IRVINE, California — Bamboozle Left '08 day two: Finch made their return, Blaqk Audio brought the dance party, and My Chemical Romance closed out what was a killer weekend in music for SoCal kids.

The first band I caught Sunday was Hollywood's Metro Station, who I'd seen before on the Really Really Ridiculously Good Looking tour (w/ Cobra Starship), but each time the nudge their way just a little farther into my favorites. I got to chat with 'em for a few minutes after their set, I'll let you know when the video is up!

Then I waded over to MxPx and took about 100 pictures while I sang along (I'll upload them in a bit). Later in the day I got to interview Tom, eeeeee!!!!


The highlight of my day (aside from the overly obviously Mike Herrera-related happiness) was seeing Finch perform. I was never a HUGE fan of them, but I definitely had their albums and I saw them perform a lot with Yellowcard back in the day. They played "Letters to You," "Stay With Me" and "What It  Is to Burn" as well as some new songs, while Nate Baracalow darted all over stage. He is really hard to get a picture of, because that fool doesn't stand still. And can lead singers please not wear all black?

Anyway. Saves the Day played an INCREDIBLE set.

Set Your Goals drew a big freakin' crowd for being on a smaller stage.

I watched some of The Bravery's performance — Sam commented on how while John was waiting in line to go on the Kamikaze (there were rides, and yes, funnel cakes) and someone on the ride THREW UP and it got ALL OVER HIM. So disgusting. Poor dude.

I wandered over to watch some of Vinnie Caruana perform some Movielife songs because my friends are huuuge fans. I got scolded for NOT being into them ("Drive-Thru pop punk at it's finest, how couldn't you?") and also had a debate about whether it was wrong for a lead singer to perform without the whole band.

I got smuggled into the Red Bull VIP tent for a bit, where I sat on a couch and tried to eavesdrop... but no dice. I lurked Sisky

Blaqk Audio was both musically and visually captivating.

And My Chem were the perfect closers — they name-checked Frances Bean, saying she was asking what they're gonna be up to in the future. Gerard responded, "We're gonna take a break for 6 or 7 months, then come back and write a new record It's gonna sound like a bunch of cowboy songs. And we're going to call it 'A--holes of the Wild West!"

MORE DETAILS/PHOTOS/VIDS coming!!!