Heart Attack Man and Phoneboy kick off first night of co-headlining tour in New Jersey | Photos & Review

April 24, 2026 Leave a comment

If you’re wondering what to expect from a Heart Attack Man show: buckle up. Frontman Eric Egan, drummer Adam Paduch, and guitarist Ty Sickels emerged from the depths of Cleveland, OH in 2013 and have been raising hell in the modern rock scene ever since. Over the years, the trio has released four full-length albums and made their chaotic live energy an absolute must-see. The first night of their spring co-headliner with Phoneboy, on April 2nd in New Jersey served as a wild start to their 28-date run across the United States. 

Fans poured into White Eagle Hall before the night began with opening sets from Pony and Slow Joy. Canadian grunge-pop band Pony gave such a delightful performance that won me over by the end of it. Everything from the melodies to their bubbly energy had me completely enthralled for the entire 30 minute set. Slow Joy, the solo project of Dallas-based singer-songwriter Esteban Flores, spent his allotted time delivering an ode to emo and shoegaze influences through catharsis, healing and jumping right into the crowd during one of his songs. 

Pony

Slow Joy

While it took a second for the crowd to pick up momentum, Heart Attack Man were their usual energetic selves the second that the lights went down. Each time I see Heart Attack Man, I am instantly comforted by the amount of sheer chaos unfolding around me. The adrenaline rush of watching as those mosh pits get rowdier and crowdsurfers glide towards the stage ease is truly unmatched. 

They opened their set with “Lay Down and Die,” which is my current all-time favorite in their discography. They delivered a good mix of their last album Joyride The Pale Horse and older crowd-pleasers like “Leap Year” and “Fake Blood.” Heart Attack Man also performed both of their most recent singles, “Limb from Limb” and “Mechanically Separated,” which were extra fun to see come to life for the first time. 

While many come for their intensely chaotic energy, the jokes and bits that occur in between songs are just as great. The funniest part of the night was when Egan asked the NJ crowd about their stance in the ‘Pork Roll’ vs ‘Taylor Ham’ debate before declaring he’d choose the one that matches the band’s acronym (and being met with a handful of boos).

Phoneboy honestly surprised me a lot. While not super familiar with the indie-rock four-piece, I was introduced to their music not too long ago by a close friend. As soon as they kicked things off with “Wayside,” the energy in the room remained electric throughout their entire set. I walked out of White Eagle Hall that night with two things: a shirt from Heart Attack Man’s merch table and a newfound love for Phoneboy. 

The fun thing about this tour is how fundamentally different each band on the lineup is. Pony delivers a sickly sweet grunge-pop vibe minutes before Slow Joy comes on stage with a melancholic blend of emo and shoegaze. Heart Attack Man then feels like whiplash compared to the first two acts as the crowd feeds off their in-you-face energy through rowdy mosh pits and endless crowdsurfers. Phoneboy closes out the night with a dynamic performance that twists the definition of pop-punk and rock into something entirely their own. It’s hard to explain why it works, but the varying atmospheres from band to band made the experience exponentially better. 

The tour continues across the United States until its final show in Heart Attack Man’s home state of Ohio on May 9th. Tickets and information for the remaining shows of Heart Attack Man and Phoneboy’s spring co-headliner can be found here. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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#ThrowbackThursday State Champs celebrates 10 years of ‘Around The World And Back’ with sold-out show at Brooklyn Paramount | Photos & Review

April 23, 2026 Leave a comment

It’s no secret that State Champs has become one of modern pop-punk’s most influential acts over the last two decades. With over 830K monthly Spotify listeners, countless sold-out tours worldwide, and five full-length albums under their belt, the Albany four-piece first solidified their rise in the scene with their seminal 2015 record Around The World And Back. The band kicked off the new year celebrating the album’s immense impact with a short run of shows across the United States, including a sold-out show at NYC’s Brooklyn Paramount on Jan. 16th. 

Openers for each show varied, with Brooklyn being lucky enough to get Broadside, Real Friends, and Cartel all in one night. Frontman Oliver Baxxter took complete control of the stage beneath him as soon as Broadside’s set began with “I Think They Know.” With their fifth album now weeks away from release, the Virginia pop-rockers gave Brooklyn a taste of their most recent singles while still showing some love to older fan-favorite tracks. It’s almost impossible to describe the emotions radiating off the crowd during “Coffee Talk,” with every word of the band’s most well-known hit echoing throughout the venue. This was my first time being able to catch Broadside live despite listening to them since 2018 and it was everything I could’ve hoped for and more.

Real Friends was the next band on this stacked lineup, delivering a set full of catharsis, healing and pure pop-punk. You can check out my full review of Real Friends’ opening slot here. 

