Opening for The Script on Friday, May 27th at Club Nokia was Andrew Allen, who came to Los Angeles to perform from Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. The popular question of the night as we were making our way into the venue was "who is he" and "do you think he will be good?" But the moment he began to sing, I, and what seems like the rest of the audience immediately fell in love. He is easily the best opening act I've ever listened to. With a style very similar to that of Jason Mraz, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson, Allen “combines his fresh and original acoustic beach grooves with some mainstream pop overtones, creating an absolutely ear pleasing adventure!” At his young age, it is hard to believe he has already mastered the ability to conduct a show that has you tapping your feet, smiling, and above all, leaving an everlasting impression.

What I loved most about his songs, were the stories that inspired them. Although it was extremely difficult to choose, listed below are my three favorites from the set list he played:

1. "What You Wanted"- Tells the story of his guy friend who recently ended a relationship with his girlfriend. Devastated, this friend came to Andrew in search of a love song that would be able to mend the situation and express the love he still had for her. Unfortunately, as Andrew was in the process of working on the song, he received a call from the girl, who proceeded to invite him to her wedding [cricket cricket]. The song questions her decision, asking if it was really what she wanted. 

2. "Loving You Tonight"- In an effort to keep the audience engaged, Allen assigned the audience the task of snapping along to tune of the song. He warned us that he would randomly stop, bestowing upon us a snap solo. The crowd absolutely loved this one and I have to admit, we were all very loyal snappers! 

3. "Sooner"- Shares the story of a man, a complete stranger in fact, who asked Andrew to write a song for his wife. Andrew, of course, thought that his request was a bit bizarre. The man continued to explain how he was 50-years-old and his wife was 10 years older; both madly in love with one another, but meeting late in life. His wife enjoys Allen’s music in particular and he sought Andrew’s assistance in preparing a song that reflected his admiration for how incredible she is. Since Andrew didn't know much about her, he asked the man to send him an email describing these feelings. Later, he received a 10 page email praising how fun she is to be around and how she has these lovely eyes that can light up a room. As he scrolled down to the end of the document he came across the last words that said, "the only thing I wish I could change..." (oh no he said to himself) "...is that I would have met her sooner." (phew! Close call).  

Andrew Allen stole the show and I wholeheartedly believe he has what it takes to make it to the top. If you are reading Andrew Allen, I guess what I’m trying to say is that...I wish I would have met YOU sooner. 

At this point of the night, the now pumped 2,300 fans stood anxiously awaiting The Script. And let me tell you as soon as we caught a glimpse of the band, Club Nokia roared with thunder giving them nothing but a warm welcome.

This Irish alternative rock group from Dublin’s career has really sky rocketed in the past two years. Comprised of three members: Danny O' Donoghue, Mark Sheehan, and Glen Power—"they are a perfect mix of good old soul-influenced indie rock."

On top of being incredible musicians the band was comical. For instance, Danny jumped off the stage numerous times allowing different members from the audience to sing with him. And halfway through the performance Mark brought out a beer to “cheers” with the audience; unexpectedly though, a chant of "chug" broke out and before we knew it, Danny was encouraged to chug a beer as well... Irish men and their alcohol. 

 

The Set List for the night was as follows:

1. You Won't Feel A Thing

2. Talk You Down

3. We Cry

4. If You Ever Come Back

5. Before The Worst

6. If You See Kay

7. The End Where I Begin

8. Science & Faith

9. The Man Who Can't Be moved

10. Im Yours

11. Nothing

12. Dead Man Walking

13. Rusty Halo

 

Highly passionate, my personal favorite was the second single from The Script called "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" released in 2008. The song is about waiting for love to come back although one is aware that the other has moved on. In an attempt to deny the truth, the corner of street represents the glimmer of hope that is still being tightly held onto; the hope that maybe things will change and maybe one day she will return.

Feeding off the energy of the audience The Script came back for an encore, in which they played "For the First time" and "Breakeven." 

"For The First Time" was the first song I heard by the band. Released in August 2010, it quickly became The Scripts first number one single. 

"Breakeven" first caught my attention because of its catchy beat. But, as I paid closer attention to the lyrics I was struck by its beautiful honesty. In my opinion, most music in the current market lacks this type of emotion and feeling, The Script is refreshing in that it seems to bring back some of that fresh air. Despite the fact that I don't relate to this song at the moment, many of those reading have all been involved in a relationship in which perhaps the timing wasn’t right and in turn, we walked away heavily brokenhearted. The feeling manages to be bittersweet, in that the regret or disappointment has a tendency to still stick around, regardless how much time you have been healing. Climbing up the charts and often heard on the radio, "Breakeven" has gone platinum twice since its release in 2009. 

Here is a twitter picture Mark took of the extremely good looking audience:

 

Overall, The Script put on an incredible performance, I never wanted the concert to come to an end. Not only did I walk away with almost no voice, but I also had the pleasure of discovering an extremely talented new artist.  

After listening, which song is your favorite? Sound off below!

Reach Columnist Sarah Ayad here