The Chain Reaction June 23, 2010 Anaheim, CA
Polar Bear Club, a band of Rochester, New York natives, was formed in the summer of 2005. Bridge 9’s latest hardcore punk band is fashioned of vocalist Jimmy Stadt, lead guitarist Chris Browne, rhythm guitarist Nate Morris, bassist Erik Henning and drummer Emmett Menke. The outfit added their sophomore full-length album Chasing Hamburg in May of 2009 to their already explosive and strong portfolio. This record is littered with raw vocals, passionate sing-a-longs, and fast, catchy melodies. Polar Bear Club’s consistent sound and style only flowers with the gravity, momentum and worth of a band that knows who they are and who they want to be.
Polar Bear Club’s last stop before their first ever Warped Tour was at The Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California on June 23, 2010. Vancouver, British Columbia’s Living With Lions warmed up Anaheim with smiles, despite it being the end of the road. This pop-punk party will be releasing their new album – Make Your Mark next week on Adeline Records. Bridge 9’s most recent signing, Lemuria, was next to take the stage and kept the blood flowing. This Buffalo-based indie punk trio did nothing less than leave me wanting more; their crunchy and honest voice is anything but hard to hear. Purchase, New York’s indie rock quartet Moving Mountains transformed the atmosphere in Anaheim. The experimental and ambient melodies made my toes curl and the crowd geared up for what was to come.
Without further adieu, Polar Bear Club proceeded to shut the Chain Reaction down. Their energy and intensity was nowhere near matched by any of the preceding bands. The crowd quickly became a wave of screams fighting through an ocean to get to the stage. Because it was the last night of the tour, Polar Bear Club treated Anaheim to an extra long set. I’ve never once seen a band rock so hard. I left the Chain Reaction dripping with sweat with ears that would be ringing for the next three days. I wish Polar Bear Club the best of luck on their first Warped Tour, and hope to see them again soon in upstate New York.
