Any music festival presented by Wonka may have a few sweet and sour moments. This was true of the third annual Bamboozle Left festival that took place in Irvine this past weekend.

First of all, the logo being flashed all throughout the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre was two clown heads with “x’s” in their eyes and bum-esque five o’clock shadows. Scary.
But, apparently, the tweens in attendance (which was everyone else besides yours truly and some tense parents) didn’t seem fazed by this unkempt and unorthodox mascot for the pop-rock music festival.

The festival was nestled in a green, hilly part of Irvine that actually resonated the sound quite well, considering the array of inexperienced and infantile bands that were playing. The lined white tents matched perfectly with the carnival rides and absurdly expensive beverages available. The entire experience was loony, to say the least.

By the evening on Sunday, The Used was performing on one of the main stages to a crowd of utterly hysterical fans that couldn’t be a day older than 16. As the emo band belted its screaming tracks, it encouraged the audience to raise their fists in the air, similar to how hip-hop artists get their fans to do the diamond finger shape above their head. The Used played a new track, “Blood On My Hands” to the droves of neon-clad tweens in the audience.

Because there were two main stages next to each other, the tech crew could easily set up one while the other was being used, making for a seamless transition of performances. Thrice played on the other main stage to its various rock songs, while infusing some old influences during its rendition of “Helter Skelter,” made popular by The Beatles. As the night neared, the youthful crowd’s fake tattoos were starting to fall off, as well as the patience of some of the elder attendees.

Taking Back Sunday was up next to kick-start its string of appearances in preparation of its pending album, “New Again,” due out on June 2. If there was any reason to drive an hour and a half from San Diego, this was the act that would have been it. Its alternative rock sound mixed with its relatable lyrics and garnered the crowd’s undivided attention. It played songs from its new album such as “Carpathia” and “Lonely, Lonely,” which excited the audience, who had been waiting three years for a fresh record.

The show was made lively by the new member to the TBS family, Matthew Fazzi, who lead singer Adam Lazzara was sure to welcome during the set. Although there have been new additions to the band throughout the 10 years of its existence, the same amplified energy exudes when Taking Back Sunday hits the stage.

Overall, the Bamboozle Left festival was a trip down memory lane of rebellious youth, carnival rides and, oh yeah, inexperienced bands.