Cartel was the final opener of the night, intensifying the energy with a set full of 2000s nostalgia. The pop-punk icons began making music over 20 years ago and just recently made a massive resurgence in the scene last year. You’d never be able to tell, however, because the way they carry themselves on stage makes it seem as though they’d never left. It was fun to watch Cartel power through their massively influential hits while the crowd sang their hearts out alongside frontman Will Pugh. 

Even though it felt like the crowd had already exhausted all their energy for the three openers, Brooklyn Paramount came alive when it was time for State Champs. The 2,700 capacity venue was transported back to 2015 as the band performed a full playthrough of Around The World And Back. One of my favorite moments from the beginning of the night was the confetti that consumed the room as soon as “Secrets” began. It created a beautiful scene around me as fans frantically tried catching the falling pieces while singing their hearts out. 

State Champs shows aren’t complete without frontman Derek DiScanio and bassist Ryan Scott Graham running around like madmen. The energy that radiates off these two is seriously impressive as their stamina never falters for the entire hour and a half that they’re on stage. You can tell how much the band genuinely loves to connect with the audiences in front of them just by watching them. With every high kick, headbang and mid-air jump, State Champs is always prepared to give the crowd one hell of a show no matter where they are in the world.

There were two parts of the night that I was anticipating the most (and predictably lost my mind during). “Perfect Score” and “All or Nothing” have been in my top 10 State Champs songs since I started listening to the band in middle school. Getting to hear these tracks live, along with the rest of this quintessential record, was a seriously surreal feeling. Another surreal moment that found me losing my mind was when DiScanio welcomed Daisy Grenade on stage to perform “Around The World And Back” with them. I watched this happen when the alt-pop duo opened for State Champs in 2024, but this time was double the surprise and even more beautiful than the first.

Not only did State Champs rip through all 13 tracks on Around The World And Back, they came back out for an encore full of fan-favorites from the rest of their eras. “Elevated” and “Everybody But You” served as an epic finale to a night full of nostalgia, community and chaos, with massive mosh pits and endless crowdsurfers raging on until the very last chord. 

Whether you were there for the album’s release 10 years ago or recently discovered them 10 days ago, this show was the perfect embodiment of all that Around The World And Back has come to stand for since its release. This night was more than just a trip down memory lane–it was a celebration of the raw passion and authenticity that State Champs has brought to the genre for the last two decades. I’ve been able to see the band five times now, but this time around certainly showed them at their biggest and best yet. If I had to give the band rating, State Champs would definitely earn a “Perfect Score” from me. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s ethereal performance at The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ on the Bones Tour 2026 | Photos & Review

April 23, 2026 Leave a comment

Amid the first leg of The Bones Tour in support of their fourth studio album, bones, (2025), American alternative-rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise filled the sold-out New Jersey venue with a wide array of concertgoers, from those in colorful outfits to concert black, ranging in all ages, from young children to their grandparents, all united by one thing: the music.


Starting the night, alternative-rock band Common People took the stage, touring in support of their then-upcoming debut EP Games. The Los Angeles group performed the entire new project, beginning with their indie-rock track “Thank You,” January single “Rain,” and ending with their latest single, “Don’t Fall.” Common People also performed standout covers, including The Pixies iconic single “​​Where Is My Mind.”

Rainbow Kitten Surprise dominated the stage with a dynamic 24-song set, hitting the ground running by exploring their whole discography, starting with the powerful bones (2025) track “Hell Nah,” 2020 single “Our Song,” followed by How To: Friend, Love Freefall (2018) track “Hide.” 

As an active Alt Nation listener, I was particularly excited to hear RKS Alt-18 hit “Dang” after months of rooting for the track to climb the weekly countdown. It’s incredible how frontwoman Ela Melo sounds the same as she does on the studio recordings… it was incredible to hear the songs I’ve been listening to on the radio for years come to life right before my eyes (and ears). 

The North Carolina band performed a substantial set spanning over a decade of music, ranging anywhere from their earliest tunes “Shameful Company” and “Hey Pretty Momma” from their debut record, Seven + Mary (2013), “Cocaine Jesus,” “Goodnight Chicago,” and “All’s Well That Ends” from RKS (2015), and “Holy War,” “Painkillers” (my personal favorites) from How to: Friend, Love, Freefall (2018), to tracks from their latest projects, like “Superstar” from Love Hate Music Box (2024), and “Friendly Fire,” “Texas Hold’em,” “Tropics,” and the title track from bones (2025). 

