Gin Blossoms (Photo Cred: Mike Pont/Getty Images)

“I know we’re headed somewhere I can see how far we’ve come.” The simple phrase from the opening song, “Follow You Down” takes another meaning once you surpass the two-decade mark of making music. I’ve mentioned before the impact a single song can have on one’s memory in my post about Something Corporate, but what about a single band? The Gin Blossoms represent nostalgia for my innocence, discovery of music, and looking up to my brother who introduced me to early favorite artists.

As an 80’s child growing up in the 90’s, I lived when music experienced so many revolutions. From the explosion of polar opposites – pop sensation boy bands and the gritty sounds of grunge – to iconic rap artists that spoke for an entire sociopolitical culture. Among the merging identity of the era’s sound played the Gin Blossoms who comfortably fit in the alternative rock category aside some of my favorite bands: Tonic, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Oasis and the Goo Goo Dolls. Some of these bands reached their peak during the time but continue to make music not for fame but for pure pleasure. Some have faded, while others continue to penetrate mainstream top lists single after single. I’d suggest the Gin Blossoms fall somewhere in between, with loyal followers like myself, and I greatly appreciate their persistent presence in the scene, no matter the scale.

Robin Wilson (Photo Cred: Soundpress.net)

One of my favorite elements to the band’s artistry is the subtle incorporation of the under-appreciated tambourine. The tiny brass symbols of the handheld instrument keep a catchy back beat while harmonizing with the smooth vocals of lead singer Robin Wilson. His stage presence connected him intimately with the adoring audience and he pleased them in return by passing on a number of the musical gadgets. I can’t even tell you how jealous I was for those that received this small token of the band’s legacy. Come on Robin! Pass one to me!

I sang along to every song sitting left of the stage while watching current guitarist Jesse Valenzuela casually strumming along. He seemed to enjoy the cool upstage position out of the main spotlight while in communion with this other band members. You would never guess by just a glance that this chilled out musician was the original vocalist of the band when it was founded in 1987 and the primary writer of many of its hits singles. As with many bands that have survived over 20 years, there have been a few changes in membership, but one indicator of a great group is the ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining the core melodic feeling of its brand. In addition to veterans Jesse and Robin, the current players include original co-founder Bill Leen on bass, guitarist Scott Johnson, and John Richardson on drums.

The set list hit tunes from every album released in their history, with a heavy influence of their latest No Chocolate Cake, released in 2010. I am ashamed to say that I was a year late in discovering the latest tracks from this band that is so embedded in my foundation, but I was completely stoked on the revelation. The song “Don’t Change For Me” beautifully illustrates the class and positivity that the Gin Blossoms have stood for throughout their story. It’s an anthem for personal fulfillment and a representation of the standards that we should all hold to each of our loved ones. Continue on and “Wave Bye Bye” speaks to letting go of that deeply cherished, yet clearly unhealthy relationship that we all have tried to hold onto at one point or another. Pain, development and perseverance are part of the process of coping, while realizing the future can be more powerful than their constraints.

“Lost Horizons, “Found Out About You” and the encore’s finale song “Hey Jealousy” honored the group’s early years. All three songs originally released on its 1989 album Dusted were revived on the breakthrough record New Miserable Experience in 1992. Gin Blossoms’ 2006 record, Major Lodge Victory, made a single song appearance with “Long Time Gone” midway through the performance. They even threw in a cover of Eddie Money’s “Think I’m In Love” as a novelty piece. I couldn’t have expected or even begged for a better set list than was played that night.

Not many concert reviews are ever complete without calling out to the show’s aspiring opening bands. Runner up to my beloved headliner was an Orange County local group called Hollowell. I began to dig their sound almost instantly when lead singer Joseph Denges began to project his strong vocals and reflective lyrics. References to angels hinted to their Christian roots, while provocative phrases forced you to contemplate the number of familiar feelings that we all have faced in our past.

Hollowell certainly settled easily into the Gin Blossoms’ genre, comparable to well known artists such as REM, Tonic and Live. Their website HollowellMusic.com describes the scene the experience the best saying, “the listener sways in the rhythm and groove as the music becomes tangible.” They have been described as being honest, which was confirmed when I introduced myself to their down to earth vocalist and gladly bought their 2011 Pre-Release EP on site. I look forward to hearing of their future success.

The Gin Blossoms concert at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano was one for my personal record books. My dad stood as my company for the night and I’m sure he can attest to my love for the show when the smile never left my face in its entire duration. In parting and sincere gratitude I promise the lyrics right back to the band, “Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down.”