Louis Tomlinson Gave us Faith for the Future in NC!
Article Written and Photos by KriS Sims
Article written and photos taken by: KriS Sims
July 21st will always be known as the day Louis Tomlinson came to North Carolina! The temperature was through the roof and even though it was hot everyone who could attend the “Faith In The Future” tour was there. With a lineup of two amazing openers and the big act ahead this was a must see show for anyone who was near by!
The show started off strong with a one of a kind singer by the name of Andrew Crushin. Andrew was able to give an electrifying performance to get the crowd excited for the night! His charisma and charm definitely played a big part into swaying the crowd.
The next to hit the big stage was the German indie rock band the Giant Rooks! When it comes to energy, soul, and feel good vibes they were the ones to bring it. The band did not stop with upbeat energy with each song keeping the blood pumping and making you feel good.
Once the last act was finished it was time… The anticipation was finally over, the one and only Louis Tomlinson took the stage. The crowd erupted just from his band touching the stage. From the cheering and screaming going on you could tell the 6 hour wait in the 90° heat was all worth the wait, the fans did not skip a beat. He started off strong by playing his hit song “The Greatest” which was great for opening the show and getting the crowd jumping. He would then go on to play more hit songs such as “Kill My Mind” and “Bigger Than Me”. His stage presence as he performed the songs had a glow to it. The way he moved around and interacted with the crowd made it feel very special to many fans.
For the rest of the night Louis continued to put on a great performance and did not take his foot off the gas for one second! From the stage all the way to the crowd it was nonstop action. He showed why he is a power house in the music scene and should be looked at as a force to be reckoned with for days to come!
YungBlud brings the fleabags out in NC!
Article Written and Photos by KriS Sims
Article written and photos taken by: KriS Sims
When you hear the word “rockstar” there are various artist that come to mind such as Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi, and even Hayley Williams from Paramore. But there’s one artist on the list that needs to be added if he’s not in it and that guy’s name is YungBlud! With the excitement and charisma he brings to his shows are the definition of MUST SEE! On a hot sunny day in North Carolina in the middle of July, The Red Hat Amphitheater was ready to explode! YungBlud rolled into Raleigh, NC with his rocking “YungBlud The World Tour” in a venue filled to the brim. It was a night that no one would forget for years to come!
The show kicked off with the rising punk-rock trio Games We Play, they came out strong and in a short set was able to have a whole crowd singing along. The band definitely had a great upbeat feel to make anyone feel good!
The next group to hit the stage was the beloved alternative-indie band The Regrettes, they seem to be making waves through the indie scene and it showed. From the moment they touched the stage the audience in attendance stood up anticipating what song they would place first, and as soon as the cymbals rattled the crowd knew it was go time! The excitement and joy on everyone’s faces was such a good sight to see. The Regrettes brought the house down and showed out for everyone in attendance.
Once The Regrettes left the stage it was now time for headliner… The one and only YungBlud! It started off with a dope visual of YungBlud transitioning from the darkness which captured him perfectly, he then emerged from behind the panel and would waste no time telling the crowd to jump as he jumped right into "21st Century Liability” and right after that it was continuous performance of hit after hit! Playing songs such as “The Funeral”, “Tissues”, and “Parents” took the crowd by control and had everyone singing word for word. The biggest thing YungBlud had was crowd control and the way he was able to move everyone as one and make you feel connected to him on a personal level is something that not many artist are capable of doing. His voice and the sound of his music makes it easy for anyone to become a fan after a single listen.
The show never hit a slow point once it stopped, he consistently spoke with fans even asking what they wanted to hear and never dropped the ball once! He showed why he is an artist that you must see. YungBlud is a revolutionary talent that when you come across his music you’re put into a trance of great music, feel good vibes, and a stress free judgmental free life that most can only dream of. So when the song “Fleabag” was played the crowd erupted! With him preaching the message of being yourself and don’t listen to what anyone says it was an amazing night of freedom.
YungBlud’s “YungBlud World Tour” is a truly one of a kind show where you can kickback, let out all of your emotions, and truly be yourself. The tour will end on August 26th in Romano, so if you’re close whether its a 30 minute drive or 4 hour flight this is a tour you would not want to miss!
Want to check out YungBlud? Look Here!
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Paramore 'This is Why' Tour 2023: A Night of Nostalgia and New Beginnings at the Viejas Arena
Article Written by Angel Mejia and Photos by: Zachary Gray
Article Written by: Angel Mejia and Photos by: Zachary Gray
On a hot evening in San Diego, the doors of the Viejas Arena opened promptly at 6 PM, setting the stage for what was to be an unforgettable night of music, nostalgia, and high-energy performance with Paramore on their This is Why Tour 2023.
The concert was kick-started by the vibrant and dynamic Linda Lindas. The young all-girl band, known for their punk rock sound and youthful spirit, took to the stage in a parade of colorful outfits that brought an infectious energy to the arena. Their lively performance set the tone, warming up the audience and building anticipation for the acts to come.
Following the Linda Lindas, the English alternative band, Foals, took their turn under the spotlight. As a 6-member ensemble, they commanded the stage with their powerful sound reverberating throughout the venue. Their energetic performance was a blend of rock and electronic beats and was well-received by the audience, further amplifying the excitement in the air.
At 9 PM sharp, the lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted in cheers as the headliners of the night, Paramore, stepped onto the stage. Leading the band was the ever-charismatic Hayley Williams, donned in an all-black ensemble that contrasted with her fiery hair and vibrant personality. From the moment she grabbed the microphone, her energy was palpable, setting the pace for the rest of the night.
Photo by: Zachary Gray
The opening notes of "That's What You Get" filled the arena, and the crowd responded in kind, their voices rising in a collective chorus that echoed around the venue. The band followed up with "Playing God", a track known for its powerful lyrics and catchy rhythm. The audience, many of whom have grown up with Paramore's music, matched the band's energy, singing along to every word.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when the opening chords of "Decode" rang out. A song they hadn't played on tour for a decade, its performance was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for long-term fans and a testament to the band's enduring appeal. The raw emotion in Williams' voice, combined with the band's flawless execution made it a performance to remember.
The audience swayed to the rhythms of "The Only Exception", as the song's poignant lyrics echoed back by the crowd, the moment was made even more magical by the pyrotechnics that lit up the arena after the show. Not to be overshadowed, Zack's vocal performance on "Baby" was another high point. Accompanied by Williams on the acoustic guitar, this acoustic interlude showcased a different, softer side to the band, a testament to their versatility and musical prowess. The nostalgia hit a high note as the opening notes of "Misery Business" echoed across the venue. A song that has become a beacon for the emo hearts of Paramore's fans. The performance was a cathartic moment for many. True to tradition, Hayley invited two lucky fans to share the stage and sing alongside her, the excitement in the arena peaking during this interactive moment.
Photo by: Zachary Gray
Finally, the band brought the night to a close with "This is Why", the title track of their tour. As the final notes rang out, confetti rained down on the crowd and a grand pyrotechnics display lit up the stage.
Paramore’s show was an absolute triumph. With their infectious energy, powerful vocals, and undeniable stage presence, Hayley Williams and the band delivered an unforgettable experience. From the explosive opening acts to the climactic finale, the night was filled with electrifying moments and a palpable connection between the band and their adoring fans. Paramore's ability to create an atmosphere of unity and celebration through their music solidified their status as one of the most influential acts in alternative rock. The "This is Why Tour 2023" will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in Paramore's illustrious career.
