THE WONDER YEARS' “THE HUM GOES ON FOREVER” IN CHARLOTTE, NC

I'm music magazine, the wonder years, the hum goes on forever, charlotte, north carolina, the fillmore, the fillmore charlotte, carly cosgrove, don't lick the swingset, hot mulligan, nathan tades sanville, dan soupy campbell, live nation, concert, wonder years concert, concert photography

“The Hum Goes on Forever” in Charlotte NC

Touring for the release of their newest album, The Hum Goes on Forever, Philadelphia’s very own pop-punk powerhouse The Wonder Years cruised into Charlotte NC Saturday February 18th for a sold out crowd. The Fillmore filled out quickly with excited fans as they took their place for a night of good music.

Opening the night was another Philly native, Carly Cosgrove. The three piece consisted of guitarist/vocalist Lucas Naylos, bassist Helen Barsz, and drummer Tyler Kramer. Coming in with songs from newly released album Don’t Lick the Swingset and 2022’s See You in Chemistry. The group brought out the crowd surfers early in the night. With impeccable rhythm and lyrics that almost reached out and grabbed you for attention. The trio knew how to start the night off.

Up next Michigan’s own Hot Mulligan jumped onto the stage next. Members Nathan “Tades”Sanville (vocalist), Chris Freeman (rhythm guitarist), Ryan “Spicy” Malicsi (lead guitarist), and Brandon Blakeley (drums) bumped the energy to the next level. It seemed like everyone in the room knew the words to “*Equip Sunglasses” and “Backyard.” Taking the energy and doubling it and gladly sending it back on stage. The group even took it down a notch and blessed the crowd with an acoustic song before kicking it back up again. Hot Mulligan left the crowd amped and in full anticipation for The Wonder Years.

As The Wonder Years took the stage they began their set with the leading song, “Doors I Painted Shut”, off the newly released album. The mood was set almost instantaneously! The slow build up into the climax of the song had onlookers screaming the words at the top of their lungs ready for more. After a few more tunes the group dove headlong into classic tunes off The Upsides and The Greatest Generation. Dan “Soupy” Campbell, despite a shoulder injury, locked fans in and never let them go. Casey Cavaliere (lead guitarist/backup vocals), Matt Brasch (guitar), Josh Martin (bass), Nick Steinborn (keyboard/guitar), and Mike Kennedy (drums) blasted fans with beautiful pop-punk precision, riffs, and rhythms. The crowd linked arms and swayed with tears in their eyes as “Cardinals” and” Cigarettes and Saints” were played. Just as it seemed it couldn’t get anymore emotional Dan asked for lights to be lit as “Laura and the Beehive” began to trickle out of the speakers. As the night came to a close The Wonder Years blasted “Came Out Swinging” and the crowd erupted! To say The Wonder Years left a lasting impression would be an understatement. It is not often we see a group that has lasted since 2005 with the same crowd draw as these guys. I will not be surprised to see them continue on for many years to come.

Review and pix by I’m Music Magazine Contributing Photographer Amanda Towery

THE WONDER YEARS