mentioned also present "Greed," "Can not Believe It", both from Straight Ahead album and even "Homesick", requested by a poster released on stage by a fan. From From Ashes, The Fuse or Reason to Believe albums, little or nothing was touched, from the last "Something to Live For" showed up. The end of the night was like everyone has imagined, "Bro Hymn" with a crowd on stage.
Watching a show like this, with the band reinvigorated and knowing that this year launched new disc, we can be assured that we will have Pennywise for many years.
### Mauricio Melo ###
