Many fans are quick to point out that On a Wire marks a rapid departure from the more raw and angst-driven Get Up Kids of old. Classifying themselves as a “Midwestern rock n’ roll band,” the group formed in 1994 and has since released such notable records as Eudora and Something to Write Home About.

The Kansas-based quintet rolled into the University of Rochester—a mere four hour car ride from Troy—on March 29 to play with special guest, Hot Rod Circuit. Although both bands are rather popular, the show didn’t even come close to selling out. When we arrived approximately fifteen minutes before the show was set to begin, the gymnasium was surprisingly empty.

For such a large arena, the venue had stellar acoustics and the University of Rochester Concert Team did a wonderful job synchronizing the lighting effects throughout both bands’ performances.

Hot Rod Circuit opened the show with a strong set as they played such notable tracks as “Supersad” and “Radio Song.” Unfortunately, the crowd seemed rather unenthused. Throughout the opening set, it became abundantly clear that the vast majority of the audience had never been to a concert before. Bassist Jason Russell even went as far as to make several sarcastic comments directed at the indifferent crowd. Under the false impression that, as audience members, it is best to show as little enthusiasm as possible, the crowd stood flatfooted and lifeless throughout most of what ended up being an outstanding opening performance.

When The Get Up Kids finally took the stage, the crowd livened up a bit. Opening with “Holiday,” the Kids went on to play almost their entire new album. Classics such as “Anne Arbor,” “10 Minutes,” “Mass Pike,” “I’m A Loner Dottie, A Rebel,” and “Woodson” were also performed. As the performance continued, the audience finally began to let go of their inhibitions and truly get into the moment. The Get Up Kids didn’t deviate at all from their set list of 21 songs despite persistent audience requests. Of notable absence from their performance was the popular song, “Red Letter Day.”

Prefacing the performance of many of their songs with anecdotes and explanations about the lyrical significance of each track, vocalists Matthew Pryor and Jim Suptic performed flawlessly. Introducing melodic song interludes and other improvisational techniques, it was clear after watching the Kids perform on stage that they have benefited significantly from playing together for so long.

Thoroughly exhausted after the show ended, we chanced upon bassist Robert Pope and vocalist/guitarist Jim Suptic who were outside talking to fans behind the gymnasium. Both band members were nice enough to shake our hands and joke around with us before we embarked on our lengthy journey home.