Last Monday I covered a show for the BG Newspaper and got to see opening local band Parse, and the headliner, Cartel.
Parse was great. Not only did they put on a good show, but they were personable and nice. They hung out with their fans, stood in the crowd and watched the other bands play, and payed attention to their merch table. They were friendly and very real. I happen to be friends with the singer of the band, so I’m sure my opinion is biased, but Parse was wonderful.
Cartel also played great. But that’s it. Aside from their hour long set, they were no where to be found. The members sat in their tour bus the entire show. Not once did they visit their merch table, talk to their fans or hang out to watch another band play. Seriously Cartel, you are not that big.
It really bothered me that a decent band like Cartel, let a few stupid MTV appearences fill up their head. I was disappointed with the members and their lack of personal communication with their fans.
I’ve been to many shows where bands BIGGER than cartel were a part of the crowd being a fan of their fans and a fan of other opening bands.
I wanted to give Cartel a bad review, but I’m not quite sure it would have many a difference on their next appearence. They didn’t seem too concerned with anything other than looking good on stage.
