NOT A PROTOTYPE! - Weekend Goodbye
Look no further if you’re looking for a band that simultaneously makes you nostalgic for classic pop punk but still gives you a refreshing take on the genre. Weekend Goodbye is all of that and more. They have guitar leads that make you want to jump, fun basslines that peak through, animative vocals and drums with varying dynamics that tie it all together (I know absolutely nothing about drums, quite honestly they impress me no matter what). You’ll not only find yourself dancing in your room to their music, but relating to lyrics that you won’t be able to get out of your head. And if that’s not enough, they are some of the best performers I’ve seen in the GTA’s local scene. They put on a show—an introduction that makes your head turn to the stage—”who are these guys?” The energy goes up the moment they start to perform, and they connect with the audience in a really unique and engaging way. Even if you went into a local show not knowing them, I promise Weekend Goodbye will end up being one of your highlights of the night.
Weekend Goodbye is a unit; it’s not a frontman and a band, but best friends having fun and that directly reflects in their performances and music. All their songs are lively and (extremely) catchy, and you’ll want to start singing along even if you don’t know the lyrics (yet). Having fun on stage makes you want to do the same on the floor and they will let you know if you’re not matching their energy—they’re a unit because their audiences are part of it. You won’t be able to look away during their entire set or else you’ll miss their jokes and banter in between, intermission and transition music to the next song, and they always go out with a bang with an outro just as head-turning as their intro. Their fusion of original and inspired genres and their stage presence create an energy that makes you feel you’re at a venue like the Budweiser Stage where you’re all jumping with the crowd; those moments where you’re sharing the experience with other fans and there’s nothing that can replace that moment. Think about the most fun concert you’ve been to: the energy is good, you’re creating memories you won’t forget. It’s the best way I could describe the energy Weekend Goodbye radiates with just a small crowd in a bar. And while I feel unique is sort of a non-word because I want it to mean more than that, I genuinely have not experienced a set like this band’s. There are very few concerts I’ve been to where the performers truly give a live experience of their music rather than just a repeat of the studio version of their song (absolutely nothing wrong with doing so), but when I see musicians creating involvement with intimate moments in a live setting, it makes it really special (and I also end up very impressed).
I remember the first time I heard Weekend Goodbye’s sound I realized the rather oxymoronic nostalgic but new nature was exactly what was missing from my listening rotation. I am consistently impressed by how engaging and refreshing every new single is and they always deliver. I know I’ll always get the heartbreak and oh-my-god-this-is-so-me verses, the release of emotions in the chorus and a really cool bridge that you expect to create an unexpected turn in the song. And if you haven’t headbanged yet, the last chorus will do that for you. They remind me of old pop punk that I don’t think you really hear anymore, but you still can’t quite put your finger on why it feels oddly familiar since it’s still bright-eyed and modern. The fusion of the genre makes it classic, garage, pop punk, and I think you don’t quite understand the feeling you get from it until you listen.
Full disclosure, “Hard Luck” was not only my top song of 2020 but it still remains in my top songs of all time. You just simply don’t want this song to end. It hits you with the main riff right away and the bassline creates a really smooth texture in the layers of the instruments. This song’s a thrasher and it keeps you engaged from beginning to end. The bridge’s repetition and build-up makes for a suspenseful but satisfying conclusion when it reaches the last chorus. It's also written around the infamous Toronto venue the Hard Luck Bar which also happens to be one of my favourite venues in the city. And if you didn’t like it enough in its studio version the live version of it goes even harder. Try not to fall down those Hard Luck stairs when you listen to this one (their jokes on stage are way better than mine).
Their latest single “Make Me Wanna Die” has this really classic sound where the verses contrast the chorus by being sort of talkative and flow with the drums, then you get that sweet loud chorus that’s super fun and makes you sing along right away. A lead guitar comes in the pre-bridge and then the bass takes over during it, while the drums create great contrast between those two parts. It’s got a lot of layered vocals that sounds reminiscent of (don’t make me say it again) classic pop punk where it sounds like everyone’s shouting in the background of the song. Those small nostalgic parts are sort of cheesy in a good way, I think it’s better understood when you hear it to know what I mean (yes this is my plot to get you to listen to them).
Weekend Goodbye is heartfelt and fun and you naturally end up reflecting the same whether you’re listening to their music or looking up at them on stage (hopefully moshing along). I know I can’t help but love them. Check out their Spotify and if they’re playing near you don’t miss the chance! You will not regret it. Prototype stamp of approval—if I’m qualified enough for that sort of thing. Support your local music scene!
https://www.instagram.com/weekendgoodbye/
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