FEATURING NFRARED, MICO & MARIANAS TRENCH
JUNE 26, 2024
ICEBERG ALLEY PERFORMANCE TENT, ST. JOHN’S, NL
Photo Credit: Tara Thompson
Night 7 of the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent was one of the most anticipated nights. The night began with a local St. John’s band that won a contest put off by a local radio station and the tent. From all the talented entries, it was narrowed down to three acts. After a night of local music, it was declared the Nfrared would open for Mico and Marianas Trench
Although this was Nfrared’s first time performing in the tent, this four-piece rock band originally formed in 2019 with Oliver Healey on guitar (and later vocals), Matthew Aylward on lead guitar, and Andrew Pollet on drums. Ryan Murray later joined on bass, forming the current line-up of Nfrared. Their style is described as one that incorporates many elements from hard rock, punk, alt-rock, metal, and hardcore to create their own unique brand of rock. (Music Nl Profile).
Nfrared’s set included some original tracks including ‘Persuasion’, a track from their album released in November 2023; ‘Piece of Mind’, the first single they ever released; ‘Innocent Criminal’, and an original track that the band had only released the week before. I was impressed by their creativity in writing both lyrics and the accompanying sound.
For those who did not know the band before this night, they also played some cover tracks to capture attention. These tracks included ‘Holiday’ (Green Day), ‘Machinehead’ (Bush), ‘Even Flow’ (Pearl Jam), and ‘Shine’ (Collective Soul). The band finished their set with a cover of a Foo Fighters’ hit, ‘Everlong’, ensuring that the audience would describe their set as a memorable one. Overall I was impressed with their set. I am sure that we will see great things from this group in the near future.
Next up was TikTok sensation, MICO. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Miguel Veloso, better known as MICO, began self-releasing music in 2019 with a range of catchy, upbeat tunes and slow acoustics. With a mixture of pop-rock and punk-rock, MICO’s popularity was solidified while “building a dedicated fanbase [from]self-written honest indie-pop, acoustic covers, and intimate performances on social media.” (genius.com)
MICO started the set with ‘Make Me Leave’, the first single from his second EP Second Thoughts. This release may have seen a change in MICO’s sound, but it solidified his indie-pop sound and showcased his creativity. From this, MICO slid right into ‘Maybe I’m the Problem Now’, a track he explained as being about being the problem child. I am sure this is something many of us can relate to, at least once in our lives!
MICO also surprised the audience with ‘Homesick’, claiming that this was the first time it was ever played live. What a wonderful treat for the patrons of the tent. With the upbeat tracks such as ‘Better’ and ‘Good Luck, Have Fun’, that definitely had you moving or tapping along to beat, to the slower track such as ‘Deserve This’, that definitely tugged on your heartstrings a little, MICO had something for everyone.
MICO had fun teasing the audience about some of them not having any idea who he was. He even asked for raised hands to see how many had not actually heard of him before. I can honestly say that he had some fans in the audience, as I noticed how they were singing along to every word. However, to ensure he gained the attention of those still holding off a bit, he played covers of a couple of well-known hits. First up, was ‘Good 4 U’ (Olivia Rodrigo) and ‘Payphone’ (Maroon 5)
MICO ended his set by asking everyone to take out their phones and shine their flashlights, reminiscent of the times when people would take out a lighter and shine during slower songs, as they swayed back and forth. MICO was going to that setting and got what he asked for as the patrons answered his call. Once the scene was set, MICO started into ‘Did Too Much’. This was followed up by ‘Cut My Hair’, a track that has been receiving radio play, and then ‘Lie Lie Lie’. These tracks are ones that definitely captivated the audience, making them want more. I am sure this will not be MICO’s last time performing on the Rock!
Finally, it was time for the Canadian pop-rock band – Marianas Trench. Hailing from Vancouver, the band’s current members include Josh Ramsey, Ian Casselman, Matt Webb, and Mike Ayley. They were definitely the highlight of the night. This was my first time seeing them, although I had tickets to shows in the past but something always came up.
As a group, Marianas Trench has released five studio albums since 2006, with two having reached double-platinum and multiple singles certified 3x platinum in Canada. They have been nominated for seven Juno Awards and won the title of Group of the Year in 2013. They have received praise for their showmanship, vocal harmonies, and genre-blending music.
The set began with cheers from the audience as Marianas Trench took the stage with their track ‘Ever After’, before breaking into ‘Rhythm of Your Heart’. The audience could be heard singing along as the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent choir was back for another night. There was not a still person in the room, as everyone moved along to the beat.
Marianas Trench brought the tent back to their early days with tracks such ‘Shake Tramp’ from their debut album, ‘Fix Me’ ‘All to Myself’, ‘Beside You’ and a medley of ‘Cross My Heart’ and ‘Celebrity Status’, tracks from their second studio album Masterpiece Theatre. These tracks had everyone dancing and singing along. I can honestly say I have not heard an audience squeal and cheer as much for a band in a long time. They definitely showed their appreciation the best way they knew how.
Marianas Trench also graced us with a new track, ‘Lightning and Thunder’. This was the first time they ever played the song live. What a wonderful treat for all the die-hard fans! This was a sneak peek of what is to come on their latest album, set to be released later this summer.
No Marianas Trench concert is complete without some of their well-known hits. I was excited to hear some of my favourites such as ‘ Here’s to the Zeros’, ‘Desperate Measures’ and ‘I Knew You When’, ‘One Love’, and ‘Stutter’.
The energy from this set was unreal. The audience were captivated by Ramsey’s every word and sang along to each and every song especially during ‘Good to You’, which was more stripped down as Ramsey ramined on stage alone for the majority of the song. The audience joined in, adding some harmony to the track. It was a memorable experience.
As with most concerts, the show must end at some point (even though none of us were ready for it). To finish off the night, Marianas Trench began with ‘Pop 101’, a track from that was set to be released as the lead single from their fourth album. However, the song was certified Gold by Music Canada in November 2014 and I can understand why. With the catchy melody and memorable lyrics, everyone was singing along (and I am still singing it days later).
Finally, ‘Fallout’ was played. Fans had been chanting for this track earlier in the evening so it was the perfect way to end the evening, and give the audience what they wanted!. ‘Fallout’ was released as the second single from their third studio album, Ever After, and was certified Triple Platinum. It is definitely a fan favourite.
What an amazing night under the tent and there was no better place for me to have seen Marianas Trench for the first time (and I sure it will not be my last. It definitely sets the bar high for other nights.
