Showing devil horns is a sign of yesteryear's metal band worship, but kids today have their own devotion atop an outstretched arm: the camera phone. As Long Island's own Straylight Run launched into piano-stomping opener "Existentialism on Prom Night" last night (June 27), brother/sister tandem John Nolan and Michelle DaRosa were greeted by would-be paparazzi hipsters at Beantown's own Axis venue. Amid a sea of under-agers, emo scene kids and a strange battalion of white-towel-wearing dudes (hey, it was really hot outside), Straylight Run's ambient emo pop rock sparkled through a crisp 11-song set. Radio-ready hit-in-waiting "Soon We'll Be Living in the Future" drew handclaps galore, and the pulsating drums and xylophone chime of "The Words We Say" spurred an eruption of the dance move that sees knees bending and backs thrown out. Earlier on, Boston's Mean Creek commenced a sharp blend of country-core, city-mates the Dear Hunter fostered crystalline prog rock with occasional space-aged jam sessions. It was a picture-perfect affair. MICHAEL MAROTTA / PHOTOS BY MICK MURRAY
We asked: In honor of "Soon We'll be Living in the Future," a song featured on Straylight Run's latest album, The Needles the Space, how would you want to live in the future?
Name: Nick Serra
Age: 19
Hometown: Dedham, MA
Occupation: Musician
"Happily and stress-free."
Name: Kevin Martens
Age: 19
Hometown: Boston, MA
Occupation: Student
"With jet-packs and time travel."
Name: Andie Baron
Age: 19
Hometown: Boston, MA
Occupation: Student
"Rich."
Name: Keith Lyons
Age: 24
Hometown: Waltham, MA
Occupation: Starbucks shift manager
"Off in the woods, not worrying about money."
Name: Kristin Hansell
Age: 24
Hometown: Bristol, CT
Occupation: Pizza delivery woman
"To tour with a band, but I don't play any instruments."
Name: Joshua Sears
Age: 16
Hometown: Newton, MA
Occupation: Student
"With my favorite band playing everyday right outside my house."
Name: Corie Biela
Age: 24
Hometown: Wallingford, CT
Occupation: Fish market saleswoman
"With clean water and clean air."
Name: Matt Deluca
Age: 18
Hometown: Groton, MA
Occupation: Student
"A nice wife with a decent amount of money."
Straylight Run / Photo by Mick Murray
Vocalist/pianist Michelle DaRosa / Photo by Mick Murray
Multi-instrumentalist John Nolan / Photo by Mick Murray
The Dear Hunter / Photo by Mick Murray
Mean Creek / Photo by Mick Murray
