R5 GALLERY

REVIEW

R5 are no longer the kids on the block. This spring, the quintet released New Addictions, the 5-track EP features the leading single “If”. The song is an ode to their evolvement and growth, ultimately, the band’s sweet sounding pop rock tunes still reign. On Wednesday, June 28th the band made their way to the Phoenix Concert Theatre, with a crowd ranging from pre-teens to their parents, to the young crowd who grew up alongside the band, there was no shortage of excitement as the band returned to the city.

The night was opened by two supporting acts with Hailey Knox warming up the crowd and one-half of Alexander Jean, Mark Ballas, fronting as a solo act due to his partner being ill.

R5 last played Toronto in the fall of 2014 thus, making their visit a timely and longed for one. The band played tracks off the most recent release to songs from Louder including the tracks and a personal favourite “I Want U Bad”, “(I Can't) Forget About You” and others. From the opening tracks, the band highlighted their youthful energy and presence as the lead singer; Ross Lynch interacted and engaged amusingly with the crowd. It was clear Ross was made for the stage and showcased his ease with commanding the crowd.

After a slew of tracks, the band took a break and Ross Lynch appeared at the soundboard area mid-venue where he performed an acoustic medley including “Repeating Days”, “Waiting on the World to Change” & “Pass Me By”, Lynch also made reference to Canada’s Prime Minister with a shout-out.

After the break, the full-band instrumentals returned with a rendition of “What Do I Have to Do?”/“Valerie”, the band continued into their set with a chosen mix of singles from their discography with the band playing through “Smile” and closing the night with the final track on their 2015 release Sometime Last Night.

Overall, it was clear the band has matured over the years since their formation from their lively instrumentals to their stage presence, as well Ross Lynch has since shed his “Disney Channel” persona to a more genuine, rock artistry presence that appears naturally to him. R5 is composed of the Lynch siblings Riker, Rydel, Rocky, and Ross with friend Ellington Ratliff on the drums.