For the most part, when I tell people that I love The Maine, the reaction is "who?" I like to say that they sound kind of like Boys Like Girls and All Time Low, but sometimes I still get that puzzled look. I'd describe their style as alternative rock/pop, and say that most songs remind me of summer and good times. I sometimes compare them to the All-American Rejects, in the sense that the songs are well-written yet relatively light, and it is "happy rock music". But, man do they put on a show. They involved every audience member, and the very attractive lead singer, John O'Callaghan, even came into the crowd, picked a member of the audience, and had her sing the chorus of "Girls Do What They Want" with him. They smiled, waved and responded to as many audience members as they could (I personally got a wave and wink from John and Kennedy, respectively), encouraging us to sing along, move around, and have fun. Not to mention the fact that they sound almost identical to their record. They even covered a few songs, one of which they had fooled around with just a few hours earlier in the sound check. They definitely knew how to work the intimate crowd, and the early 1900's opera house they were playing in. I strongly encourage everyone to do two things: firstly, please go to a concert at a smaller venue. They are a great experience. Secondly: please listen to some of The Maine's music. They are fantastic, and the music alone deserves all the support in the world.
Not only that, they are seriously very nice, very attractive guys. This was my third time seeing them, and my third time meeting them. They make time for every one of their fans, so much so that they did an impromptu meet and greet after the show, encouraging every fan to get in line and meet them after the show. My heart fluttering and my voice lost, I impulsively grabbed my friend during the second last long of the night, screaming "WHERE CAN I MEET THEM?" Security lined us up, and I got to have a moment with each member of the band. I felt like they truly cared and were grateful for each one of us, making me want to support them even more than I already do.
Standing second in line, my heart was pounding, and I was giving myself a pep-talk not to sound like every other screaming fan around. Looking around, everyone was as excited, and unappealing-looking as I was. We looked like one may expect a crowd to look like at a rock concert at a small venue - on steroids. Make-up was dripping down our faces, we were all covered in sweat and water the band had thrown around, and our hair was a disaster. But, the guys didn't even notice (or they hid it well). When I approached Garrett, the first in the meet-and-greet line-up, the first thing he said was "how did you enjoy the show?" When I responded, or rather squeaked, that I had a great time and that they were even better the third time around, he incessantly thanked me for my support and told me he hoped for my voice to get better. Next was Pat, the drummer, who I had already met earlier in the day. He gave me a playful smile, and said "you again?" When I blushed and nodded, he said he hoped I had a good time, and that he hoped to see me again soon. As I thanked him and congratulated him on a great show, my heart roared in anticipation. Next in line was John, who I had already met earlier in the day by his bus. Gorgeous, green-eyed, brown haired, tall, tattooed John Oh (as he is nicknamed) was in front of me. "Hi", I squeaked, immediately embarrassed of my lost voice. "Hi," he squeaked back, smiling his amazing crooked smile and chuckling his adorable, breathy laugh. "Just kidding, you're cute," he quickly added, pulling me into a hug and burying my face in his red plaid shirt. "Didn't I see you before? By the bus?" he asked. I nodded, probably too excited, at the notion that he remembered me. "Did you see me wave at you on stage?" I knew he was pretending to not have noticed me scream after he waved, as he chuckled at my reaction to it during the show. "Yes, you were great tonight", I responded, promising him I don't normally sound like I did that night. "I hope you lost your voice having fun, and I really hope I'll see you again," he said, as the security guard ushered me to Kennedy, who also made fun of my voice, throwing John a laughing gaze. As I told this attractive band member he was great and I had a great time, I felt so warm inside. He hugged me and thanked me for coming, and Jared did the same, asking me to excuse his sweatiness. I looked down at myself, convinced I must have looked far more unappealing than him, but, almost as if he read my mind, he assured me I looked great. Hugging me, he told me to have a great night and drive safe. I guess he didn't realize that he and the 4 people he sat next to were responsible for one of the greatest nights of my life.