MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK AT STARLAND BALLROOM IN SAYREVILLE

Three years after fans had their hearts broken at the “So Long, Farewell” Tour, Minneapolis pop-punk group Motion City Soundtrack are back with their “Don’t Call It A Comeback” Tour. Fans of the band flocked to their stop in Sayreville, NJ at Starland Ballroom for a sold out show and a night of nostalgia, intense emotions, and hope towards a new era.

When the band took the stage, there was no mistaking the silhouette of front man Justin Pierre’s iconic wild hair. There was an air of tension as fans prepared to welcome back a band that made such an impact on their lives. Motion City Soundtrack started with “Attractive Today”, the opening track to their 2005 album Commit This To Memory, which then led into the second track off the album, “Everything is Alright”. The crowd at the shows was older, but looking out I saw a youthfulness coming from every screaming face and every jumping body.

Throughout the set they took fans on a walk through their discography, performing tracks from each album (with the exception of the last release, Panic Stations). Fans moshed, surfed, and grabbed their friends to “Disappear”, “A Lifeless Ordinary (Need a Little Help)”, and “My Favorite Accident”. It was impossible to take your eyes off the stage as the band bounced around and gave it their all. Keyboard/synth player, Jesse Johnson, showed everyone a picture perfect example of how you can make a stagnant instrument come to life.

When the band came back onstage for the encores, Justin spoke out to the audience and lent some words of encouragement. He said, “You know I probably should’ve died several times ago, but I didn’t, and if I can do it I think pretty much anyone can because I was the worst. So whatever you’ve got going on – talk to people. Get it out of your head, get it out of your body. Get some help.” He ended by saying, “And on that note…”, which segued into their song “L.G. FUAD”. They ended their set with the classic “The Future Freaks Me Out” and left fans with a sense of satisfaction and hope for the new era. Welcome back Motion City Soundtrack – we’re glad to have you join us for the new decade.