WILKES-BARRE — Hot off the release of their newest record, pop punk band All Time Low held a merchandise signing at the Gallery of Sound on Sunday evening.
The Baltimore band’s newest album, “Last Young Renegade,” was just released Friday, and, according to both fans of the band and the band itself, it was a bit of a departure from their previous work.
“It’s been at times a bit polarizing,” Alex Gaskarth, the band’s lead singer, said about the reception of the newest album. “For the most part, after a few listens, the fans are starting to jump on board.”
Gaskarth and the rest of All Time Low were signing pieces of merchandise, like CDs and vinyl records, that fans brought their way.
“It’s rad,” Gaskarth said. “It’s a great way to connect with the core fans.”
Joe Nardone, owner of the Gallery of Sound, located at 186 Mundy St., said that having events like this is always exciting for the store. “It’s great for business, and it gives people a chance to meet the band,” he said.
Nardone said the members of All Time Low have been great to work with, as this is the second time the group has come to the the store for a signing.
“These guys are super cool,” Nardone said. “They know that these days, you have to put in work as a band. It’s not just about selling records anymore.”
Nardone said the Gallery of Sound is frequently a stop on the tours of bands for both signings and performance sets, after building up a following with both All Time Low’s former record label, Hopeless Records, and the local punk rock scene.
“We got a reputation of being able to pull these things off,” Nardone said.
Chris Cashmere, of Pittston, and his girlfriend, Emily Edwards, of Scranton, were two of dozens of fans who came to see the band, forming a line that wrapped around the record store’s parking lot.
Cashmere described the band’s sound as “sort of pop-punky, but also sort of pop.” Cashmere met the band at their previous signing at the Gallery of Sound but was glad to meet them again.
“It’s exciting to meet them, especially since the new album just came out,” he said. “This album is their most different.”
“But it’s still good,” Edwards cut in. Cashmere was quick to agree.
The Gallery of Sound will host another event soon, with Scranton emo veterans Tigers Jaw returning to the area on the heels of their newest record, “spin.” Tigers Jaw will be holding a signing and a performance at the store at 7 p.m. June 26.
