MEISA finally got to kick off the spring semester with their first show, featuring Life on the Sideline, Firestarter, Two Humans, and headliner Transit. Delayed by two weeks due to Storm Nemo, it was worth the wait. The UNH pop-punk community was out in full-flannel glory and had a nice, intimate show with four great bands.

The first band to perform was Life on the Sideline. Definitely a solid pop-punk band and their song “Malone Avenue” is excellent. It shows a lot of potential in the business, and I really hope I get the chance to see them again. You can download their two- track Outpatient EP from their Facebook page for free, so go check them out.

Firestarter hit the stage next, hailing from Albany, N.Y., and bringing a ton of energy along with them. Firestarter features former lead singer of UNH’s own Casting Call, Matthew LaPerche. I had grown quite fond of Casting Call my freshman year, but Firestarter brought new songs with a new vibe that I loved just as much. LaPerche recognized the fact that this was his first show back without Casting Call, his band mates joking that they needed to take the past and “Burn it to the Ground,” a nod to a previous Casting Call track. I appreciated the way they acknowledged it, but then got right back to what they wanted to do— give a great show. They had so much personality while they played and interacted with the fans. I definitely see Firestarter having enough passion and power to break through the local Pop-Punk scene.

When Two Humans began setting their equipment up on the floor in front of the stage, I had no idea what to expect. Just like I didn’t expect to be almost impaled by lead singer Jason Rule’s guitar either, but that nearly happened. His Monster-fueled energy was so off the charts, I’m actually glad they set up on the floor…because he would have ran right off the stage had they been up there. Two Humans has such a unique sound; I can’t really put my finger on it. The lyrics are fun and quirky while their music itself is very much grounded in indie rock. At times, they remind me a lot of Franz Ferdinand, which I absolutely love.

Overall, they kept their set very entertaining and lively, and I’m very glad Rule didn’t knock anybody over. They also win my non-existent award for best free stickers of the night because they consisted of bushy moustaches with the band’s name hidden amongst the whiskers. You can never go wrong with anything moustache-related.

The anticipation when Transit finally hit the stage was almost palpable. Their 13-song set seemed to have something for everyone in the crowd, and lead singer Joe Boynton interacting with the fans made the event seem so much more intimate. There were several times that he locked eyes with me and I could have sworn it was just the two of us singing in an empty room. He would ask the crowd that if we knew the words to the songs to “share them with him.” His choice of words, both in song and in general conversation, was so eloquent; it really surprised me and it was refreshing.

As the night went on, I also began to notice how expressive Boynton was in his movement onstage. It was as if his music extended all the way out to his fingertips. Among the songs they performed, “Listen & Forgive,” “Please Head North,” and “Skipping Stone” were my favorites. They also performed a new song, “Nothing Lasts Forever,” that will be on their new album, Young New England.

After the show, I got to talk to both Boynton and guitarist Tim Sanders, who were both sweet. When I told them I was a very new fan, Boynton told me not to worry and that “It’s not about who starts the race first,” which absolutely touched me.

We also discussed how that night, being their first show in 2013, was a real warm up for them. If that was what they considered a warm up, I can only imagine how amazing they are when they are on top of their game!

They will be back in Connecticut kicking off their Young New England Tour April 5 at The Space in Hamden, and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for a great time.

With Seahaven and Young Statues supporting them, it is sure to be a memorable show. I can assure you all I’ll be there, because Transit has absolutely won me over and has gained yet another loyal fan.