For those who say “the scene is dead” may I direct your attention to The Front Bottoms? The Front Bottoms, otherwise known as TFB, have been gradually climbing the charts and garnering mainstream attention. Due to their “down-to-earth” blend indie rock and emo. Which can be clearly heard at any one of their numerous concerts across the US and Europe. If you’re looking to catch TFB, don’t worry; as their touring schedule is rather extensive, thus providing ample opportunities for fans and potential fans to connect with the band.
On May 31st, The Front Bottoms managed to connect with a packed crowd at Cannery Ballroom [the largest venue on Nashville’s Cannery Row]. Where fans were treated to a tour de force of The Front Bottoms discography; starting with the classic “Rose EP” followed by their newest EP release “Ann.” After two short EP-centric sets, The Front Bottoms switched gears and launched into a third set. Which consisted of songs found off their highly successful “Going Grey” album.
Each set was a raucous celebration of life, love, and music. However, that statement doesn’t just pertain to The Front Bottoms. As the opener, An Horse [a female-fronted indie rock duo from Brisbane, Australia] also brought the celebration to Cannery Ballroom. As cheers and chants resounded throughout the set from die-hard fans, who had waited for months to see the Aussie rockers perform.
From the chanting and the cheering from the pit for the opener alone, it was evident that Nashville was ready to let loose and celebrate love, life, and music. The cheering only empowered The Front Bottoms’ heartfelt and animated antics. For example, right before “Tie Die Dragon” off the “Ann EP,” vocalist Brian Sella borrowed a fan’s pot glasses and jokingly wore them on stage. The glasses, however, proved to be a challenge to open. With Sella stating, “you think they’d make weed glasses easier to put on!” Granted it was a small gesture, it among many other instances served to endear the crowd to The Front Bottoms. As each member of the band genuinely displayed heartfelt emotions and sentiments. Instead of falling prey to rehearsed lines, statements [such as “you guys are the best crowd on this whole tour”], and gimmicks which have grown in popularity among touring artists.
The Front Bottoms’ genuine approach to their set modeled their down-to-earth music, which strives to tackle modern day issues such as anxiety and stress. Which affects close to 44 million US adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). In creating an atmosphere of genuine, heartfelt emotions and sentiments, The Front Bottoms were not only able to speak their truth but also to connect with fans across the scene in US and Europe.
