Live Show Recap: Parkway Drive @ Starland Ballroom
By Evan Leong
Whether or not you’ve seen Australian metalcore band Parkway Drive before, you have to know they’re going to put on a show. The spirit and energy in their songs are even more prominent when the band is on stage. With flashing lights, circling fans, and the sound of heavy guitar riffs mixed with frontman Winston McCall’s signature bark, Parkway Drive’s sold-out show at the Starland Ballroom was an experience for the ages. Currently touring in North America to promote their latest record Darker Still, Parkway Drive welcomes metalcore bands Currents and Memphis May Fire as opening acts.
When Currents took the stage, I knew I was in for a great experience. Known for their moody lyrics and technical instrumentation, the band’s ability to perform emotional music while playing highly complex parts was awe-inspiring. I was especially impressed by the band’s performance of their latest single “Remember Me,” which released about two weeks ago (at the time of this recap).
When Memphis May Fire stepped up, it was all smiles for frontman Matty Mullins and the rest of the band. When it comes to energetic guitar riffs intertwined with catchy sing-along choruses, Memphis May Fire seems to have perfected the craft in their latest record, Remade in Misery. Fans were loud, belting the words to the band’s new singles “Make Believe” and “Misery.”
Finally, Parkway Drive took the stage, and the sold-out crowd erupted. Supercharged by the electric growls of frontman McCall, the band opened with “Glitch,” the catchy lead single from Darker Still. As a photographer, I needed a moment to step away from the photo pit and sing along for one chorus. When I exited, I noticed just how engaged Parkway Drive fans were. It was hard to spot one person who was standing still; some hung back but nodded along to the music, others moshed frenetically, while crowdsurfers flashed the “metal horns” hand gesture as they drifted toward the barricades.
Because Parkway Drive puts on one of the most passionate shows you’ll ever experience, it can be easy to forget how talented the band is – especially as songwriters. After a string of headbangers, the band decided to slow it down with the ballad “Darker Still,” the title track from their latest record. Combining intricate acoustic guitar melodies and light vocals from McCall, the ballad slowly built tension until releasing an epic guitar solo from lead guitarist Jeff Ling. When I say epic, I’m talking Game of Thrones-esque – there was something about the lead guitar motif that made me feel like I was being whisked away on an epic journey.
For the grand finale, Parkway Drive turned the entire venue into a choir. In one united hum, the crowd sang along with the lead guitar melody to fan favorite “Wild Eyes” before the band exploded into one final burst of energy. I’m sad to see these bands go, but I’ll keep my wallet full for the next time they return to the tri-state area. In the meantime, I’ll be streaming Darker Still on Spotify.
To see our concert photos, check out our concert photography Instagram page. And make sure to tune into 88.7 WRSU-FM Rutgers radio and stay up-to-date with our blog!