Young Volcanoes

~Chapter Eight~

It's exam day today. With Patrick as our new lead, i knew we we're gonna kill it. I was, however, still anxious. This was big. Huge.

So, as you've probably already guessed, the band have been practicing like crazy. We have rehearsals before and after school, break times and lunch times, and also free periods.

We're all pretty tired, but it was well worth it. We ha ten minutes until music started, as it was just about 2nd period.

I went over our set list; we were to perform three original songs. We'd decided earlier on that these would be I Don't Care, Dance Dance, and Alone Together.

2nd bell rang. I caught Andy's and Patrick's eyes from across the room. They were panicking, i could tell. Taking a deep breath, i gathered up all of my things, stuffed them in my bag, and walked with Patrick and Andy to Music, giving Patrick's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"It's gonna be okay. You're amazing." I whispered in his ear. Patrick stopped. He gave me a weak smile, let out a shaky breath, and continued climbing the stairs to Music class.

We we're going to perform our set's on the big stage.

"Right, class. Today, as i hope you are all aware, will be your examinations. Please sit quietly in your groups for performances and if any-" The teacher glanced at Brendon, "Any of you make noise or cause disruption in this examination, i will make no hesitation to fail you."

The first band appeared on the stage. Surprisingly there were only two people; both of who i recognised immediately as  Tyler and Josh. Josh grinned nervously at me and Patrick.

"Hey. Our friend, Chris, couldn't keep drumming for us for personal reasons. Josh will be filling in his space. We are Twenty Øne Piløts" Tyler smiled at Josh. "And This first one's called Migraine."

They burst into a verse;

"Am i the only one i know
Waging my wars behind
My face and above my
Throat?"

The song was beautiful, and though Tyler's lyrics were deep, he managed to make it sound sweet.

Josh's hair flew all over the place. He was a very very enthusiastic drummer. He also liked to drum with his shirt off. The teacher didn't really seem to notice. I giggled quietly to myself.

When the song finished,
The next song they played was called "Ode To Sleep".

"I wake up fine and dandy but then by the time i find handy handy to rip my heart apart and start planning my crash landing i go up up up up up to the ceiling and i feel my soul start leaving like an old man's hair receding"

This one had a cool vibe to it and i was really surprised at the complete change of genre at the chorus. It also managed to blend itself in really quite well. Tyler and Josh were talented; i'll give them that.

The third and final song they played was called "The Pantaloon."

"Your grandpa died when you were nine, they said he had lost his mind, you have learned way too soon you should never trust the pantaloon."

What i liked most about their style of music is that they switched it up a lot; they didn't have a particular sound, but you'd still recognise them if they were being played on the radio.

Tyler, it occurred to me, seemed to be asking questions with his music. Questions he asked that wouldn't be answered, he seemed to ask in his music.

When they walked off the stage there was cheers and whistles from me and my classmates, me and Patrick were both out of our seats, and clapping.

Tyler giggled and did a little bow, and Josh stood up and gave the drums one last bash, then walked off stage, hand in hand with Tyler.