Ed. – We sent our intrepid photographer, Jaime Courtney, out to mingle in the mosh pit for this show in the University District of Columbus. Here’s her story…

Story/Images by Jaime Courtney

The first time I saw Second Story Anthem was at The Park Street Saloon about a year ago, and I was instantly amazed by the high energy that they put out for their fans. They were about to kick off their “Marvelous Misadventures Tour” with Rebound & Rebuild, so naturally I was a bit excited.

Tyler Cox says hello…
(Credit: J Courtney / Music in Motion Columbus)

Self-described as a “high energy pop punk band from Columbus, Ohio,” Second Story Anthem “is ready to take the scene by storm.”

I had the chance to sit down before the show with Tyler Cox, lead vocals and guitarist for the band. Aside from singing and playing guitar, he also manages for the band, promoting shows and setting up merchandise, as well as create their YouTube videos.

“I sometimes hand stuff off to Lincoln (Bailey, bass guitarist/vocals) or Justin (Cazzell, lead guitaris/vocals) to give them something to do,” said Tyler. Skylar McEntire, on drums, is the newest addition to the band.

Tyler also related how the band has really gotten serious and are starting to take off, recently signing with FBT Booking, and are going as far west as Pasadena, California on their 22-day tour across the United States.

Lincoln Bailey strikes a pose…
(Credit: J Courtney / Music in Motion Columbus)

“We started to take things more serious about two years ago (2015), and it’s starting to pay off,” said Tyler. “We plan on writing a new EP with Skylar when we return from tour in October.”

Second Story Anthem began their set with Welterweight, an in your face, heart pumping tune that can only be described as kick-ass. Tyler’s booming vocals, coupled with Skylar’s furious stick’s beating out the rhythm and Lincoln’s solid bass line brought the crowd and band together as one, jumping in time with the music. The energy was palpable within the room.

See If I Care was just as energetic, with Skylar’s cymbal crashes as Tyler and Lincoln were screaming the lyrics out to the crowd. Justin’s lead was jaw dropping to say the least as he and former band member, Chris Delacio, filled the room with riffs that brought the crowd into such a frenzy that the moshing began.

At this point, Tyler asked the crowd if they wanted to hear a cover song, Downfall of Us All, and the band was happy to oblige. Immediately tearing into the next song, Sorry About the Mess, the band’s energy went ever higher. During the song, Tyler recognized Skylar for this being his first show with the group and welcomed him to the tour.

Justin Cazzell hits the riffs…
(Credit: J Courtney / Music in Motion Columbus)

Next up was The One That Got Away, perfectly executed, which was starting to become a theme for the evening.

Just when I thought the crowd couldn’t get more ravenous, the guys pumped new life into their fans with heavy riffs and equally heavy lyrics, with Skylar playing harder than ever.

Playing a song that has also has a video makes it that much sweeter for fans when they hear it, and Little Miss Sarasota was no exception to that rule! With its catchy bridge, the crowd was invited to sing along, which of course made fans even happier.

To finish the evening, Tyler rattled off their social media information and invited the crowd to look at the merchandise table. He thanked the fans and other bands for being there to send them off on their tour. He also let them know that it meant a lot that so many people showed up to wish them farewell.

Skylar McEntire has the backbeat…
(Credit: J Courtney / Music in Motion Columbus)

Just Bear with Me began, and as I looked up I saw a person dressed in a teddy bear costume being tossed around the mosh pit while the band finished out their high energy set, creating such a frenzy I thought the walls would come down.

The entire group performed well and I was impressed by their growth since the last time I had seen them. I will be looking forward to that new EP when they return home in October.

And you should, as well.

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Setlist

1. Welterweight
2. See If I Care
3. Downfall Of Us All (A Day To Remember cover)
4. Sorry About The Mess
5. The One That Got Away
6. Little Miss Sarasota
7. Just Bear With Me

Second Story Anthem – Little Miss Sarasota