Find more of Paramore here!
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T-Pain Brings Nostalgia, Covers & Remixes to NYC’s Pier 17
Article Written and Photos by: John Krug
Article Written and Photos by: John Krug
When thinking of those who helped shape hip-hop/pop music into what it is today, T-Pain is someone who’s practically always in the discussion. Having a seemingly endless arsenal of chart-topping hits and iconic collaborations, his legacy is one forever ingrained within pop culture as a whole. In the year 2023? That’s more evident than ever before. On a beautiful July evening, NYC’s Rooftop at Pier 17 was ready for a night to remember. T-Pain had arrived in town with his incredibly anticipated “Escape From Wiscansin: The Invasion” tour and a sold-out audience was buzzing. An evening of nostalgia, excitement, and immaculate vibes was right around the corner.
The night kicked off with 2 of T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Entertainment signees, Young Cash & NandoSTL, playing brief yet incredibly exciting sets. Each brought an instant party vibe to the beautiful outdoor venue and kept the capacity crowd engaged throughout.
From Left to Right: Young Cash & NandoSTL
Next up was Chicago-bred rapper Tobi Lou, likely known by most fans in attendance thanks to his collaboration track with T-Pain, “2hrs+”. Anyone who’s seen him live before is certainly familiar with his infectious, giddy energy and tonight was no different. He cleverly introduced himself to newcomers with a call & response chant of “Tobi Lou? F**K YOU!” which came into play regularly between songs. Tobi commanded the stage with a frenzy of energy and heavy-hitting trap bangers mixed in with his more melodic cuts. His set ended with a beautiful performance of the aforementioned T-Pain collab “2hrs+” as the audience waved their cell phone lights throughout the air. As the sun began to set, the fantastic trio of openers had done their job and this packed-out rooftop was more than ready for the main event.
Following a refreshingly brief changeover, it was showtime. A quick space-themed intro video played and in a flash, T-Pain emerged on an elevated platform in the center of the stage. What quickly ensued could only be described as the biggest party of the summer. A booming performance of “Take Your Shirt Off” served as the evening’s introduction followed by a nearly endless string of smash hits. Finding a fan not singing along would prove to be a challenge as chart-toppers such as “Shots”, “Blame It” & “Low” filled the waterfront air. A major component of the show also saw T-Pain remixing his greatest hits with the instrumentals of some of today’s most popular hip-hop/pop anthems. An instant standout was 2007’s “Kiss Kiss” being mixed over the instrumental of Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock”. This decision not only helped bridge the gap between the 2000s & 2020s but also shined a brand new perspective on songs most in attendance have likely already heard countless times. It’s things like this that truly show why T-Pain remains so successful to this very day: he’s not afraid to innovate. Case in point? A brief set of cover songs from entirely contrasting genres was performed halfway through the evening. As a witty logo on the stage screen read “On Top of the Covers”, T-Pain performed his own renditions of songs such as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” & Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me”. The roaring audience hit every note right along with him and made it instantly known that it never hurts to shake things up a bit.
If the show up to that point hadn’t already felt like one big celebration, the grand finale proved to be exactly that. After running through yet another string of his hits, T-Pain had his crew flood the stage for an incredibly fitting performance of “All I Do Is Win”. The crowd energy at this point was so infectious that you’d likely be hearing the collective chants of “AND THEY STAY THERE!” from blocks away. It had seemed that this was the end, but in classic T-Pain fashion, he had one final trick up his sleeve. Circling right back to the cover theme from earlier in the night, jukebox-style lyrics appeared onscreen as he performed a fiery rendition of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”. As T-Pain finished flexing his vocal muscles one last time and gave his final remarks, an undeniably satisfied crowd made their way back to reality, but not without smiles. On July 11th, 2023, New York City had the pleasure of witnessing a living music legend do what he does best.
T-Pain’s “Escape From Wiscansin” tour is simply put “a pop culture tour de force”. It’s incredibly evident that much love went into crafting this show & crowd reactions made it clear that everything paid off. The tour will soon conclude on July 14th in Atlanta, but anyone who misses out should make it a top priority to catch T-Pain next time he hits the road. In search of a huge party that you’ll never forget? Look no further.
Find T-Pain here!
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D4vd Scores A Victory Royale In Brooklyn, NY
Article Written and Photos by: John Krug
Article Written and Photos by: John Krug
Singer-songwriter d4vd is someone with a success story unlike any other. Having just turned 18 this year, his career is one that goes to show the power social media has to propel young talent to instant stardom. Previously a prominent name in the Fortnite community, d4vd never released music until his gameplay montage videos on YouTube were hit with copyright notices. This led him to create songs of his own to use for these videos, and unbeknownst to him at the time, kickstart a career with well over a billion global streams and sold out tours. A mere two years later, hundreds of eager fans lined the block around Brooklyn, NY’s iconic Music Hall of Williamsburg anticipating a night to remember. Fresh off the release of his debut EP “Petals To Thorns”, d4vd was in town and ready to deliver his second New York performance ever.
Opener Scott James kicked off the night with a 30-minute set of melancholic, stripped-back guitar ballads. The vibrant blue lighting and James’ smooth vocals were somber yet undeniably beautiful. Reminiscent of the vibes found in d4vd’s 2 biggest hits, “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide”, James instantly had the sold-out audience engaged and ready for the main event.
From Left to Right: Scott James
FIND MORE OF SCOTT JAMES HERE!
Anticipation had grown and as the venue lights went down once again, screams of excitement made it instantly known that this packed house was all set. A band took the stage as an impressive lighting rig began to glow behind and d4vd took the stage to the fast-paced riff of his hit “You & I”. Having only played his first show ever months prior, he commanded the stage with the presence of a veteran. The energy started high and never let down as the crowd then proceeded to jump in sync to the booming rhythms of “Bleed Out” & “Worthless”. However, with what was about to come next, this was far from the highlight of the evening.
Hours prior to the show, d4vd had teased a “surprise guest” on his Instagram story, asking fans to guess who it could be. He quickly addressed this, telling the crowd that his little sister was here to join him for the emotional smash hit “Here With Me”. This was an incredibly special moment as d4vd had famously recorded practically his entire catalog up to that point inside her closet on BandLab. As the family duo sang the song’s TikTok-famous hook, so did the entire capacity crowd. Those who knew the New York-born artist’s backstory certainly became teary-eyed watching this full-circle moment unfold right before their eyes.
The night proceeded with numerous (future hit!) unreleased songs being played, an incredibly stunning lighting setup changing in sync to every other hit track, and even an impressive backflip from d4vd to the drop of his energetic anthem “Take Me To The Sun”. All-in-all, the pure showmanship on display from the 18-year-old star was remarkable. It was made abundantly clear that d4vd is more than deserving of his newfound fame & here to stay. His next stop? Don’t be surprised if it’s sold out arenas.
The “Petals To Thorns” North America tour is currently underway and ends in Los Angeles on August 11th. Be sure to catch d4vd in a city near you before it’s too late!
Find d4vd here!
