Yellowcard jostled the pop punk scene in the mid-2000s with a rare violin-heavy arrangement, finding great success with singles like “Ocean Avenue” and “Only One.” Now, more than a decade and several albums later, the band is touring in support of Lift A Sail — an intimate window into a tumultuous year of front man Ryan Key’s life.
Armed with a heavier sound than ever, the Los Angeles-based rockers recently premiered a single that aptly demonstrates their recent evolution.
“‘Crash The Gates’ is about power and dynamics,” explains guitarist Ryan Mendez. “It’s incredibly fun to play live because it’s loud and heavy and very engaging with the crowd. We think it’s a perfect fit with the energy and aggression of hockey.”
Alternative Press calls the new album “their boldest, most exploratory work to date,” while Kerrang! advises listeners: “Air-violins at the ready, ’cause the ‘Card are ripping it up.”Yellowcard, along with screamo pioneers Finch and pop rock quartet The Downtown Fiction, play the Orange Peel on Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. $22/$25. Visit theorangepeel.net for tickets and information.
Here is the full release from organizers:
Continuing their worldwide tour in support of their seventh studio album LIFT A SAIL (Razor & Tie), YELLOWCARD is announcing the second leg of their US tour. The tour begins on April 6th in Lawrence, KS and wraps around the states until mid-May.
“We are finally able to announce our amazing Spring US tour plans,” said the band from a joint statement. “From April 6 to May 10, we will be out supporting Lift a Sail. We are heading out with a band we have had the honor of sharing the stage with for many years, Finch! Also doing half the tour each will be One Ok Rock and The Downtown Fiction. We are so stoked on this lineup! Ticket links will be available on all of our websites, and VIP packages will be offered. The first 800 VIP packages will also receive an exclusive colored Lift a Sail vinyl. Check the dates and come see a show if we are coming close to you!” More info can be found here.
In addition, the new video for “Crash The Gates” premieres on REVOLVER here. Interspersed with scenes from various hockey games, the live video perfectly captures the song’s energy and “fiery electric riffs” (SputnikMusic). “‘Crash The Gates’ is about power and dynamics,” explains guitarist Ryan Mendez. “It’s incredibly fun to play live because it’s loud and heavy and very engaging with the crowd. We think it’s a perfect fit with the energy and aggression of hockey.”
Hailed by Alternative Press as “their boldest, most exploratory work to date,” Lift A Sail has taken the band into new and uncharted territory, upping the ante as well as the guitars to new, louder heights. Indulge-Sound captured the spirit of this album as “the Braveheart of Yellowcard albums”, it stands as a critical-acclaimed album that “is a true display of the evolution of Yellowcard as a band.” (Soundsphere), Lift a Sail was called “massive and majestic, full of cavernous drums and pile-driving guitars that meld with layers of deeply textured keyboards” by Guitar World, while Kerrang! chimed, “Air-violins at the ready, ’cause the ‘Card are ripping it up.”
Yellowcard is Ryan Key (vocals, guitars), Sean Mackin (violins), Ryan Mendez (guitar), and Josh Portman (bass). Lift A Sail was produced by Neal Avron and was released via Razor & Tie.
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