20 Years Deep: Story of the Year’s Page Avenue Rightfully Sees A Resonant Resurgence In NYC

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

On the bitter cold night of January 14th, Story of the Year unleashed a sonic frenzy, throwing down to honor the 20-year saga of “Page Avenue” on their “20 Years of Page Avenue” tour. Palladium Times Square in NYC became the battleground for this explosive evening along the tour stop.

With this being my second time at the venue, after a quick credential grab and security check, I then descended into the chaos below. Navigating through the dimly lit corridors, I headed over to stage security, gearing up for a wild ride in the photo pit. Ready to capture the essence of the madness about to unfold!

The night detonated with the raw, unbridled intensity of Youth Fountain, unleashing a sonic maelstrom that completely immersed the audience in an unforgettable auditory experience. Their relentless set, featuring a powerful lineup of tracks like “My Mental Health,” “Century,” “Complacent,” “Clarity,” “Roses in My Backpack,” “Scavenger,” “Deadlocked,” and “Blooms,” served as the electrifying catalyst for an explosive interaction with the crowd.

Nathan’s drumming, thunderous and relentless, combined seamlessly with Dory’s bass grooves, creating a rhythmic foundation perfectly synchronized to Tyler’s commanding vocals. This sonic storm surged through the venue, propelling the audience into a state of euphoric frenzy. It was as if they were riding the crest of an adrenaline-fueled wave, carried away by the sheer force of Youth Fountain’s performance.

In this electrifying moment, Youth Fountain not only took command of the stage, but they also etched their distinctive sonic signature into the collective soul of the crowd. The impact was profound, leaving an indelible mark that resonated throughout the venue, echoing with the promise of eagerly anticipated future assaults. Youth Fountain’s performance was not just a moment in time; it was a sonic declaration that lingered in the hearts and minds of every attendee, setting the stage for what can only be described as an exhilarating musical journey yet to unfold.

We The Kings unequivocally seized the spotlight with a performance that transcended the realm of mere entertainment – it was a mesmerizing sonic odyssey that reverberated through every fiber of the senses. Travis Clark, Hunter Thomsen, Danny Duncan, Charles Trippy, and Coley O’Toole assumed control, catapulting into action with the explosive anthem, “Skyway Avenue,” as their inaugural offering. In a theatrical flourish, Travis, shedding a bear costume, assumed command of the stage, his vocals cutting through the air like a musical dagger.

Their setlist, a powerhouse of hits including “She Takes Me High,” “When We Were Young,” “Alien,” “I Feel Alive,” “Sad Song,” “Say You Like Me,” and “Check Yes Juliet,” erupted like a cascade of sonic fireworks, captivating the audience in a euphoric symphony of sound. We The Kings not only met the crowd’s expectations but soared beyond, exceeding every anticipation. Their infectious energy served as a potent elixir, igniting the crowd into a frenzy and solidifying their status as undisputed masters of the live stage. We The Kings, in this performance, didn’t just entertain; they crafted an immersive sonic experience that resonated with every individual, etching an unforgettable chapter in the collective memory of all who were fortunate enough to witness this musical spectacle.

Then came the defining moment – and the pulse of the entire theater was palpable. Story of the Year, celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Page Avenue,” lead by Dan Marsala on vocals, Ryan Philipps on guitar, Adam Russell on bass, and Josh Wills on drums unleashed a sonic tsunami, opening with the explosive “And The Hero Will Drown.” The crowd became a resounding ocean of voices, belting out in perfect unison, reaching such volume that I’d be amazed if the vibrant chorus didn’t echo beyond the venue’s confines.

The setlist, a dynamic journey through the sonic landscapes of “Page Avenue,” featured an electrifying array of hits, including the powerful resonance of “Dive Right In,” the anthemic declaration of “Divide and Conquer,” and the soul-stirring strains of “Anthem of Our Dying Day.” The auditory adventure continued with the razor-sharp intensity of “Razorblades,” the incandescent fervor of “Burning Years,” and the haunting melodies of “Swallow the Knife.” The band navigated through the shadows with the enigmatic allure of “In the Shadows” and strolled down the evocative “Sidewalks.” Additionally, they delved into the emotive landscape of “We Don’t Care Anymore” from “In The Wake of Determination,” infusing the set with a raw intensity that resonated through every chord.

As the night unfolded, Story of the Year injected a burst of new energy into the performance, treating the audience to two gems from their latest effort, “Tear Me To Pieces” – the vivid “Real Life” and the soul-stirring title track. This dynamic addition elevated the experience, creating a sonic tapestry that resonated with every listener. The crowd, avid and immersed, devoured every single note, forging a symbiotic connection with the band that intensified as the night progressed.

The unmistakable bond between Story of the Year and their fans became a palpable force, vividly illustrating why this collective not only endures but consistently draws in fresh enthusiasts. The venue pulsated with the energy of newcomers savoring their electrifying live show for the first time, while seasoned veterans, immersed in nostalgia, relished witnessing performances that have become an integral part of their musical journey.

The encore, a momentous chapter in the night’s narrative, commenced with the emotive strains of “Tear Me to Pieces” and the dynamic “Falling Down.” However, it swiftly transformed into a phenomenal medley paying homage to musical scene friends like Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance & The Used. Seamlessly weaving the timeless melodies of ‘Ocean Avenue,’ the raw emotion of ‘Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team),’ the rebellious anthem ‘I’m Not Okay (I Promise),’ and the ink-stained echoes of ‘The Taste of Ink,’ the medley brought the night to a climactic close. The monumental ‘Until The Day I Die’ served as the grand finale, its singalong reaching epic proportions, a collective outpouring of passion accompanied by a surge of crowd surfers. Three or four at a time, they soared over the barricade, a testament to the undeniable energy and camaraderie that Story of the Year forged with their fans throughout the night. (Big props to security for their unwavering commitment to keeping everyone safe!)

It’s not everyday that one gets to celebrate a 20th album anniversary, but Story of the Year has earned their place among those who can. Catch them on the remaining dates of their tour – it’s an experience you wouldn’t want to overlook!