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Yellowcard Takes Us on an Unforgettable Nostalgic Journey
Article Written and Photos by: Michael Jason Perez
Article Written and Photos by: Michael Jason Perez
Pier Six Pavillion was transported back in time as Yellowcard took the stage for a long-awaited reunion concert. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement, as fans from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the band's iconic pop-punk sound that defined an era. From the first chord to the final note, the night was a rollercoaster of emotions, nostalgia, and pure musical magic.
As the lights dimmed, a deafening roar erupted from the crowd, eager to witness the return of their beloved band. Suddenly, the familiar sound of a violin pierced through the air, sending waves of euphoria throughout the arena. It was as if time had stood still, and we were all transported back to the early 2000s, reliving our youth and the memories that Yellowcard's music had woven into our lives.
Lead vocalist Ryan Key's voice was as powerful and emotive as ever, effortlessly hitting every note with a raw intensity that resonated deep within our souls. His energy was infectious, igniting a fire within the audience that burned brightly throughout the night. From the anthemic sing-alongs of "Only One" and "Lights and Sounds" to the heart-wrenching balladry of "Empty Apartment," every song carried an emotional weight that left not a single dry eye in the house.
The band's chemistry on stage was undeniable, each member feeding off the others' energy and delivering a performance that felt both tight and spontaneous. Guitarist Ryan Mendez shredded through solos with a renewed vigor, while Sean Mackin's virtuosic violin melodies added an extra layer of depth and uniqueness to the Yellowcard sound. The rhythm section, composed of bassist Josh Portman and drummer LP, provided the backbone for the band's infectious energy, keeping the crowd bouncing and singing along.
One of the highlights of the evening was undoubtedly the performance of their breakout hit, "Breathing." The crowd erupted in unison, drowning out the band as we passionately belted out every word. It was a moment of unity, a reminder that music has the power to connect us and make us feel alive. The night continued to unfold with an array of fan favorites, such as "Way Away," "Hang You Up," and "Believe." Each song was met with thunderous applause and an outpouring of love from the crowd, a testament to the enduring impact of Yellowcard's music.
As the concert drew to a close, Yellowcard left us with a sense of gratitude, both for their music and for the memories we had shared throughout the years. Yellowcard wasn't going anywhere without leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Yellowcard's reunion concert was a nostalgic journey that transcended time. It was a celebration of youth, friendship, and the power of music to evoke emotions long forgotten. As we filed out of the arena, faces beaming with joy and hearts filled with gratitude, we couldn't help but feel fortunate to have been a part of such a remarkable evening. Yellowcard may have left the stage, but their music will continue to resonate with us, reminding us of the profound impact they had on our lives. Thank you, Yellowcard, for a night we'll cherish forever.
Find Yellowcard here!
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Death Cab for Cutie Still Rocks After 20+ Years
Article Written by Destiny Ross & Photos by Alec Moody
Article Written by Destiny Ross & Photos by Alec Moody
On June 9th, indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie graced the stage at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Treating fans to an unforgettable evening of music and proving they haven’t left the scene. Before Death Cab took the stage, we were graced with the musical stylings of Lomelda and local indie band 26fix! They both provided a different but similar indie vibe that curated one of the most amazing experiences up to the main event’s kick-off.
As the sun set over the picturesque outdoor venue artists and concert-goers alike were able to get refreshments from the plethora of outdoor food trucks that were provided by the local community to provide an even more unique and homey experience. The renowned band kicked off their performance with an electrifying energy that resonated with the crowd. From the moment lead singer Ben Gibbard's melodic voice filled the air, it was clear that this show would be an extraordinary experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Whether you know who Death Cab for Cutie is or even if you were just there for a good night, their melodic arrangements and heartfelt ballads are bound to evoke emotions. Death Cab for Cutie's setlist was a carefully curated blend of their beloved classics and newer tracks from their latest album. The band effortlessly transitioned between soulful tracks and upbeat anthems, captivating the audience with a sense of modern nostalgia. Gibbard's emotionally charged vocals were complemented by the band's tight instrumentation, creating a dynamic and immersive atmosphere that kept the crowd entranced throughout the night.
The Gallivan Center provided the perfect backdrop for Death Cab for Cutie's performance, with its open-air setting and beautiful cityscape views. It was able to home the hundreds there to witness the night. As the band closed out the evening with an encore that left the audience yearning for more, it was evident that the night would be etched into the memories of everyone present. Death Cab for Cutie's most recent show in Salt Lake City was a testament to their enduring musical talent and their ability to create an intimate connection between artist and listener, making it an event not to be missed for any fan of the genre.
Find Death Cab For Cutie here!
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Currents in Phoenix
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Hailing from Fairfield, Connecticut. Metalcore group Currents has perfected their heart-shattering breakdowns since their formation in 2011. Consisting of vocalist Brian Wille, guitarist Chris Wiseman, bassist Christian Pulgarin, and drummer Matt Young. After years of opening support for bands like Ice Nine Kills, Parkway Drive, August Burns Red, Fit For A King, and We Came As Romans; Currents took their visceral maelstrom around the U.S. for their first-ever headlining tour, “The Death We Seek” beginning in early May with support from Like Moths To Flames, Invent Animate, Foreign Hands, and Unitytx; selling out practically every show to date.
The band has curated and mastered earth-shattering vocals, monstrous breakdowns, and melodic riffs all wrapped up in that Connecticut groove. Currents are ingenious, to say the least, they’ve skillfully articulated a wondrous discography of astounding and jaw-dropping metallic hardcore that is ever-consuming in aggressive melodies and electronic texture. Their lyrics pull from internal grief, not afraid to dive head into self-revelations of failure, heartache, physical abuse, abandonment, trauma – no dark emotion is spared examination. They’ve created a threshold of expectation for death-infused metalcore, lovers of rock and hardcore alike have embraced Currents without a blink.
The band is a perfect concoction of their own contemporaries and influences, channeled through unique perspectives and personal experience, resulting in something immersive. The band leaves no ounce of energy off of the stage, and the sold-out Nile Theater in Mesa, Arizona was on a rampage for it. The room was stretched from wall to wall with pure chaos, from my aerial view above there was not an inch of that floor that wasn’t moving. Currents simulated passion, setting the expectation of pandemonium from the first breakdown
and the crowd did not disappoint. Currents is a band you don’t want to miss.
Find Currents Here!
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Hayley Kiyoko in Phoenix
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Hayley Kiyoko is a multi-talented artist who refuses to be put in a box. In 2013, she issued her first solo EP, A Belle to Remember, which included the single "Rich Youth". However, it was her This Side of Paradise EP (released in early 2015) that proved to be Kiyoko's breakthrough, with the evocative single "Girls Like Girls" and its accompanying music video that garnered over 100 million YouTube views. The daughter of actor/comedian Jamie Alcroft and Japanese-Canadian figure skater Sarah Kawahara, Kiyoko began her acting career in commercials, later staring in notable roles as Stella Yamada in the popular Disney Channel film Lemonade Mouth, and as Velma Dinkley in a pair of live-action Scooby-Doo films.
The start of Kioko’s music stardom seemed to launch in 2015 with the This Side of Paradise EP, with the evocative electro-pop single "Girls Like Girls" and its accompanying video eventually garnering over 70 million YouTube views. A year later, Kiyoko unleashed her major-label debut EP, Citrine, which included the airy pop confections "Pretty Girl" and "Palace." Her debut full-length album, Expectations, arrived in 2018, featuring the singles "Sleepover," "Feelings," and "Curious." It landed at number 12 on the Billboard 200. A stand-alone single, "I Wish I Knew," followed in July 2019. She continued her rise in the alternative pop world, releasing the EP I'm Too Sensitive for This Shit in 2020 and the full-length Panorama in 2022.
