After 5 long and rainy days, Wednesday June 11th was the first day of sun in a while. It was 86 degrees and gorgeous outside, a fitting experience to see one of the most bright and vivid albums of the last decade. Emos and fans of the alt-punk genre were anxious to see what is considered to be, a contender for show of the year. The Maine played an underplay concert at House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In just 2023 they sold out Irving Plaza in New York City twice (1,200 capacity venue), and this particular venue in New Jersey is only 500 capacity! Seeing such a timeless band in such a small venue alone is cause for celebration. Not to mention this underplay was celebrating 10 years of their album American Candy.
The band opened with the record in full. American Candy is one of the most pivotal albums of the 2010’s. The songs translated even better live. Opening with “Miles Away” got everyone in the crowd off their feet and jumping. Deep cuts like the title track and “Same Suit, Different Tie” felt so special to finally see live and the fans reacted in a huge way. They were writing song of the summer before the term even got popular on the internet. Even on the album’s more somber and introspective moments like the devastating “24 Floors” or “Unlost”, there was a sense of joy and hope in the crowd. Everyone was just so happy to be there. This was the most euphoric experience I’ve had at a concert in years. When I walked in the venue, my iPhone had logged 2,000 steps. When I left I was at 14,000 steps. For 3 hours I did not stop moving. Every time I thought I would take it easier, the next song was even more exciting than the last. After the album finished they played some of their greatest hits like “Touch”, “I Think About You All The Time” and “Loved You A Little”. It was an all immersive evening covering almost every record cycle.
The band takes their music very seriously but prefers to have their live shows be lighthearted and up-lifting. Honestly it was refreshing to see a band that just liked having fun on stage. The band interacted with the crowd frequently and would have a dance-off in their mosh pits, talk about their favorite songs between sets, and joke around. Their stage presence while they were performing oozed charisma and playfulness. Even if the band didn’t play a single song, it would be just as fun to watch them interact with the crowd all night.
The set design was also impeccable. I’ve seen hundreds of shows at this venue and usually there’s no production whatsoever. It’s a brick venue below sea-level. Normally DIY hardcore bands or DJs play this place. However, The Maine brought a full LED screen behind them to play videos and album imagery as they performed. The show felt like an amphitheater level performance with the closeness of an intimate club show. What they were able to achieve was astounding and truly unique. It exceeded every expectation I had.
Overall, Dying Scene is thrilled to cover this show. This felt more than just an anniversary celebration for an album by The Maine. It felt like a culmination of the last 10 years of work erupting into one big massive party. I’m aware that some or our readers might be more into the hardcore side of punk or the thrash elements, but we implore you not to write this band off. The reason they play with pop and alternative sounds in their rock is because of how fun it is. This is a band that’s sole purpose is to enjoy life, write good tunes, and enrich the lives of others. Speaking for myself, on June 11th they succeeded their purpose. Long live The Maine!