Alongside Melo played Darrick “Bozzy” Keller on rhythm guitar, Ethan Goodpaster on lead guitar, Jess Haney on drums, each a powerful musician who made the magic happen for nearly two hours straight. One of the highlights of the night was when the core-four performed their acoustic song “First Class” amid Melo’s stripped-back versions of “Texas Hold’em” and “Hey Pretty Momma,” making for a calm, intimate break in the set before the powerful ending. 

Completing their set with album closer “Tropics” and quintessential track “It’s Called: Freefall,” the band had me wondering when I would have the chance to see them again before they even left the stage!

The humans of RKS are truly talented musicians with a one-of-a-kind, demanding stage presence… Needless to say, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is the real deal. Their discography has played on loop in my days following the performance, leaving me hopeful that the rock band will return to the Montclair area again on their next tour! 

Since their performance in Montclair, RKS has released their first single of 2026, “Sixteen,” now available on streaming platforms. 

Rainbow Kitten Surprise will continue The Bones Tour across Europe and North America beginning in May and continuing through September 2026. Tickets to the remaining dates are available here! 

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s The Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ, 3/13/26 Setlist:

  1. Hell Nah
  2. Our Song
  3. Hide
  4. Dang
  5. When It Lands
  6. Holy War
  7. Devil Like Me
  8. All’s Well That Ends
  9. Painkillers
  10. Friendly Fire
  11. Matchbox
  12. Shameful Company
  13. Goodnight Chicago
  14. Cocaine Jesus
  15. Heart
  16. Texas Hold’em
  17. Hey Pretty Momma
  18. First Class
  19. Superstar
  20. Run
  21. bones
  22. Wasted
  23. Tropics
  24. It’s Called: Freefall

Photos & Review by Emily McCormack 

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Nothing More kicks off the second leg of the Carnal Nature Tour at the Wellmont Theater, NJ 2/19/26 | Photos & Review

February 22, 2026 Leave a comment

San Antonio rock band Nothing More returned to The Wellmont Theater in an epic kick-off to the new year. 

Embarking on the second leg of their Carnal Nature Tour in support of their latest album, CARNAL (2024), Nothing More filled the New Jersey venue with a sea of black clothing and an audience excited to hear some intense songs, sweat it out to screaming, and vibe with like-minded people. 

The four-band bill was badass from start to finish, introducing the crowd to strong musical talent and dominating metal vocals throughout the night. 

Starting the show, Columbus native Doobie opened the night with a standout rock-hip-hop vibe. In support of his latest project, Give ‘Em Hell Until You Get To Heaven (2025), Doobie matched his cleverly named album title with equally memorable song titles: I particularly enjoyed “Early Bird Gets the Whiskey,” “Beauty in the Boogeyman,” and aptly named “Hate Song.” 

Metalcore band Archers followed, performing their top hits, including “Made For Love” and “Perfect Strangers,” as well as their brand new single “The Dirt,” which seemed like a perfect introduction to a new audience. 

The final opening act was Austin rock band Catch Your Breath, who continued to ramp up the mood. Supporting their latest singles “Lost” and “Dark,” the alternative group performed both their latest songs and tracks from their 2023 debut album Shame On Me, including what I found to be the most memorable song of their set, “21 Gun Salute.” 

After a couple of hours of incredible acts opening the night, it was time for Nothing More to take the stage. 

I was particularly excited to hear new tracks from their latest album, CARNAL, and to have the band debut their newest work to the Wellmont audience since their last performance in 2022. They started with a bang by beginning with the high-energy opening song “HOUSE OF SAND,” the song I saw posted on half the audience’s social media immediately following the show. 

Continuing the love for the tour album, Nothing More showed off more of their latest tracks in performing standout songs “ANGEL SONG,” “FREEFALL,” “STUCK,” and my personal favorite, “IF IT DOESN’T HURT.” 

The four-piece played songs throughout their discography, giving seasoned fans performances of hits “Jenny,” “Ocean Floor,” “This Is The Time (Ballast)” from their 2014 self-titled record, “Let ‘em Burn,” “Don’t Stop,” “Go To War,” “Fade In / Fade Out,” from The Stories We Tell Ourselves (2017), and the more recent title track, “SPIRITS,” from 2022. 

The band even participated in the audience-song-pick trend, keeping the setlist keepers on their toes with a crowd-voted pick. This night, Nothing More gave the room a choice between their songs “Mr. MTV,” “SPIRITS,” and a Nine Inch Nails cover… While I must admit, I was curious about which NIN song they would perform, I was not disappointed when the room ultimately cheered loudest for the 2022 title track “SPIRITS.” 

