On Saturday November 24, The Royale became the temporary home of ska/punk giants Streetlight Manifesto. A manic punk band from New Jersey, Streetlight Manifesto has a reputation for their dedicated fan base and their energetic live shows. Opening for Streetlight Manifesto that night were Lionize, a DC-based riff heavy reggae band, and Hostage Calm, a pop-punkish group from Connecticut. Taking the stage at around 6 PM, Lionize started strongly. As the band’s signature mix of hard rock riffs and reggae filled the room, heads began to nod as people began to pay attention. As the drummer and bassist hit a grove and the keyboardist filled the spaces in between, the guitarist focused less on his playing and more on his singing. Throughout their set, the band played songs from their most recent album, Superczar and the Vulture, some yet to be released material, and other songs from some of their older albums. One of the most compelling things about Lionize is the lead singer’s powerful, soulful, and tastefully rough voice. For the duration of their forty-five minute set, it was clear that Lionize had the audience’s attention. Though the songs might have felt drawn out at times, the powerful grooves of the songs commanded your attention, and there is no denying that Lionize was a great band to watch. At around 7 PM, Hostage Calm took the stage. With the crowd already warmed up by Lionize, Hostage Calm had some time to establish themselves before the crowd passed judgment; the band couldn’t quite accomplish it however. Young and excited, the band launched in to their first song, a pop infused song with faster rock sensibilities. Although they describe themselves as a punk band, Hostage Calm strikes the listener (at least the live listener) as more of a pop punk band.
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