Concert Review: AJR Are Happy Maniacs At Hammerstein
Taking pictures and watching AJR was like deciding to have a playful, relay race with a cheetah. They are a high- energy set of brothers that never stay still; as if to do so would cause them to, literally, crumble. As they remarked their awe at selling out Hammerstein Ballroom and how nobody believed their difference would be successful, I was surprised to see their fun be doubted.
Are AJR different? Yes, in the strangest way! I have remarked that current music is more open to combatting the mental blocks and insecurities that inhibit people from having a happier life. AJR’s tracks like, “Drama,” “Weak,” and “Sober Up” certainly approach said themes. Yet, they have a greater balance when admitting their downside because neither AJR’s presence nor their songs’ endings land in sadness. For them, the bottom is just the natural beginning in your rise to the top, and that positivity is rare. Sure, we all want our lives to spume up like champagnes bubbles, but feeling bubbly is a harder task.
Each Met brother is absolutely insane with glee, and their rendition of The Office theme song was proof. I cannot say I have heard too many TV themes, if any, be used to get a crowd adrenalized Yet, the Scranton based show embodies both the physical and literal wit of this group. Ryan, Adam, and Jack feel like firecrackers tossed on stage; jumping, leaping, and crackling their voices to their own pop sounds. It is a genuine marvel how lead singer Jack manages to keep a perfect tone and pitch while simultaneously singing and doing a triple axel. He high kicks through tracks such as, “Role Models” and “Turning Out,” while vocally emanating loneliness but an undying hope for love and friendship.
Frankly, by the end of a sad day, I am laughing with someone. We all enter funks where we SWEAR no one loves us and life is only getting worse, and then we meet up with our friends, do a great job at work, and find a great sweater on sale. Life turns daily, and AJR represent its emotional “yo-yo.” Moreover, as brothers, they move and incorporate the crowd like family; ribbing us with jokes, such as the lady holding up her crutches for their attention, or telling us to not give up on ourselves. For More Information On AJR Click Here.
