Wednesdays are considered to be the halfway point of the week being almost over and a reminder that the weekend is ahead. But at The Underground in Charlotte, it was a Wednesday when high energy was brought to Charlotte by none other than eccentric pop-rock band, Marianas Trench. They exceeded my expectations and I was completely blown out of the water.
As I patiently waited for Mariana Trench’s set, two very talented ladies dominated The Underground’s stage. Openers PIAO and Cassadee Pope performed and expressed themselves creatively, not only through a bright and colorful setting, but also through their unique and unexpected ways of connecting with the audience. The lovely PIAO performed a set of songs that not only reminded me of the Y2K, such as “flip phone”, but was like a letter to my younger self. Her song “Haunted by Potential” struck a chord within me and really made such an impact as I listened to her vulnerable lyrics. Surprises were definitely evident throughout her set. I was also not expecting PIAO to transport me back to 2013 as she performed a cover of “Still Into You” the amazing Paramore, with me screaming the lyrics along with the audience.
PIAO
The wonderful Cassadee Pope took the stage after. She immersed herself in Charlotte’s crowd and her presence was known through her powerful voice, which dominated her set but also captured my attention. The theater kid in me was also suddenly brought out as she performed a rock cover of “Defying Gravity” from the beloved musical and upcoming film Wicked.
Cassadee Pope
Finally, as for Marianas Trench, I can easily say that I was mesmerized and impressed by the band’s performance. Through lit up mic stands and gleaming trench coats, the band performed with so much heart, soul, and energy. Their songs such as “I’m Not Getting Better“, “Down To You”, and “One Love” trickled through the air and throughout the venue, reaching for the audience in ways that brought out their excitement. The show took a turn, and for the unexpected. As the band performed on stage, Ramsay decided to formally greet the band’s fans by going into the audience and performing “Pop 101″ and “Haven’t Had Enough”.
Though the start of their tour hit a bump in the road for lead singer Josh Ramsay, he and band members, Matt Webb, Mike Ayley, and Ian Casselman, gave it their all in Charlotte. September 25 was no ordinary Wednesday night at The Underground. I am happy and relieved that Ramsay is feeling much better, the band members are all well, and that I wish them an amazing time on the rest of their tour.
Marianas Trench