One highlight of the night was when vocalist Jonny Hawkins invited Archers frontman Nathanael Pulley to the stage for a stunning performance of “FREEFALL,” followed by one of many sick instrumental breaks.

Speaking of highlights: Nothing More first caught my attention with their performance at the 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards, featuring what I discovered is known as The Scorpion Tail, a larger-than-life, sick-AF mega-instrument (my personal description of what my 15-year-old self witnessed) that was nothing short of thought-provoking. 

Ever since, I have looked forward to seeing what innovative new idea the band has to offer: While their latest performance at the Wellmont Theater did not include the 14-foot-tall machine in 2026, Hawkins, guitarist Mark Vollelunga, and bassist Daniel Oliver joined forces (and instruments) to assemble an interesting guitar-meets-bass-meets-drum super instrument that each member managed to play simultaneously (this was seemingly put together a Scorpion-Tail-looking-base, so the vibe was still there). 

While this may have sparked a few question marks among the crowd, this was no doubt an eye-catching moment of the set and had me wondering how they came up with that!

Nothing More finished their incredible set with their anthemic song “This Is The Time (Ballast),” an iconic track for the band, and, of course, a fun full-circle moment for me since it was one of the first songs of theirs I heard nearly a decade ago! 

Coming back four years after seeing them for the first time at the same venue in 2022, I am appreciative that Nothing More treats New Jersey so well. With a memorable performance from years ago, there was no way I was going to miss this show…

Truthfully, I was hoping for another chance to see the innovative Scorpion Tail in action and to its fullest extent; the band’s true talent and stellar setlist made up for the scaled-down spectacle. Would I come back for a potential Nothing More 2030 performance in Montclair? Once I wrap my head around such an absurd number, the answer would be yes!

Other venues worldwide don’t have to wait much longer, since Nothing More will continue their world tour through August 2026. Tickets to the remaining dates are available here! 

Nothing More’s The Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ, 2/19/26 Setlist:

  1. HOUSE ON SAND
  2. ANGEL SONG
  3. Let ‘em Burn
  4. IF IT DOESN’T HURT
  5. Don’t Stop
  6. Go To War
  7. FREEFALL
  8. SPIRITS (Audience Voted Song)
  9. Jenny
  10. STUCK
  11. Fade In / Fade Out
  12. Ocean Floor
  13. This Is The Time (Ballast)

Photos & Review byEmily McCormack

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Real Friends deliver a night full of sad songs and unforgettable memories to Brooklyn Paramount | Photos + Review

February 6, 2026 Leave a comment

When you think about the pop-punk genre, it’s hard not to have Real Friends come to mind. The Chicago natives have cemented themselves as a staple act within the scene since 2010, delivering emotionally gut-wrenching tunes that have become the soundtrack to the lives of so many. 

Now consisting of Cody Muraro (vocals), Kyle Fasel (bass), Eric Haines (rhythm guitar), David Knox (lead guitar) and Brian Blake (drums), the band recently wrapped up a short run of shows supporting State Champs for their Around The World and Back 10 Year Anniversary Tour. Real Friends brought the intensity that their live shows are known for to their opening slot at Brooklyn Paramount on January 16th. 

The band wasted absolutely no time once they got on stage with “Late Nights In My Car” as Muraro immediately called for two mosh pits on each side of the massive 2,700 capacity room. The thing about Real Friends is that they don’t just encourage the action, they join in on it. Waves of crowdsurfers began to glide through the air before Muraro made his way to the barricade and jumped on top of the crowd, grabbing the hands of those who surfed past him without missing a single note. 

Though the band released their latest album not too long ago in the fall of 2024, their setlist mainly consisted of older fan favorites. It was practically 2016 all over again once “Mess” kicked in next. The crowd was over the moon for this one as multiple circle pits raged on from the center and Brooklyn Paramount echoed with every word. 


When it comes to catharsis and connection, Real Friends are experts. Serving as one of the first singles from their recent record Blue Hour, “Waiting Room” is a gut-wrenching account of the daily battle that accompanies grief. This one is always tough to get through while watching the band’s raw emotions shine and many in the crowd sing along through tears. It’s a beautifully resonating part of the set that slaps you in the face with a reminder of how powerful and healing music can be. 

The crowd’s energy quickly returned as the mosh pits opened back up and even more people began to float towards the barricade for “From The Outside.” The contrast between the depressing and upbeat songs throughout the set is what makes these shows as fun as possible. You never know if you’re going to be sobbing uncontrollably or headbanging when you’re at a Real Friends show and I think that’s what makes the experience so beautiful.  

