Simple Creatures @
The Fonda Theatre
Mark Hoppus and Alex Gaskarth’s new project Simple Creatures performs at the Fonda Theatre for their home based fans
When Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low announced their new project called Simple Creatures, the world was filled with excitement to see what these two frontmen from two iconic bands would create together. It is no surprise that this band is already touring after only having two EPs, both released within this year. With the band gaining fast popularity over a short time,the Fonda Theatre was ready to see what the two frontmen had prepared for the night.
The night started with a piece of introduction music playing while these two frontmen took their places on stage. The crowd screamed in anticipation of hearing their new project come to life on-stage. As soon as the first song “Adrenaline” resonated through the venue, the entire audience was jumping and dancing off the walls to the beat of the sound. It was the perfect song to kick off the night, quite literally pumping the crowd’s adrenaline. Both Mark and Alex played guitars as they went back and forth to each side of the stage; Alex also played the synthesizer on his platform stage. During their set, Mark made a comment saying “This band plays to a drum machine and it’s still not as good as my drummer,” showing his love for Blink-182.
The setlist comprised of tracks from their two EPs including “Special”, “How To Live”, and “Thanks (I Hate It)” which Mark described as the song that “Simple Creatures itself” is about. The audience all raised their hands and sang along to these songs. In their performance of “The Wolf”, Mark and Alex showcased an epic guitar solo in which the crowd applauded loudly. Honestly, watching them perform truly felt like watching two good friends just enjoying a great time together on stage. Even their interaction on stage showed comfortability with each other. During “Need Me”, several beach balls were released into the audience which was both exciting and dangerous at the same time, as one of the balls knocked down Mark’s mic stands while singing. After the song had ended, Alex looked over at Mark saying, “That was the scariest three minutes of my life,” referring to the beach balls attacking them on stage multiple times. Mark added to Alex’s comment, “That was a bad idea, I’m going to be honest.” To which Alex replied, “It looked good on paper,” taking mental notes of their show as they laughed about their near-death experience. It was, in fact, terrifying to watch; but it definitely added to the interactiveness between the band and the audience.
Before leaving the stage, Simple Creatures thanked this particular crowd, “We f****** love you, thanks for being here since the beginning.”
As the show approached its ending, they played “Drug” to which the crowd roared in cheers with fists up in the air. For their encore, Simple Creatures performed “One Little Lie” and “Strange Love,” two of the three music video which they have released. The room’s excitement was heightened when confetti exploded all over the venue and Alex walked into the crowd to sing its final bridge and chorus. Before leaving the stage, Simple Creatures thanked this particular crowd, “We f****** love you, thanks for being here since the beginning.”
Even those who have seen Blink-182 and All Time Low individually can say that what Mark and Alex bring as a band is different from their respective bands. It’s not that they are leaving their style of these bands, but rather adding Simple Creatures to their repertoire of music. It is quite neat to see how these two musicians can come from different bands, but their genuine love for music has brought them together to make music together. Perhaps if the world is more willing to collaborate over what we love most, we can create something that is bigger than ourselves as well. Thanks, Simple Creatures for letting us witness your genuine passion and love for music! We cannot wait to see how the band will grow in the years to come!
(5 / 5)
Review and photos by Shion Uza
