On Monday, April 14, Taking Back Sunday performed an exclusive performance at Revolution in Amityville, NY. To gain entrance to the event, fans pre-ordered the limited vinyl pressing of their brand new album Happiness Is. The event was limited to 500 die-hard fans who were able to meet their hometown favorites and hear the special acoustic set.

Looney Tunes CDs, the same Long Island record store to bring in other UTG favorites Bayside and I Am The Avalanche graciously orchestrated and hosted the event alongside Club Loaded.

Check below the jump for some photos from the show, some insight into the performance, and Taking Back Sunday’s remaining tour dates.

“I love you too, strange woman,” replies guitarist John Nolan after finishing up their first song, “Flicker, Fade.” A strong single off the new album, it was the perfect way to open up the performance. The band carried on with some funny stories in between songs, as vocalist Adam Lazzara explained how he and Nolan used to trade identification to sneak into the very same venue they were performing in. Unfortunately, the “ID swap” didn’t work for Lazzara in Disneyland.

The guys brought it back to 2002 with “Timberwolves At New Jersey.” Next came “Faith (When I Let You Down),” jumping nearly a decade forward to the band’s original lineup reunion and self-titled album. At this point, one thing became apparent: although Taking Back Sunday’s entire catalog has something strong to offer, nothing beats the combination of John and Adam.

Hearing Nolan’s strong backup vocals was my favorite part of the experience. After performing a cover of Tom Petty’s “Yer So Bad,” Lazzara left the stage to give his buddy a chance to perform one of his older songs.

Watching John Nolan perform Straylight Run’s “Existentialism On Prom Night,” immediately brought me back to 2004. It is horrifying to come to terms with that record being 10 years old.

The duo reconvened to play another track off of Happiness Is entitled “Stood A Chance.” To wrap up the performance, the crowd sang along with “MakeDamnSure.”

The event went off without a hitch and was definitely an intimate hometown performance. Club Loaded and Looney Tunes have always worked hard to make sure they maintain quality events for their community.

If you were to ask me, my only complaint would be the set length. I think the boys could’ve done a little more than 45 minutes. That being said, I’m sure they had a lot of people to visit. Overall, the songs did sound terrific. I’m really looking forward to seeing them perform with a full band later this week.

Currently, Taking Back Sunday are on the road with The Used, Tonight Alive and Sleepwave. Keep an eye out for a photo set from one of the three nights at Best Buy Theater in New York City, coming to Under The Gun soon.

Remaining tour dates:

4/19/2014 – Bethlehem, PA
4/22/2014 – Silver Spring, MD
4/24/2014 – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
4/26/2014 – Revolution – Fort Lauderdale, FL
4/27/2014 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL

Review by: Derek Scancarellli (Follow him on Twitter)
Photography by: Philip McGonigle (Brookvale Records / Looney Tunes CDs)

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Derek Scancarelli

Derek Scancarelli is a feature writer, interviewer, videographer, photographer, radio-er and more. In 2015, he received his MA in Journalism in New York City. In addition to Under The Gun Review, Derek has worked with Noisey (VICE), Alternative Press, New Noise Magazine and many more. He also pushes some buttons at SiriusXM.

Comedian Jim Norton once called him a serial killer on national radio. Enjoy the internet with him on Twitter.

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