Kiyoko is an iconic breath of fresh air in the scene for her unwavering true-to-self anthem, a driving force of support for the LGBTQ+ community is a hat she so gracefully wears. Her live shows are truly unbeatable, an out-of-body experience of self-love and appreciation. She has truly cultivated a shared safe space for any person to truly express who they are without the fear of the outside world. Her sophomore album explains a process we all understand all too well, a lush, detailed exploration of navigating the highs and lows of life. You could sense the invitation into senseless freedom the moment she took the stage, lyrically bouncing back and forth in the understanding of what it genuinely feels like to lose yourself and not know how to get back, finding a sense of stability in being a staying present in life, and ultimately finding your way back to the trust and best version of you.
Hayley Kiyoko is still on tour, find a date near you for a show you won’t want to miss
Keep up to date with Hayley below!
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Polyphia gets ‘Saucy’ at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Article Written and Photos by Fred Stonell
Article Written and Photos by Fred Stonell
“We make rap music through guitars” – Polyphia. No better words could describe the music these Texan boys make. Through a combination of elements from hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and progressive metal, Tim Henson (Guitar), Scott LePage (Guitar), Clay Gober (Bass) and Clay Aeschliman (Drums) have created a sound that is unlike anything out there today. Starting out posting their original music on their YouTube channel, things quickly picked up for Polyphia and ultimately lead to the release of their EP ‘Inspire’ in 2013. Since then, the group has released four full-length albums, including ‘Muse’ in 2014, ‘Renaissance’ in 2016, ‘New Levels New Devils’ in 2018, and most recently, ‘Remember That You Will Die’ in 2022.
It can sometimes be tricky for instrumental artists to convert their music into live shows, however knowing Polyphia it was no surprise to me to see the queue to get into O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire trailing around the corner. The style and swag they bring to gigs are incomparable, and after experiencing one yourself you’ll understand why London sold out so easily. Picture a venue, absolutely packed to the rafters with fans ranging from scene kids to elitists, all singing along to the riffs Tim and Scott played. To say the crowd hung onto every note would be an understatement; these technical prodigies had people dancing and crowd-surfing without having to sing a single syllable. Around the halfway mark, LePage had the genius idea of playing this fun little game called ‘Sing the riff’. This went exactly how you’d expect, with either guitarist playing part of a Polyphia riff and then leaving the crowd to chant the other half. I’d say it was a testament to Henson’s incredible songwriting ability to create such technical, but catchy and memorable instrumental songs for entire venues to sing on command.
If I had to put Polyphia’s headline show in London into one word, it would simply be: fun. Everyone (and I mean everyone – I even caught security bobbing their heads at one point) was vibing to the music, letting loose, and allowing these 4 massively skilled Americans to take them for a musical ride of a lifetime. Crazy leads, funky basslines, and the grooviest of drums await you at a live Polyphia show, so don’t miss an opportunity to see them if you can (and get learning those riffs!). You can catch Polyphia on either their EU + UK Spring 2023 tour or their USA ‘Remember That You Will Die Tour’ from September to November 2023. If you get the chance to go, make sure you do. You won’t want to skip on “America’s Band”.
Find Polyphia on social media below!
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Hope Of Spark Tour at The Van Buren
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Hailing from Yorba Linda, California, metalcore band Atreyu was formed in 1998 in the heart of the Nu Metal wave; but Atreyu brought a different sound to the scene. Their warped, detuned guitars were matched by pounding drums and acidic vocals, which gave the material a distinct metalcore edge. The California band consists of vocalist Alex Varkatzas, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist Marc McKnight and drummer Kyle Rosa, and vocalist Brandon Saller.
In 2002, after signing with Victory Records, the band released their first full-length studio album Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses. The band's aggressive, raw riffs and Alex Varkatzas's mind-blowing throat-led screams made the album extremely successful. The band's second album, The Curse, was released in 2004, selling 450,000 copies, and released their third studio album A Death-Grip on Yesterday in 2006, gaining tracking on Billboard's top 200 sitting pretty at #9 with 69,000 copies sold. In their 25-year span as a band, Atreyu has had their fair share of changes as a band, through losing previous members and taking a short hiatus, the five-piece band has made a reputable name for themselves and have toured with some of the metalcore scenes most beloved artists like Black Label Society, Norma Jean, Bad Acid Trip, Between The Buried And Me, Walls of Jericho, Every Time I Die, and Silverstein.
Over the years, I’ve heard of the heightened energy Atreyu brings to the stage at their live shows, and I finally got a chance to see what that meant. Their music is a breath of fresh air to anyone considering rock a lost art. The Orange County, California band's riffs, hooks, melodies, and passion are essential parts of the emergence of a vibrant subculture across theaters, clubs, and festivals. Adeptly combining the sounds of thrash, hardcore punk, and death metal, merging into sounds much like Linkin Park and Lamb of God- Atreyu is described plainly as a really loud rock band- and they sure lived up to that. The energy on the stage matched every expectation I had set walking into the band’s headlining tour. Staple Atreyu hallmarks like the dual vocal interplay between singing and screaming, big riffs, guitar solos, harmonies, and big arena rock grandiosity persist throughout the entire performance.
Find Atreyu on social media below!
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Against The Current Brings Their World Tour to Arizona
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Article Written and Photos by Sarai Kelley
Pop-leaning, alternative rock trio Against The Current, debuted in the early 2010s with a series of pop-punk EPs after rising popularity with hit covers of Owl City, Kelly Clarkson, and Carly Rae Jepsen. Later shifting their sound into a polished synth production with their first two full-length albums In Our Bones (2016) and Past Lives (2018). The band had released more than twenty singles, five EPs, and two studio albums—their second album, In Our Bones, reached number two on the US Heat chart.
Formed in Poughkeepsie, New York in 2011, Against the Current was founded by singer Chrissy Costanza, guitarist/singer Dan Gow, and drummer Will Ferri. Fueled by Costanza’s powerful voice and catchy, upbeat melodies, Against The Current’s initial sound drifted onto the pop side of the pop-punk spectrum. In their early years, ATC took some heat for being the “internet” band, often not being taken seriously as a formal band by also dabbling in the world of Youtube, which at the time was a very prominent platform for rising superstars like ATC. In 2015 the game changed dramatically for the trio after signing on with Fueled By Ramen, a record label also supporting Paramore and Twenty-One-Pilots at the time, and released their second pop-rock EP ‘Gravity’, followed by a four-month headline tour that visited Europe, North America, and Asia. Eventually being welcomed onto Vans Warped Tour in 2016, among a string of continuous and highly successful tours. This brings us now to 2023, Against The Current has released two full-length albums (2016’s ‘In Our Bones’ and 2018’s ‘Past Lives’), toured with Fall Out Boy, and played the Main Stage of Reading & Leeds Festivals. They’ve also remained active members of online worlds.
