All Time Low

Notes by Lucinda
The Collegian, SDSU
Published 10/29/08

All Time Low was in Austin, Texas, when I phoned in with lead singer and guitarist Alex Gaskarth. By the numerous voices in the background, I could tell the energy on their bus was high even though it was almost 10 p.m. And there's no reason it shouldn't have been. Gaskarth and his fellow band mates (lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zach Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson) are currently on tour with Mayday Parade, The Maine and Every Avenue: in my opinion, one of the best lineups this year and the number one show to attend this fall.

"Tour has been really fun," Gaskarth said. "Realistically, nothing insane has happened, but it's cool 'cause all the bands are friends and hang out. It's a blast."

While the Maryland band certainly isn't new to the touring scene, this tour, labeled the "Compromising of Integrity, Morality and Principles in the Exchange for Money Tour," was a little different for the guys.

"It was all our choice," said Gaskarth. "Where we went, who we play with … we got to decide."

ATL's latest album, So Wrong, It's Right, is filled with pop punk melodies and catchy lyrics that led them to be signed right out of high school to Hopeless Records. Although most bands whose members aren't even old enough to drink play songs about high school loves and parents that just don't understand, ATL's upbeat singles consist of somewhat more "mature" subjects. Take, for instance, "Dear Maria, Count Me In," a song written about a friend who had admitted to becoming a stripper.

Their music, which Gaskarth describes as 'sexual chocolate,' may be labeled as a cliché boy band, but the guys don't let any negative comments get to their head.

"Not everybody is going to like what you do," said Gaskarth. "We don't really care. As long as people are paying attention."

Attention seems to be all that they receive at their shows. Hundreds of little girls scream at the boys as their parents stand nearby. And while Gaskarth says that he loves their fans and the band would be nowhere without them, he also admits that he gets some odd presents."I got fish once," Gaskarth said.

"It was crazy 'cause someone was giving me these live animals and all of a sudden I was responsible for them."

You'll get the chance to bring Gaskarth more fish when the band plays at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Nov. 13.