An extra special part of Real Friends’ live shows is when Muraro joins the crowd for “I’ve Given Up On You.” The singer hopped in the middle of the large sea of people to deliver an exceptionally emotional performance of the band’s most popular track. I’ve been lucky enough to find myself up close for this part twice now and each time has brought a wave of intensity that’s hard to describe. The raw emotion from the fans as they sing along with Muraro is what makes this moment integral to Real Friends’ sets. It’s heartwarming and a privilege to witness attendees connect with strangers over their shared love for this song and the band themselves. 

“Me First” followed right after, once again showcasing some serious musical whiplash. They ended their set with “Tell Me You’re Sorry” and urged the crowd to go as crazy as possible for this last song. Real Friends took over Brooklyn Paramount from the second the lights dimmed at 7:45pm until they stepped off stage 30 minutes later. 

I can confidently say that this band gets better every time I see them, each show outperforming the last. Whether as a support act or the headliner, Real Friends are a phenomenal band that I will always grab a ticket to see whenever they tour near me. While they currently have no upcoming shows for the rest of 2026 just yet, I am eager for the next time I find myself in a room full of people screaming “It’s been a lonely year” at the top of my lungs.

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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The Happy Fits says CELLO to Irving Plaza, NYC | Photos & Review | Throwback Thursday

February 5, 2026 Leave a comment

A night of top-tier indie-rock tunes, locked in fans from the front to the back of the house, a surprise marriage proposal, and to top it all off: The most badass electric cello performance ever known to humankind. No one does it quite like The Happy Fits.

The high-energy band returned to New York City on December 10, 2025, at Irving Plaza in support of their stellar fourth studio album, Lovesick, released in September.

Originally set to play at the Brooklyn Paramount days later, the band announced weeks in advance that their New York date was rescheduled and would take place at a different venue. Although this Wednesday evening was met with some dreary weather, concerns about nasty rain and mid-week haze were left at the door, as it began with not one, but two standout support performances.
NYC-based band Double Standard opened the night, setting the tone for an evening of incredible indie vibes and powerful female vocalists taking the stage. Everything from their confident presence, comfort in front of an audience, and overall style had me hooked from the first note of their opening song, “nvr c u again,” through “Crush.”

The five-piece project toured in support of their self-titled debut EP, Double Standard, released earlier in the summer. Performing seven of the eight songs on their project, Double Standard’s set provided the perfect introduction of the band to a largely new audience, and had me sharing their music with friends before they even left the stage.

The second act of the night was the vibrant indie rock band Pom Pom Squad, hailing from Brooklyn, NYC. Performing songs from their latest third studio album, Mirror Starts Moving Without Me (2024), I loved the sweet-but-don’t-cross-me sort of vibes from the whole band, and the enchanting vocals from frontwoman Mia Berrin.

The only bummer of their set was that Berrin spent a majority of the time in dark lighting… Her outfit was gorgeous, and she had such a graceful presence… I wish the audience could see better from the back. However, this was changed throughout the set, and when they broke out the pom poms, they had a moment to (literally) shine!

After a couple of hours of anticipation and plenty of great tunes to set the mood, it was finally time for The Happy Fits to take the stage.

The four-piece put on a performance nothing short of exceptional, yet again beating expectations with their incredible stage presence and electric personalities.

The main character of the night is certainly the electric cello (well, the person playing the cello is included, of course). Vocalist and cellist Calvin Langman plays like no other, spotlighting an otherwise classical instrument in a new, indie-rock environment. This has always been and remains just one of the ways The Happy Fits are so unique – that, and their unmatched raw talent and energy, of course.

The setlist included just under half of the Lovesick album, opening with powerful singles “Cruel Power” and “Everything You Do.” Also from the latest album, The Happy Fits showcased “The Nerve,” “Shake Me,” “Black Hole,” “Do You See Me?,” and “I Could Stare at You for Hours” after a lovely proposal at the back of the house,  thanks to the band’s assistance (she said yes!).

“Lovesick #1 (Misery)” was the one song I was particularly excited to hear live. I wish I could relive the moment I first listened to this track, over and over again, as it’s perhaps my favorite from Lovesick (don’t make me choose, though). This song places a spotlight on Raina Mullen’s impeccably emotional vocals. There is something so magical about her delivery, with all its genuine angst and grace, and she exceeded my expectations early in the set.

I had the pleasure of seeing both newest members, Mullen and Nico Rose, in 2023 at Happy Fest, before they were officially a part of the band. I remember being so excited to hear two fresh female voices paired with songs I’ve known and enjoyed for years, in awe of how these beloved tracks just got better and better. Seeing them again,  years later, now permanent members and with a brand new album at their side, felt so empowering.

While focusing primarily on the new album, The Happy Fits did anything but neglect their earlier work. It was exciting to see some of my favorites, like “Do Your Worst” from Under the Shade of Green (2022) and “She Wants Me (To Be Loved)” from What Could Be Better? (2020), and some of my all-time faves, “Heart of a Dancer” and “Mary” from Concentrate (2018).

The group went even deeper into their discography when performing “Dirty Imbecile” and “Too Late” from their debut EP Awfully Apeelin’ (2016), making for a memorable show closer for longtime fans.

Beyond their own discography, The Happy Fits also did a fun cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit “Go Your Own Way,” perfectly matching the tone of the rest of the set, keeping up with their energy and performing the song as if it were their own!

If you’re in the mood for an uplifting night of positive vibes, a stacked setlist, and incredible indie-rock tunes, The Happy Fits show is the one for you. Bring a group of friends, come in a duo, or find a friend or two in the crowd– You’re bound to run into a smiling face waiting to scream lyrics beside you.

If you’ve missed out on this tour, it’s not too late! The Happy Fits will embark on the second leg of their U.S. Lovesick tour in spring 2026! Tickets and more information are available on their official website, here.

The Happy Fits’ Irving Plaza, New York, NY, 12/10/25 Setlist:

  1. Cruel Power
  2. Everything You Do 
  3. She Wants Me (To Be Loved)
  4. Moving
  5. Lovesick #1 (Misery)
  6. Dirty Imbecile
  7. Do Your Worst
  8. The Nerve
  9. Cold Turkey
  10. I Could Stare at You for hours
  11. Shake Me
  12. Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac cover)
  13. Hold Me Down
  14. So Alright, Cool, Whatever
  15. Black Hole
  16. Mary
  17. Do You See Me?
  18. Heart of a Dancer
  19. Too Late

Photos & Review byEmily McCormack

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Winona Fighter commands KEMBA Live’s “ATTENTION” on The Prowler Tour |11/29/25 | Photos & Review

December 23, 2025 Leave a comment

Winona Fighter has spent the last year cementing themselves as punk-rock royalty. From the release of their groundbreaking debut album in February to playing non-stop shows all over the world since, the Nashville-based trio is one of the best and most exciting rising acts to hit the scene in modern years. Frontwoman/multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon, lead guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther channel their own vulnerability, blistering rage and emotional turmoil to resonate with their growing community that they’ve built from the ground up.

When it was first announced that Winona Fighter would be joining Waterparks on The Prowler Tour for select dates in the midwest and west coast, I was devastated. That initial devastation soon turned to scheming with my friends to see if we could make the trip out to the closest date from New York: Columbus, Ohio. Before I knew it, I was spending eight and a half hours in a car to see the trio at KEMBA Live on November 29th. 

The second Winona Fighter stepped on stage, it solidified that I had made the right choice in traveling so far from home. Kinnon wasted no time, immediately jumping and running around the stage from the first few notes of “R U FAMOUS.” The band’s live energy is unlike anything I have ever seen. They took full advantage of the short time they had to let everyone know what they’re all about. 

For a lot of Waterparks fans, they had no idea who Winona Fighter were before walking through the doors of KEMBA Live. While I had the time of my life screaming along to every word, it was even more thrilling to watch the people around me fall in love with their music. This is one of the many things I love about showing up to shows early in time for the openers. You seriously never know if you’re going to find your new favorite artist, even if 30 minutes ago you could barely remember who was even on the bill. 

The setlist consisted of the biggest heavy-hitters from My Apologies To The Chef, including “I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE,” “You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers” and “ Wlbrn St Tvrn.” The trio also gave the crowd an incredible cover of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.” I vividly remember being blown away by their performance of the song at their New Jersey headliner earlier this year and it was exciting to see others having a similar first-time reaction. 

While the response to the band was generally positive, it shocked me a bit that we had made it almost entirely through their set with no mosh pits. This quickly changed once Kinnon offered the crowd some motivation, exclaiming that they had a job to do and Waterparks would be very unhappy with them if there continued to be no moshing. They closed out their set with “HAMMS IN A GLASS” and the mosh pit that raged on from the center was almost enough to make up for the other seven songs. 

My apologies to anyone who still has yet to see Winona Fighter live. If driving eight and a half hours just to see them again doesn’t prove how good they are, I don’t know what will. Their shows, whether supporting or headlining, are some of the most vibrant and energetic spaces I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in. This year was only the beginning for Winona Fighter and I am stoked to see where 2026 takes them next. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Grandson brings the revolution to Brooklyn on the INERTIA headlining tour at Warsaw, NYC | 11/07/25 | Photos & Review

November 21, 2025 Leave a comment

New Jersey punk rap duo HO99O9 opened the night, bringing intense, hardcore vibes to the stage. The self-identified “Death Kult Mutant Freax” are currently supporting their third album, Tomorrow We Escape. I found myself stuck in the “stank face” for their entire set, impressed with their sick vocals and blend of metal, electronic, and rock. This performance was my first impression of the band, and they quickly made a fan out of me. 

Just a few minutes before grandson’s performance, actor and comedian Walter Masterson made a surprise appearance for a quick comedy routine about recent local politics, highlighting the controversy over the NYC mayoral election earlier in the week. While HO99OR set the mood for the music, Masterson set the tone for the political motivation. 

Canadian rockstar, activist, and overall badass grandson brought his headlining tour to Brooklyn in November, marking his return to New York City as an independent artist for the first time. Supporting his third studio album, INERTIA, the “Blood // Water” singer delivered an electric performance showcasing his dynamic discography and bringing his signature activism-meets-music energy to a crowd prepared to shout by his side. 

Even in my pre-show setlist snooping (Yes, I’m one of those people), I didn’t realize that grandson would bless fans with a performance of INERTIA in its entirety! This went undetected as he intertwined his previous work between his newer songs, creating a perfect blend for longtime “grandkids” and newcomers alike. 

The first time I listened to the new album, I had my pick for the opening song of his tour… I was over the moon to find out that I had manifested the absolute banger that is “AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY ROBOT” as the first song of the night (if this didn’t set the tone for the rest of the night, I don’t know what would). This track had fans screaming at the top of their lungs for song after song; it was only fitting that he kicked things off with a bang!

I particularly enjoyed the back-to-back songs I call the “!!!” portion of the set, performing “Oh no!!!” and “We Did It!!!” one after another, tying his final modern tragedy ep in with his debut album, Death of an Optimist (2020). He also pulled from his most powerful earlier tunes, incorporating a sick back-to-back-to-back performance of “Darkside,” “Overdose,” and “6:00” just after “Stigmata,” a lineup so legendary that it would send long-time fans into a head-banging frenzy. 

Performing the entirety of INERTIA, grandson naturally played all my album favorites (and everyone else’s, of course), nailing the heightened energy for tracks like “YOU MADE ME THIS WAY” and “PULL THE TRIGGER” that I envisioned while bopping my head to the songs on my way to the show. While I love the album front to back, the live show gave me a whole new appreciation for one track in particular… 

Since the initial announcement of the headlining shows, the INERTIA tour underwent a lineup change. English punk rap duo Bob Vylan were originally set to open the night, but had their visas revoked by the U.S. after political statements made at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival about the IDF. The irony was not lost on fans, who not only share similar political ideologies but also value civil participation in government and continue to stand up for what they believe in.

Grandson played a chilling recording of Bob Vylan’s frontman, which played during “WHO’S THE ENEMY?,” a song they feature on, explaining the reason behind their absence in America. Ironically, they can’t cross the pond to perform on a song about taking a knee in the face of injustice. Grandson took a step back from the spotlight and let Bobby Vylan’s moving words take center stage:

“Our access to the country has been restricted, and our visas have been revoked […] all because we dare to speak up for the people of Palestine. And we urge each and every single person that is in the audience tonight to do the same thing. Let your government know that you do not stand by their actions…”

The room felt heavy, the room felt upset… and if nothing else would encourage a crowd of people to take action, I don’t know what would. 

Following the latest trend in tour setlists, the 17th song of the night switches from date to date, something similar to the “8-ball” song concept. grandson shared that his chosen song for Brooklyn would be for the longtime fans, surprising the audience with his single “Fallin (Temptation)” from his 2019 a modern tragedy vol. 2. In my mind, it feels like just yesterday that grandson announced that EP, so I may or may not have lost my marbles at this one (just kidding, they’re gone). 

Amid all the headbanging and mosh pits, the most memorable moment of the night was the slower side. I held back tears throughout the entire set, but the one song that I knew would break me finally did: For just one song, grandson sang on an acoustic guitar with just a spotlight, bringing to the stage his beautifully heart-wrenching song, “Heather.” It brought me back to the first time I heard the I Love You, I’m Trying (2023) track, staring at the lyrics in awe. Dedicated to a fan who took her own life, this is grandson’s letter to her and a message to his fan base: no matter how tough times get, you will always have a friend in him and his music, showing his deep appreciation for everyone in the audience, or anyone who’s ever played a track of his in their headphones. 

