Tonight, Punktastic is in Amsterdam for the European leg of one of the tours of the year. In London, the Forum hosted the line up, but tonight’s gig at the smaller end of the Melkweg makes that venue feel monstrous in comparison, and it’s an intimate affair from the word go as the venue starts off completely filled and stays that ways.
THE WONDER YEARS come out swinging (sorry) with a fantastic opening half hour, and there’s really no doubt that the band are cementing themselves all over the world as a blossoming favourite.
Next, SAVES THE DAY come out and eclipse their London performance – in London they seemed a little distracted and tired, but tonight in the Melkweg, it’s more like watching them at their prime. Material new and old goes down a treat, and keeps everyone entertained from start to finish.
Finally, and as in London, YELLOWCARD are the main event, and tonight’s set is hotly anticipated. The band haven’t been in Amsterdam for a long time, and though the set has a few technical hitches here and there, it’s an excellent performance.
Even compared to the Bush Hall acoustic venture earlier in the year, this is an intimate show, and the set selection is excellent. It’s amazing to see what a striking comeback YELLOWCARD have made, and despite the slight blips in the sound tonight and the band having to drop a song, the crowd love every second, and it’ll be exciting to see what the band do next.
TOM AYLOTT
Punktastic caught up with Sean Mackin of YELLOWCARD before the Melkweg show, and you can watch the interview below: