Music > Live Reviews

PVMNTS

OPEN

09/12/18

Despite forming two years ago in 2016, LA based pop punk band PVMNTS only released their first single ‘Standing (On My Own Two Feet)’ this summer, swiftly followed by their EP, ‘Better Days’. Frankly, the genre is not something I am normally drawn to, evidenced when, on our arrival, the audience consisted mostly of teenagers, a contrast to my usual middled age crowd.  This probably had something to do with the previous occupation of bassist/guitarist/vocalist Tyler Posey, who starred in the long running TV series Teen Wolf. However, I was looking forward to brightening my week with PVMNTS upbeat musicality, and the atmosphere once inside was excited and buzzing.
 
The first support band of the evening were London based Shaded, another pop punk band. They were energetic, and possibly the only way to describe the lead singer, Matt East, would be bouncy. They did a successful job of warming up the crowd, which even boasted a small fanbase in the crowd.
 
The second band were once again of a similar genre, though The Bottom Line  drew their inspiration from a more old school, raw direction, and were a little bit thrashier. The band had real stage presence and lead vocalist Cal Amies’ numerous attempts to draw the crowd into participation were on the whole successful, resulting in some enthusiastic singing along, and lots (and lots) of jumping. In the last song, PVMNTS’ Freddy Ramirez crashed the stage and stole the mike, taking over for the final verse for a fantastic end to The Bottom Line’s slot.
 
When PVMNTS entered the stage, it was with boundless energy. Their constant conversations with each other and the audience made for a personal and engaging set, though at times becoming a little like a comedy gig nobody asked for including the appearance of a cactus mike stand called Jimmy-Steve. The mixing also left a little to be desired with the guitar being way too low and hard to discern. However, the genuine joy the band had for performing was permanently evident, and the camaraderie and friendship between every band on the tour was genuinely heartwarming. Skills were also demonstrated with Tyler and Freddy swapping guitar and  bass halfway through the set. The night was genuinely enjoyable despite the potential for repetition from the many iterations of pop punk, and every song played enticed me into a head bop via the heavy drums of Nick Guzman. A particular highlight was the final performance of their single ‘Standing’, which descended into mayhem following a stage invasion by both of the support bands, along with loo roll streamers and a potted plant (who knows why). The venue maintained a youthful energy throughout the evening, and despite not being a sell out, the crowd were energetic and enthusiastic, particularly when various band members made their way into the crowd while performing.
 
The band has their last gig of the year in Paris with Norwich being the last stop on their UK tour. For fans, hopefully more music will be on the way soon, and I wish PVMNTS all the best in conquering the Pop Punk scene.