The “Time Travel” tour made its final stop in time in St. Louis last weekend.

There were three warm-up acts before the headlining pop-rock group, Never Shout Never, took stage at The Pageant on Sunday, Nov. 6. First up was a half-hour performance from Carter Hulsey. His five-man band’s music had a very organic feel—pure, without any noticeable special effects. The lead singer had a calming tone to his voice that made certain members of the audience instantly sway along.

Next to perform was Fake Problems, which was fortunate, since they have only performed on select nights during the tour. Fake Problems had a hard-rocking and alternative vibe, and the band’s voices fit well together. Each of their songs provided a showcase for the band members, whether it was a guitar breakout or belting vocals.

About halfway through the performance, Fake Problems announced that Mr. Goose, one of the guitar players, was celebrating his 19th birthday. All four of the touring bands came onstage with a birthday cake, complete with a clump of candles, birthday party hats and drinks. Mr. Goose continued to play his guitar as he was hoisted onto a fellow band mate’s shoulders.

All of this created a fun atmosphere for the audience, and at the end of their set, Mr. Goose said, “Best band ever!” screaming into his microphone as loud as he could. The audience chanted along with him, pumping their fists and jumping up and down in agreement.

After a 15-minute break, A Rocket To The Moon took the stage. The audience seemed much more familiar with this band. Their music had a country sound, and a more professional appearance, since they were not drinking while they were performing like the previous acts. A majority of the parents in the audience probably felt more comfortable watching A Rocket To The Moon. One of the most well received songs they played was a cover of “Free Falling,” originally by Tom Petty.

The fourth and final act was the Joplin, Mo. native Never Shout Never. As lead singer-songwriter Christofer Drew walked onstage in his black top hat and bare feet, lighting a cigarette, I had a near flashback to Willy Wonka from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Once the group had gotten into their positions, Drew placed his cigarette at the end of his guitar strings.

Drew had previously mentioned that he wanted the band to have a more rock-n-roll sound, which was apparent in their new songs. Never Shout Never had harsher vocal tones and an overall louder volume. At one point, Drew asked to have the house lights turned on, so that he could see the audience.

“If everyone smiles, it gives off serotonin in your brain that gives you a natural high,” Drew said.

After Drew finished his first cigarette, he asked if anyone in the audience had a cigarette he could smoke. Many were tossed onto the stage and, throughout the rest of the group’s performance, cigarettes were randomly thrown up to him. Drew would pick one up off the ground at the beginning of nearly every song, stick it in his guitar while he was playing, and take a few puffs.

“Go crazy and just do what you do,” Drew said to the audience, encouraging them to start mosh pits and crowd surf.

And, just like that, Never Shout Never just did what they do best.