Much like their studio work, their live shows are equally as (if not more) full of zest, pop, and radiate passion. Costanza absolutely sells a crowd, engaging in any aspect she can get. A band of four you will never see sit still, not a single square inch of the Rebel Lounge stage in the heart of Phoenix was left untouched and the crowd was loving every minute of it. ATC hadn’t been on a headlining tour in Arizona since 2018 and they were surely welcomed back with fiery screams. The room was supersonic, cascading a veil of energy over the 250-capacity limit room- not a single soul sat. You could feel the room jump and shake at each beat drop and kick, it was pure magic. Against The Current has hit the road on a 2023 world tour, Nightmares, and Daydreams, with support in the US from Trophy Eyes and Yours Truly. You won’t want to miss this!
Find Against The Current on social media below!
INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND THEIR WEBSITE
Get in Loser’s We’re Going to Walmart
Article Written and Photos by Jupiter Schuchart
Article Written and Photos by Jupiter Schuchart
If I were to ask you what you thought of Seattle's sound you would probably mention the grunge angst of bands like Nirvana but this past weekend the city was given a taste of some emo math rock thanks to Forests and Ben Quad. With the trio Forests coming all the way from Singapore they started their American tour Get in losers, we’re going to Walmart in the depths of an almost 200-year-old church basement within the U-District of Seattle. You know they not only had the community moshing it out but some ghosts and ghouls alongside them. Some of Seattle’s locals Some Fucking Vegan, PSAP (aka Pluto is still a planet), and Look at the Bones helped joined the boys to help open up their tour.
From Left to Right: PSAP and Some Fucking Vegan
Kicking off the night PSAP’s set grabbed at your heart with the reliability within their lyrics starting out with acoustics pulling at your heartstrings and ending their set with a gritty and powerful sound had you dancing away whatever heartbreak and emotions came to mind. Some Fucking Vegan followed up bringing in their witty lyricism and unique dynamic sound which pulsated through the crowd creating an energy that flows through you and is carried with you even after leaving the show having you swaying one moment and jumping around the next, not to forget giving the crowd some laughs between songs making everyone feel much more connected together. With a Look at the Bones coming in as a last-minute swap the band’s emo revival sound helped perfectly get the crowd amped and ready building up the energy even more as well as performing a new song which is hinted to be a part of their upcoming ep. With that concluding the opening bands, everyone was ready anticipating Ben Quad and Forests set to come next.
FIND MORE OF PSAP HERE!
FIND MORE OF SFV HERE!
FIND MORE OF LATB HERE!
Look at the Bones
Ben Quad entered the stage and brought in their twinkly sound you can’t help but be gravitated to start dancing like no one is watching or taking a chance in the mosh. The Oklahoma-based emo band did not come to disappoint as they even created a wall of death during their set in this church basement. The crowd was highly energized and engaged with them all night. The passion and intensity in every aspect of their music made it feel as if your soul was purging itself, every built-up emotion you had inside, feeling like a cleansing release. Their latest single “You’re Part Of It” has the perfect balance between fast-paced aggression and moments of slower-paced wistfulness taking you on a perfect ride of wavering between the lines of anger and sadness.
FIND MORE OF BEN QUAD HERE!
The night ended with Forests bringing in their enchanting guitar riffs captivating you almost as if they were casting a spell guiding everyone to join inside the mosh pit, having the whole church shake and move along with them. The Singaporean trio giving us all a reminder that emo can be bouncy and high-energy, feeling as if your mind is skipping and twirling across each note played. Their most recent album “Get In Losers, We’re Going to Eternal Damnation” is the perfect emo party mix you’ve been searching for. Even sampling a viral tik tok in the back “Jazz Ruined My Life” the band will surely know how to keep your spirits high while being able to relate to your lowest of lows.
FIND MORE OF FORESTS HERE!
You won’t want to miss experiencing the special energy they bring and you won’t want to regret not going and feeling the experience yourself. This is only the start of the tour for Forests and Ben Quad and you should definitely take a look to see if they will be stopping at a city close by you!
With a great kickstart off to their tour, unfortunately, during their next stop, they were robbed and lost multiple of their instruments and equipment, you can help them by donating or sharing their gofundme here!
SunCan: Music For a Cause
Article Written by Sage Banks
Article Written by Sage Banks
Beyond the bright lights and casinos of Sin City lies an ever-growing music scene. Bands and fans alike gather together to be able to share their passions, and for the first time ever over six-hundred people gathered in the heart of the valley for the first-ever SunCan Music Festival Held in Ferguson's Downtown and hosted by Savino. Black Sheep Booking describes SunCan as, “A Las Vegas-based music festival curated by the band Arrlo, and booking/promotion company, Black Sheep Booking, this festival brings awareness to important social issues and is a benefit event that focuses on helping those in need.” Suncan served dual purposes, not only was it a music festival, but a canned food drive as well. Selling over six hundred tickets and collecting an immense amount of food donations. With a donation of two cans of food, tickets were sold at a discounted price of ten dollars instead of fifteen. Attendees who donated were given a raffle ticket for an opportunity to win merch and a guitar as things were raffled off through the night. In Between the band’s sets, the festival had many art vendors to take a look at, selling prints, paintings, clothing, and many other forms of art.
Arrlo by Sage Banks
“SunCan was 4 months of preparation. There was a lot of stuff in the making for that. From gathering vendors, sponsors, booking bands, making and printing flyers, digital and street promotion, booking [the] venue, running the day of activities just to name a few of the main tasks”, says Jimmi Stepanik from the band Arrlo. Playing together for a year now Arrlo’s first show was at a Pride festival in Salt Lake City. The band has also played at the very popular Las Vegas music festival Life Is Beautiful. Getting inspiration from many different types of music, but especially ’90s oriented, “From Green Day grunge to many alternative bands like Oasis, Third Eye, Blink 182, Sugar Ray, Korn… Influences bleeding even into the early 2000’s as well from the skate punk/y2k pop era.” shares Jimmi. You can find their music on all current streaming platforms with their most recent release being Medicine, and likely more to come in the future.
FIND ARRLO ON INSTAGRAM
Sharing the same main stage, artists rotated in and out as their sets began and ended. With there being an ample amount of space for all attendees, people were able to view from the sides, above, and from the pit… And what’s a pit without a mosh? With so much space this allowed moshers to move around as more punk bands made their way throughout the night. With safety obviously being one of the main concerns during mosh pits, bands appropriately and gracefully handled any injuries by stopping their set and allowing for proper care to be performed. Even when not moshing the crowd carried the same high energy throughout the whole night supporting local bands' newer and older hits. Including many new songs from Bigger Business, a new album from the band Pure Sport.
From left to right: Pure Sport and Elevated Underground’s
With the turnout of SunCan, it is undeniable that Vegas has an ever-growing music and art scene with something for everyone to enjoy. If you missed SunCan, have no fear as there is always a local show or event to attend. Show announcements can be found through social media or even apps like Eventbrite. SunCan may be a recurring event, but at the moment it can not be confirmed nor denied. “We’ve been asked if we’re going to throw another SunCan or festival in general. All we can say is… only time will tell.” Says Jimmi.
Spreading Sweet Sounds on the Pollen Trail: Tennis's Buzzworthy Tour
Article Written by Destiny Ross Photography by Alec Moody
Article Written by Destiny Ross Photography by Alec Moody
The energy in the atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly waited for one of the biggest Downtown SLC venues, doors to open, anticipating the start of an unforgettable concert experience. Lined down the side of downtown Salt Lake City venue, The Depot, indie fans alike awaited in the cold breezy weather as we all became antsier by the minutes passing. More and more fans piled the lines and added to the crowd’s excitement and angst to get in. Fans that purchased their “fast passes” made it in earlier and got to take a look at the merch offered while they waited to be let in to claim their spots.
