The Fray, Ok Go and Mae: Start the Tour With a Bang!

Written By Emily Kessel



I have been warned. Once you start, you can’t stop. The powerful vocals, lyrics, lighting, stage, and crowd excites me. Concerts are enjoyable and let me tell you, I am hooked. I have emptied my pockets for several genres in various venues. Each concert brings about a new experience, but never before have I seen such a diversity of bands playing on one stage.

On Monday, June 11th an enthusiastic crowd filled the Target Center. Minneapolis was the first stop of the Fray, Ok Go, and Mae 2007 tour. KS95, KDWB and individuals handed out flyers surrounded the building. Young ticket holders were sprawled on the ground waiting for the doors to open, permitting them to claim their spots in front of the stage.

When the lights went out, I could feel the excitement building up throughout the crowd. Mae, the rising band from Virginia Beach, opened the night with hits from their upcoming release, The Everglow, which will be released in August. The band’s music can be identified as emo/indie with a unique twist. Mae’s multipurpose music can be considered calming and lively. With the combination of layered guitars, piano, lively drumbeats, and vocals, Mae made a great first impression on the crowd. It was apparent that the band was eager and ready to make their music known. Their solid performance was just what the crowd needed to begin a night full of music.



Ok Go’s lead singer, Damian Kulash brought a different feel to the stage. The enthusiastic band doubled the crowd’s energy level with its unique, quirky style. From the minute they stepped onto the stage, I could sense that the band was out to have a good time. Their performance mainly featured songs from their newly released album, Oh No. The band filled the Target Center with its lively, high amped vocals, keyboards, and crazy stage props. Ok Go went out with a bang as they released some colorful figures from the stage. There was definitely never a dull moment when they were on stage. Everything from a room full glowing cell phones, a request to start “the wave,” and a crowd short crowd-surf episode was part of the agenda.



Following the two brillant openers, the Fray immediately lit up the stage. An uproar of applause filled the venue as thousands of screaming fans welcomed the band onto the stage. Vocalist and pianist, Isaac Slade took center stage and began the night with style. He and Joe King took turns singing throughout the performance. Each vocalist had a distinct but powerful sound to their voice. The night was full of wondrous lighting, melodic vocals, and an overall crowd pleasing acts.

I admire the Fray for writing such heartfelt, emotional lyrics from the album How To Save A Life based on their real life experiences. It is easy to understand why so many people identify with their music.

Several of the songs were accompanied by a moving background with digital images. Although their music has a soft sound, the graphics and band’s enthusiasm brought a new kind of feeling to the Fray’s music. I normally listen to their music when I am out for a relaxing carride or trying to quiet myself to sleep, but on June 11th the music gave me a whole different experience. The Fray even added an extra twist to the night. They sang happy birthday to one of the band members.

By the end of the night, I was left speechless. I had been exposed to a unique emo/indie sound, energetic performance, and heartfelt stage presence. I’d say that June 11th was one successful night.