An odd pairing of MKTO and the All America Rejects stopped by the Rapids theatre this past week to provide an entertaining night of music. I look at this is an odd pairing as the duo of Malcolm Kelly and Tony Oliver make up the pop rap group MKTO. The headliner All America Rejects have an established emo rock following now, as they been around for over 13 years.
I was actually impressed with MKTO. It was more of a rock element to their show and it wasn’t as much hip hop or rap then I expected. Danny Oller provided vocals, handled keys at times and also did some percussion along with fellow vocalist Malcolm Kelly. Oller really was the engine behind the band and the songs came across pretty good live. “American Dream” was the highlight of their set. It incorporated many different genres of music including, pop, rock, hip hop and electronica.
It’s been 3 years since All American Rejects released their last studio effort “Kids in the Street.” The band didn’t show any rust as they came out and went into “Dirty Little Secret.” Vocalist Tyson Ritter played bass on the track and did so on a few tracks throughout the set. Ritter really made a connection with the crowd as he discussed meeting a few individuals who attended nearby Niagara University before the show. He talked visiting the local area as well.
The highlight for the show for me was drummer Chris Gaylor. He really provided a solid foundation and played with precision and power. A very underrated drummer for sure. They also have touring musicians Scott Chesak who enjoyed a short solo before the track “It Ends tonight” and Matt Rubano who complimented lead guitarist Mike Kennerty really well. He also played bass when Ritter was busy running amuck across the stage.
The lights dimmed and both guitarists had the outline of their guitarists light up along with the microphone of Ritter during the song “Kids in the Street.” Ritter also talked about celebrating his 31st birthday the night before in the woods with friends. It was time to let loose and feel a hangover for once remarked Ritter. It was a bear stage besides Ritter’s vocals and Kennerty on guitar for the heartfelt “I for You.”
All in all the show was more than I expected. Go check it out if it comes around you.
All American Rejects setlist:
Dirty Little Secret
Fallin’ Apart
My Paper Heart
Stab my Back
Beekeeper’s Daughter
Swing, Swing
Kids in the Street
Time Stands Still
Keyboard solo (Scott Chesak)
It Ends Tonight
I for You
I Wanna
Gonzo
Move Along
Encore:
Gives You Hell
MKTO setlist:
Could Be Me
Afraid of the Dark
American Dream
No More Second Chances
Bad Girls
Monaco
Four Five Seconds
Just Imagine It
Tank You
Classic Singalong
We would like to thank Rafael Castro from the Rapids Theatre for the credentials to review the show.
