Secondhand Serenade plays first-rate show

SECONDHAND SERENADE, WHITE TIE AFFAIR AND RUNNER RUNNER, Electric Park, Thanksgiving Point, July 17.

LEHI — Despite the 96-degree weather, more than 23,000 people braved the heat to see Secondhand Serenade hit the stage at Electric Park in Thanksgiving Point Saturday with opening bands Runner Runner and The White Tie Affair.

It's not easy to elicit enthusiasm in melting crowds, but Runner Runner, based in Southern California, managed to deliver a solid set featuring songs from their debut self-titled album.

It was exactly what you would expect from a band composed collectively of members from pop-punk outfits Over It, Don't Look Down and Rufio — energetic rock filled with catchy hooks and pop-driven guitar.

The band played to the crowd, snapping shots for their Facebook page between songs and discussing fashion.

"How many people like his pants?" asked frontman Ryan Ogren, referring to bassist Jon Berry's skinny jeans.

"They're for girls, but I like them anyway," replied Berry as the audience cheered.

Also opening was The White Tie Affair, which kicked off its set by proclaiming that playing in Utah provided "the best view we've ever had playing a show."

Despite The White Tie Affair's infectious energy and its ability to make the crowd go crazy with its radio hit "Candle (Sick and Tired)," the Los Angeles-based band fell short in delivering a show with any musical substance.

Songs such as the new single "You Look Better When I'm Drunk" and "Tie Me Up, Don't Tie Me Down," came off as cheap attempts at being edgy and ended up eliciting an alternative boy-band feel.

It didn't get any better with slower songs such as the acoustic "Seasons," which fused average guitar playing with mediocre lyrics, including the line "Rain, rain go away, come again another day." Lead singer Chris Wallace tried to sell it but fell short, and the performance seemed contrived and forced.

The stars were out by the time Secondhand Serenade, a project started by singer/songwriter John Vesely, took the stage with his band for the first show of a tour promoting his upcoming album "Hear Me Now." He thanked the fans who got him there.

"You think you guys are fans of me," said Vesely, "I'm a fan of you."