Tennis, the indie-pop duo from Denver, Colorado, has been on a steady rise since their debut album, Cape Dory, released on New Year’s Day of 2011. With their charming, vintage-inspired sound and dreamy melodies, their style happens to be one of the best at blending indie-pop with retro elements, creating one of the most nostalgic and dreamy atmospheres which makes Tennis stand out compared to other indie bands. This husband-and-wife team of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley has gained a loyal fanbase over the years and now, in 2023, they're embarking on their "Pollen" tour, headlining as they bring their signature sound to cities across the United States and Canada.
One of the bands accompanying Tennis on this tour and specifically our show and the remainder of the tour, is Loving, a Canadian indie band that blends elements of psychedelic rock, folk, and soul. Their laid-back, groovy sound perfectly complements Tennis's retro-inspired aesthetic, making for a night of music that's both nostalgic and fresh. Their sounds pair perfectly together so if you’re a fan of Tennis you’ll enjoy Loving, and if you’re a Loving fan then you’ll most definitely love Tennis. This proves the undeniable fact of indie music magic. The band of five came out and provided such a laid-back atmosphere while still equipping the introspective lyrics sung by the sweet voice of their lead singer, David Parry.
If you’d never heard Loving before you might end up in a trance-like state with how relaxing yet hypnotic their style is. They spoiled the audience with some unreleased songs as they knit them into the set of fan-loved favorites. Songs like “A Long Slow Little Wave/Citizen, an Activity” simply make it impossible not to tap your toes. Having five band members you think the sound would get lost or muddy, but every instrument had its purpose in making its sound and you could tell. Their music laces early Beatles with the evolving sound of indie making their discography timeless.
As the band members of Tennis filed on stage, the husband and wife duo followed closely behind to find their spots and the crowd shook the building with excitement. The crowd’s screams only grew as lead singer, Alaina Moore, tried to start their first track. The lights finally dimmed low as the backdrop displayed pastel colors focusing the energy to create a dreamy setting to match their sound alike. Moore, with a tambourine in hand, played the first note of their hit song “One Night with The Valet” and their fans went ballistic as they sang along to every word. Tennis transported every member of the audience especially with Moore's smooth and soothing vocals filling the room, shifting the audience to a different time and place.
Throughout the night, Tennis played a mix of old and new songs, showcasing their growth as a band over the years. Moore made sure to point out that The Depot in Salt Lake City was one of their first venues to ever play in as a band and now they're back, headlining a packed show in one of their first-ever venues traveled to. This made the interactions between the audience and the bandmates much more special as Alaina shared more thoughts in the lulls of each break between the songs. From playing classic song’s like “My Emotions Are Blinding” to new chart toppers off their newest album Pollen like “Forbidden Doors”.
Their arrangement was vast enough to fill the whole stage yet so intimate and complex providing an experience not easily forgotten. There were several setups intertwined with their original placements, creating endless opportunities for song choreography between the band. Some had Moore set up in the middle of the stage facing Riley showing off their beautiful charismatic chemistry and others had Moore set up facing the crowd as she sang ballads to us and called us her “children”. Tennis' music is the perfect soundtrack for a lazy Sunday afternoon or a summer road trip with the top down. They have garnered a strong following in the indie music scene and have become one of the most beloved bands of the genre. Their reputation grows with each release and they prove they’re worthy of it with each note played. Tennis will continue to rise each year with the help of their iconic synths, catchy guitar riffs, and melodious vocals.
Locals Sell Out Kilby Court
Article Written by: Destiny Ross & Photography by: Alec Moody
Article Written by: Destiny Ross & Photography by: Alec Moody
Salt Lake City, Utah residents prepare yourselves for the soon-to-come Kilby Block Party Festival. This continuation of the Local Highlight Series shines a light on the incredibly talented bands from the local scene that are performing this year at the festival. KBP has happened for the past three years now… This year is the fourth iteration and probably the largest scale it’s gotten to so far! The Locals Highlight Series has been held at various smaller venues, like Urban Lounge and this one, in particular, Kilby Court, all being around the inner and outer parts of Salt Lake City and all owned by S&S which has supported and lifted the local music scene immensely for years now.
Another thing that’s important to note is that KBP started as a one-day festival the first year, a two-day festival the second year, and now for the past two years, they’ve been flourishing as a three-day festival. Kilby Court is what started everything from day one back in 1999 when Phil Sherburne transformed his personal garage and woodworking shop into a makeshift concert hall for the early indie scene back in the late 90s. To make the venue official the next year in 2000 with zoning permits to then host names like Mac Miller, MGMT, My Chemical Romance, and Young The Giant… Kilby Court has defined the character of the local music scene and especially the indie scene. Kilby Court, as you can imagine, is a smaller venue that jump-started the local’s music scene to a different level in the later days, especially being one of the few smaller venues that survived the devastating hit on the music industry during the pandemic.
Being one of Salt Lake’s all-age venues it’s always a friendly, all-inclusive, environment for people of different lifestyles and paths in life. You walk in through the worn wooden doors after checking in at the small, almost concessions size, box where the ticket master stamps your hand and lets you in for the fun of your evening… And there lies an array of different things to keep you just a little bit occupied before the show. They have four garden benches surrounding a quaint fire pit, for the really cold winter nights. They complete the Court with a separate building, covered in band stickers/art and all of the bands that have performed at that venue, that doubles as a merch stand for the bands to sell their merch in before or after shows. Of course, if you’re not feeling either of those options you’re free to wait inside the venue as they usually have the garage door open when the doors of the venue open for the night.
Sunhills being the first of three to perform tonight, already had high expectations from everyone in the audience, being it sold out the night of, and before saying anything else, they definitely soared higher. Sunhills is comprised of a close-knit friend group, the members being Drew Nicholson, Sam Olson, Leo Fernandez, and Cameron Zitting. This indie, dream-pop sounding, talent-filled group is mainly known for their melodic guitars with crashing drums mixed with sweet synths, all knitted together by their chemistry and personality that make them, so fun to watch on stage. Not to mention, Drew’s sweet buttery vocals simply melt your heart as they tie the whole act together as your hair stands up on your arms because there’s nothing you can do about it while they have the stage together.
They walked through the back door, and the ringing screams of the crowd filled the room with anticipation for the next fifty minutes of melodic noise. They jumped right into their set as everyone had been antsy from waiting, and no one gave it the slightest thought. They gave an insane start-up as the drums crescendo into chaos-filled noise, slowing down into the sweet hypnotic sounds of an electric slow-paced dream. Closing my eyes while at this show and listening to their music, especially during their first song Sugar Coated, almost felt like it was the soundtrack of my own coming-of-age film. Most of their lyrics give a sense of self-hope or self-improvement, accompanied by the array of talents coming together at one point in time to form a beautiful feeling encapsulating everything life should feel like.
