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This one is so new you guys are some of the first to hear it” introduced “Game Over”), a slow song played to far more phone lights in the air than a band first on stage would normally expect (”Somehow”), a Christmas song (”Rockin Around the Christmas Tree”) and a set closer that signalled the massive future they have in front of them (“No One Asked You Any Way”). Shortly after their set, they appeared with a film crew and conga’d their way through the crowd to the merch area, and it was only then that you realised just how young they really are! The energy was already high and the room pretty full when Patent Pending exploded onto the stage. I have read a review saying that at a previous gig they were somewhat bemused by the lack of reaction from the crowd, but in Bristol I suspect many of those present had actually gone to see them as much as the headliners. In the first three songs I got more air shots than in the last few years of gigs added together, and singer Joe had thrown himself into the crowd twice. I also had an “up close and personal” experience with Joe as, when he saw me applaud at the end of the second song (I may be there to shoot but I am also there as I love music), he came over to shake my hand and wouldn’t let go until he had spent two minutes discussing how he always sees togs at the shows, but they never send him any pics. (He also recognised me after the gig and had a chat, which was a lovely touch). It is really hard to shoot these guys on stage. You get the constant feeling that whilst shooting in one direction something crazy is happening behind you. At one point, the guys lined up for a “Boy Band” style dance routine. At another there was what appeared to be a somewhat non consensual snog when Joe grabbed a bandmate off balance and took advantage. There were leaps, poses, crowd interaction, great songs, covers, banter, and a masterclass in how to work a crowd. One of the most fun and energetic sets I have seen on stage, and I will definitely be there whenever they play locally again. Bowling For Soup’s stage entry was low key and understated (not words you usually associate with the band!). The stage was set up with Christmas trees and decorations and at the back, the bar. The band wandered on, almost whilst roadies were still on stage, and quietly got their drinks from the barman, then turned, wandered to their places and exploded into the first of several plays of “Corner Store At Christmas”, immediately followed by “Almost” and “The Bitch Song”. Astonishingly, by that point, none of the band had actually spoken, which for a Bowling For Soup show was almost miraculous. Jaret remedied that and drew attention to it, confusing pit security immensely when gleefully announcing that they have now played “2.3 songs not 3” and getting us an extra song in their company. From here on in though, we were in the territory that Bowling For Soup own. Their sound is the tightest I have heard it. Guitarist Chris, a physical as well as sonic presence, flicking guitar picks up and catching them and new bassist Rob (from Patent Pending) fitting in as if he has always been there. It became a bit of a greatest hits set as, peppered with banter, stories, monologues, and the traditional Bowling For Soup photo opportunity. They powered through their catalogue. Another trip to the bar saw the support bands take over for “Ohio”. We got “Frosty The Snowman”. We got fireworks, and the set ended with “Stacey’s Mom” and yet more “Corner Store” before they again poked fun at gig etiquette by simply standing at their set bar as the crowd called for an encore rather than go off stage. The encores of “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” and “1985” were pretty much sung by the crowd (some of the best singing I have heard at a gig for a long time), and then the band said their goodbyes and took well deserved applause. No mention of any “farewell” element to this tour so I suspect we will see them back! Review and Pics: Rob Wilkins [gallery type='flickr' user_id='132278830@N06' view='photosets' photoset_id='72157704161979715' media='photos' columns='3' tag_mode='any' sort='date-posted-desc' per_page='62' layout='square' caption='title' thumb_size='s' main_size='z' ]]]>
