Yellowcard to Bring Endless ‘Lights and Sounds’ to Club Nokia

Fred Hernandez

Yellowcard, best-known for their hits “Ocean Avenue” and “Only One”, will be playing Club Nokia on November 15. They first made waves during the MTV TRL era where nu metal and boy bands fought for the coveted number one spot. They found a fan base by adopting the punk ethos of playing all-ages and remaining an all-inclusive band. They also have a classically trained violinist among their ranks to break pop punk traditional stereotypes.

Yellowcard, formed in 1997 in Jacksonville, Florida consists of Ryan Key (Craig’s Brother) on vocals/guitar, Sean Mackin on violin/backup vocals, Ben Harper on guitar, Longineu Parsons on drums, and Warren Cooke on bass. The band’s first two albums, “One For the Kids” (Lobster) and “The Underdog” EP (Fueled by Ramen)were released in 2001 and 2002, respectively, with most songs written by Ryan Key before they were picked up by any label. During 2003, they signed over to Capitol Records, saw their bassist leave, and replaced him withInspection 12’s Keith Mosely. But Mosely left the same year and was replaced with Alex Lewis. But that year, they also saw their breakthrough success with “Ocean Avenue’”, the album as a whole and a single of the same name. This album was Yellowcard’s major label debut and has been certified double platinum. Major standout tracks on that record include “Way Away” and “Only One.” That same year, Mosely asked the band if he could return and the band agreed. Lewis stepped down from his position as bassist gracefully.

Yellowcard’s positivity shines through in their lyrics on tracks such as “Way Away”. In this song, Key explores the concept of accountability in one’s life and achieving your goals. Their upbeat punk is a perfect canvas for Mackin’s violin that creates something punk fans don’t usually hear. “Where We Stand” (2005) and “Lights and Sounds” (2006) were not as well received by their fans but “Lights and Sounds” transcended the failure and entered the Billboard 200 at number 5 and peaked on the Alternative Charts. During this time, founding member, Harper (Takeover Records) was replaced by Ryan Mendez (Staring Back). “Paper Walls,” their fifth studio album, was released in 2007 and in 2008; they left Capitol and went on an indefinite hiatus.

After two years, they signed with Hopeless Records and released “When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes” in 2011. Their eighth album release came in 2012 with “Southern Air” featuring guest appearances by Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low), Cassadee Pope (Hey Monday), and Taylor Jardine (We Are The In Crowd). Yellowcard is currently touring to promote their latest release on October 7, “Lift a Sail”.

Yellowcard plays at Club Nokia on Saturday, Nov. 15 with Memphis May Fire and Emarosa. Tickets are on sale now.