The University Student Union Ballrooms welcomed Hellogoodbye to the campus of Cal State Long Beach, which turned into a makeshift, trendy concert venue, minus the lingering scent of nicotine and stale stench of spilled beer.
Hellogoodbye played the sold-out show Wednesday night to 200 lucky CSULB students who were quick enough to snatch the free tickets while they lasted. Acoustic-driven Lady Danville kicked off the evening with charming folk-pop sing-alongs that got the crowd in a dancing mood.
Lady Danville, who played CSULB two years prior, performed a charming set, consisting of songs off their new EP, “Operating.” The band also has a new album in the works, which is set for release later this summer.
Lead vocalist and guitar player, Dan Chang, sported a neatly combed pompadour, suspenders and a red bowtie, channeling early fifties rock stars. He was supported by the witty keyboardist, Michael Garner, and percussionist Mathew Frankel, who smacked his drums and cajon with his bare hands for most of the set.
Hands clapped and fists pumped to Danville’s set, which ended with the comedic folk sing-along tune “I Want You Back” and the head bop-enduing song “Cars.”
After Lady Danville left the stage, Hellogoodbye promptly rushed in at 8:40 p.m. to charge into their power pop-driven set. Forrest Kline (vocals/guitar) channeled his inner Buddy Holly, wearing the infamous thick-rimmed glasses and wooing the front row of girls with his hiccup-style vocals.
The band has been touring with a fresh line up in support of their most recent album “Would it Kill You?” which has a more mature sound, compared to the synth-laden 2006 release “Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!” The difference in sound came about with Kline’s new home studio and a three-year gap between recording.
“That stuff was so old,” said Kline at a press conference before the concert. “It was just a natural change.”
The new lineup saw a returning Aaron Flora on drums, Andrew Richards on guitar, and Augustine Rampolla on bass, as well as Panic at the Disco guitarist Ian Crawford, who jumped in on guitar for a few tunes.
“It is dynamic to have a new mix,” Richards said. “Working with new musicians, getting to know someone, it’s fun!”
The set consisted of brand new songs they recently wrote, as well as old favorites, ending the set with the fan favorite “Here (In Your Arms).”
Hellogoodbye’s album “Would it Kill You?” is now available through the band’s website at a name-your-price expense.
“We are giving it away for free,” Kline said. “Or if you prefer, Skittles. Or anything! Basically, just stuff.”
For more information about Hellogoodbye, visit Hellogoodbye.net.