Throughout the many songs they performed, you could constantly feel the love radiating between them as a band and the energy given during their whole set. Whether they were clearly jamming out, shown by their expressive faces, or if it was playing directly to the audience… Sunhills makes it a clear objective to make its audience feel comfortable and at home. Truly throughout the whole show, it felt as if we were at a studio session or just at an at-home jam session kicking it and having fun. After giving us a taste of what’s to come from the rest of their set, Drew introduced the members of the band along with a brief statement giving thanks to everyone for being here and for their fellow bands on the lineup for the night for being there as well… Showing once more the type of love shown throughout this community and especially radiated through Kilby Court.
Every single member of this band is jam-packed with talent, and it’s shown clearly through how easy and fun the “job” is for them. It’s blatantly clear they love what they do, and they have fun doing it. Drew constantly plays into his fellow guitarists Leo and Cam through the dreamy interluding instrumentals. Sam, the drummer, being positioned in the back, still stood out purely because he was just murdering the drums. By murdering, I mean he absolutely killed it; his energy radiated through the whole venue as he kept the band on the beat and provided constant smiles with how captivating his energy was. Cam wailed so hard on his guitar at one point he got on the ground and rolled around while he played perfectly, just adding to what makes them so entertaining to watch.
Drew takes a second to recollect the venue’s energy and then asks the crowd, “You wanna dance?” into one of the grooviest beats of an unrecorded track called Pastey. This is the song where the whole crowd got moving and followed the direction to dance. The band transcended the entire room into a jam party as everyone was jumping and dancing together as they teased the audience with this unreleased track, hopefully, to be on their debut album that’s currently on the way. They gave us a full variation of heard and unheard tracks and played us out with another unreleased track titled “Always on My Mind.” They gave it their Sunhills flare and finished their performance strong with the audience at an all-time high as the venue slightly emptied as they left for the merch table.
After a short interlude, whether it was spent dilly-dallying outside at the merch table or getting cozy on a bench with your loved ones, Kipper Snack took the stage. A band of five members walks out, clearly happy to be there, as they are covered with giant smiles on their faces. Sean Mena, the lead singer, takes a second to introduce the members of the band before they do anything else. Sean, previously known as The Sardines, is accompanied by Simon Palo on bass, Jackson Jenkins on keys, KC Carrillo on the drums, and Javi Barajas filling in on guitar. All members are multi-faceted artists, coming together while doing their own thing for the night, as this was Kipper Snack’s first show of 2023… unfortunately for all of us, a member got COVID and was unable to make their first show of the year. But, they’re back in FULL FORCE.
Encapsulating more folk vibes of the indie genre lately but still providing the rock side of indie they’ve always been so iconic for. Sean’s distinctive twang-filled raspy vocals are accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the drums filled in with the keys and guitars to give us the sound of what Kipper Snack is in today’s current era. The band has headlined a number of times as well as played supporting acts to bigger local names such as Ritt Momney, Krooked Kings, and Dad Bod. Not to mention that Sean Mena will have played 3/4 of the Kilby Block Parties, alongside all the artists that performed over the years, after this Mays installation
Kipper Snack starts the set with Summer, a song from their newest album Pretty as a Flower, showing us the type of sound they’re so good at providing. They usually seem to succeed with their introspective lyrics and the most harmonious vocals, but more so specifically in this song, as it’s off an album assumed to be about the loss of a loved one portrayed in the most beautiful way. The strums of the guitar swell as the drums kick into a cheery, hopeful sound. Quickly transitioning with a hook of guitar riffs battled by the crashing cymbals to fade into the lulling vocals. This song encapsulates the highs and lows a good song has… To have a true beginning, middle, and end to this song just makes you want to listen to it more, especially after seeing it live.
They treated us to the surprise of playing some of the older singles they have released over the years. First, they played “Aburrido,” followed by “Concrete.” I’m no mind-reader, but I’d assume they played some oldies since Javi filled in on the guitar, and Javi once was a member of Kipper Snack. Aburrido is a higher-tempo song and more of what I would consider surf-indie. It’s a nice catchy beat that makes you wanna sway back and forth with a killer surfer guitar riff at the end. The difference between Concrete and Aburrido is the narcotic pick pattern matched with the keys to keep it all on the beat of Aburrido. This specific track finished off with one of the most electric indie slide riffs I’ve ever heard. The bass does a great job of tying both songs together. As well as with the constant playing into Javi, expressing that friendly love between them both, just accentuating the talent radiating off them all.
Personally, before that night, I had never seen Backhand live or really listened to much of their music… But I was missing out on a whole different experience that is hard to find these days. After the intermission, they turned up the background music which was Shoota by Playboi Carti. After watching two categorically grouped indie bands, you could imagine I was thrown for what I was in store for with a rap song playing. I cannot explain how crazy the crowd went for this group of Mormon-raised icons comprised of Ben Owens, Jake Owens, Mitch Owens, and Matt Timmons. Experiencing them for the first time at Kilby Court truly was crazy… The building was shaking, and your ears were ringing, if you didn’t have earplugs, from how loud the audience went for the band as they stepped on the stage. Fans have been missing their live music as this is their first show since November of last year.
Lead singer, Ben, warns you that if you’ve never been to a Backhand show that you’re going to want to stay on your feet… And to extend the idea of concert gratuity and etiquette of “if someone falls, pick them back up.” Queue is one of the best adaptations of alternative punk since the definition was made, as they start with their track Everywhere Man. It was clear just at the beginning of the song that the middle of the crowd, where I was standing at the time, was not the place to be to take notes or even understand what was happening. I stepped back and could finally see as I was getting swallowed by the many fans reaching for the bandmates. Matt, on drums, gave the guys a solid startup, as lead singer Ben and his cousin Mitch get right on top of the amps in the frontstage. Ben giving us facials that you can NEVER forget of swag-filled fun before screaming at the audience as they scream right back as guitars are riffing in the back. Creating a sense of organized nonsense that I really like about punk music, and the crowd ate it up. It was clear Backhand had a fanbase there, and they were making it known by the first song.
They said little sound bites in between the songs to tease what track they were about to play. After dancing all across the stage to a song, unreleased to my knowledge, titled “Box It Up,” he took a second to recollect his thoughts as he looked to the crowd, smiled, and said, “Is anyone in the color guard?” and the crowd started moshing even harder than they had been. This song is very beach rock-esque as the drums and guitars roll together as Ben’s vocals give us a lengthened airy/beachy sound but then have that signature Backhand spin with punk turns but still captivating melodic rhythms. Guitar solos give us those funky-filled grooves and blunt beating drums for more mosh-filled fun while Ben runs back and forth, giving his bandmates time to shine.
All of the members made sure the crowd was okay the whole time asking if they were okay periodically. Just solidifies more they’re the type of punk band you want to go see live. They’re all a bunch of dorks that sell tech decks for merch but then, on stage, rock harder than most people ever could in their life. Imagine all of that and then some of the most captivating facials, not only from Ben but the whole entire band. Truly giving off that vibe of them loving their passion and proving their slogan of being “God’s Favorite Band.” There were crowd surfers during a good majority of their songs, some being Ian, their tour manager, and some being fans passionate about the band.
As I stated before, I wasn’t very familiar with the guys before that night, but I was enthralled the whole time by their taglines that rang loud and clear. In fact, every single song they played I was entertained by, and I wasn’t disappointed a second of my time in the crowd for Backhand. If anything, I was upset that I hadn’t been listening to them sooner and couldn’t see them live before tonight. On top of being entertained by their music and the lyrics, the bandmates themselves are all so talented and even just nice guys. They took the time to bring up a long-time fan named Mudd and proceeded to tell us that it was their birthday that day. Ben took the time to tell us she has been a fan since the beginning… The thought of even just bringing her up is literally so sweet to me and shows how special their bond is with their listeners.
It was such a pleasantly surprising set of rowdy, chaotic, punk, alternative magic. You could tell that band left every single piece of them on the stage that night as they were pretty much all doused in sweat. After playing their hearts out, they promised us that was their last song and quickly changed their minds when the crowd got visibly upset. The crowd went wild as they played one song, allowing everyone the chance to leave every ounce of them on the floor just as they did for the night. Experiencing Backhand, especially at Kilby Court, it being such an intimate venue, has engrained that connection between their live performance and my listening to their music at home every day. If you’re looking for an introduction to a new punk alternative band, look no further… You won’t be upset.
I was fortunate enough to speak with each member of the bands behind the scenes, before and after the shows to talk about the coming up Kilby Block Party Festival. As most of them stated during the concert, this opportunity is huge for them to play with their friends and heroes.
I asked each member of the bands what artists they were all most excited to see at the festival this year, here are all their answers… It has been specified by each, that if more than one is stated it’s in no particular order.
SUNHILLS-
Drew Nicholson, lead singer/guitarist: The Strokes, Alex G, Julie, Wednesday
Cameron Zitting, guitarist: Alice Phoebe Lou, Japanese Breakfast, The Strokes
Sam Olson, drummer: Pixies, The Strokes
Leo Fernandez, bassist: Cuco, Crumb
KIPPER SNACK-
Sean Mena, lead singer/guitarist: Japanese Breakfast, Pavement, Alex G, Kipper Snack, Sunhills, Backhand
Simon Palo, bassist: Crumb
Jackson Jenkins, pianist: Alex G, Japanese Breakfast
KC Carrillo, drummer: Run the Jewels, Pixies, Weyes Blood
Javi Barajas, guitarist: The Strokes
BACKHAND-
Ben Owens, lead singer: Parquet Courts, Pixies
Jake Owens, guitarist: Parquet Courts
Mitch Owens, guitarist: Parquet Courts, Japanese Breakfast
Matt Timmons, drummer: Parquet Courts
Ian, Tour manager/videographer: Alex G, Julie, Wednesday
If you missed your chance to see these crazy talented artists this time around you can always catch them at the Kilby Block Party, happening May 12-14th.
Check ticket availability here
Thee Sacred Souls Serenades Salt Lake City
Article Written by: Destiny Ross & Photography by: Alec Moody
Article Written by: Destiny Ross & Photography by: Alec Moody
In the nip of a cold winter, Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, Utah, Thee Sacred Souls had a fire cooking up for locals and travelers, all coming together with a mutual love and respect for music. This was only the second time this modern-day soul band has blessed us by visiting, and with their first-ever LP, Thee Sacred Souls, that just released in the Fall of 2022, and boy was it worth the wait.
This is Thee Sacred Souls’ first-ever full-length tour… Before this year, they had only done a few solo headliner shows, mostly in California and Texas. Taking us all by surprise, they came to The Commonwealth Room, right on the outskirts of Downtown Salt Lake City. The Commonwealth Room is a 21+ venue giving space to enjoy the sweet soul without many distractions.
With this being Thee Sacred Souls’ first-ever tour, they are sadly almost fully sold out of US portion tickets. The only show NOT sold out on their headliner tour in the US is tomorrow’s show in Fort Collins, CO. The EU portion of their tour still has tickets up for grabs! Other than that, they’re making a few festival appearances later this year, so if you’re in the market to melt to the voices of a sweet seven-piece band, look no further and grab a ticket by any means possible.
Performing solo before the massive seven-membered band, Jalen N’Gonda had an equally large stage to fill, and he had no problem with doing so with just the sweet tang of his voice and the melodies he created with only his guitar. After growing up in the states, Jalen is based in Liverpool, playing sold-out venues in London and Geneva. We were truly being treated to the sweet creations of this fresh artist’s take on soul-bound blues.
They set the stage with icy cool blue lighting as it was accompanied by a single man who took the stage with no band and only a guitar to be paired with. He introduced himself as the one and only, Jalen N’Gonda. There was a shout from the crowd, “You don’t have to tell us who you are, baby,” a smile formed on the humble musician’s face. He thanked the crowd for having him as he played us into the beginning of his beautiful set.
Jalen had a jam-packed set for us filled with a plethora of modern takes on classic sounds as well as his meticulously created original pieces, ALL performed solo. He blessed us with a performance of his newest released songs. When he performed What A Difference She Made without a band, it honestly was such a special and intimate moment between him, as the creator, and me/us, as the listeners. As he bore his heart to us through his music, its echo filled the room, which was so silent that you could hear a pin drop as we were all mesmerized so deeply by the way his voice filled the room.
Aside from the breathtaking original songs that he performed, he took on the classic rock song Baby What You Want Me to Do by Elvis Presley. He put his own signature Jalen twist on it, and we were greeted with a slowed, more twangy, soul-filled revival as he came in and made it his own. I’m not one to like covers more than the originals, but I sure wish this recording was on a streaming service so I could put it on repeat… But that’s honestly how I felt throughout the whole set. I went home and binge-listened to all of his released music, and you definitely should too because I was not disappointed in the slightest.
After the short intermission, the bandmates of Thee Sacred Souls slowly started flooding the stage, and the room was quickly filled with ringing screams. Soft-spoken lead singer, Josh Lane, introduced the band and got right into their first song, Overflowing. The big bang they started with followed some unfortunate technical difficulties. Their misfortune was our gain because we got to see Josh’s personality shine through as he improvised with what to say in that short period of difficulty. On top of that, we got to experience first-hand his love for his fans and the interactions he’s so happy to have, and he makes that very well-known.
Their newest album is filled with songs of love and sorrow. Whether it be romantic or platonic, in between the songs he graced us with explanations and dedications for each of them. There’s a special thing about the way this band is able to convey every emotion through every aspect. Whether it be a melodic duet filled with honey-like lyrics or a piece on a stinging subject with harsh blows… All of it makes you sway back and forth and leave you wanting more. This album delivers what every fan has been waiting for since their debut in 2020, a full-length emotion-filled piece of modern-day soul.
This was one of the most memorable concerts I’ve been to, and for so many reasons. Josh made sure that each of the band members was highlighted throughout the whole show. Within each second of every song, they were all clearly a family, and it was clear as he made his rounds across the stage many times. Whether he was having moments with the pianist as he was shredding it on the keys or him making it over to the ladies to jam out while they were creating the prettiest harmonies, it felt like home, regardless of never being able to see them live before.
Not only that, but he made us all feel like we were a part of the experience, making eye contact with every section of the audience to even coming out into the crowd to share an even more personalized experience. Not a second went by in the concert when I DIDN’T have goosebumps covering my body formed by the sweet Southern California soul sounds that filled the room. All of this really shines a light on what he wants his meaning as a band and a human to be, and in its purest form, it’s our LOVE.
This band is on the fast come-up. As of today, they’ve amassed 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and around this time last year, they maybe had 800,000. They were recently on Jimmy Fallon for their newest album, and they’ve only been releasing music since 2020. In all seriousness, this band deserves every ounce of success and has earned it all by providing a magical musical experience for its listeners.
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