“This is dedicated / If you put me on your playlist / If you showed up to the stages / If I never get to say this / I’m proud of you”

The set ended with the songs that started it all: “Blood // Water.” This iconic 2018 single is what put grandson on so many fans’ radars ( it was certainly what hooked me on his music when I first heard it that same year). Also from a modern tragedy vol. 1, the night ended with the high-powered song “Stick Up,” as fans pushed their last bit of energy into one final mosh pit. I stood next to a couple who screamed the lyrics at one another with such passion, losing one another briefly to the circle pit… I couldn’t help but look at them and smile. Everyone was so alive!

If one thing’s for sure, this was a packed room filled with like-minded people – In politics, in music, in walks of life. Sometimes it’s relieving to be in a space with others and leave your worries at the door. 

In over a decade of attending concerts, I cannot say that there is a single artist who evokes more emotion in me than grandson does. He is not only a compelling and talented singer and musician, but also a genuine human being who stands up for what he believes in and gives others the strength to persevere, even in the toughest times. 

Like many others, his music has been by my side through the best times and the worst times as I graduated from high school, lived through the pandemic, and navigate adulthood. I am forever grateful for his fanbase, who are always willing to make new friends in line at the venue, or leave a positive comment on social media, and to grandson for keeping the revolution alive and kicking.

Grandson’s Warsaw, Brooklyn, NY, 11/07/25 Setlist:

  1. AUTONOMOUS DELIVER ROBOT
  2. BURY YOU
  3. We Did It!!!
  4. Oh No!!!
  5. BELLS OF WAR
  6. Stigmata
  7. GOD IS AN ANIMAL
  8. PULL THE TRIGGER
  9. Darkside
  10. Overdose
  11. 6:00
  12. LITTLE WHITE LIES
  13. SELF IMMOLATION
  14. Masters of War (Bob Dylan cover)
  15. BRAINROT
  16. WHO’S THE ENEMY
  17. Fallin (Temptation)
  18. Heather
  19. Drones
  20. YOU MADE ME THIS WAY
  21. Blood // Water

Photos & Review by Emily McCormack

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As It Is makes their triumphant return to New Jersey’s House of Independents |11/9/25 | Photos & Review

November 20, 2025 Leave a comment

For those of us who felt an As It Is-shaped hole in the scene when they announced their hiatus last year, we have never been more back. The British-American pop-punkers are currently on the road for their first United States headliner in over six years to commemorate their return and the 10th anniversary of their debut album Never Happy Ever After. On November 9th, I had the awesome opportunity to catch the band at House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey for a very special show (that also happened to be on my birthday!).

Cherie Amour was the first band of the night and one that I have been dying to see live for a few years now. The energy during their set was absolutely electric. From frontman Trey Miller’s vibrant stage presence to their infectious songs, there wasn’t a soul in that venue who wasn’t moving whether they knew the band or not. 

 

 Bearings took the stage next fresh off the release of their most recent full-length album Comfort Company, which released two days prior. The Ottawa-based group delivered a high-energy set that was a fun mix of older fan favorites and tracks from the new record. I love catching these guys live and it was exciting to hear some of the newer songs, especially “Water Your Flowers” and “Float Away.” 

 

If I was to sit here and say I didn’t tear up a little bit once As It Is got onstage and opened with “Speak Soft,” I’d be the biggest liar. I’ve been listening to the band since 2017, but had never gotten to catch them live until now. They absolutely exploded with energy once their set began and you could tell just how much the crowd and the band had been anticipating this moment. 

The first half of their set was a full play through of Never Happy Ever After. “Dial Tones,” “Sorry” and “Cheap Shots and Setbacks” were some clear standouts of the night. It was awesome to watch everyone come together to celebrate a 10 year old album like it had been released yesterday. 

The second half of their set compiled songs from the rest of their discography, including their emotional new single “Lose Yourself & Find Your Way.” Before they played this one, frontman Patty Walters confirmed that new music was being worked on and the band’s fifth album would be released sometime next year. 

I was most excited to hear tracks from their 2017 album “okay.” and I think somehow the band sensed that. After “Patchwork Love,” Walters announced to the crowd that they were about to play a song that they haven’t yet on the tour and one that they thought “New Jersey would go crazy for.” I, in fact, went crazy because the song in question was “Hey Rachel,” which is my all-time favorite of theirs. It was so fun and special to hear this song live and I can confirm that New Jersey also went crazy for it too. 

The night ended with “The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry)” and you could feel everyone in the room trying to hold onto the moment for as long as they could. This show was extra special for so many reasons. Not only was it a successful return back to the east coast for As It Is, but it was a full on celebration of their art and the community they’ve built surrounding it. Not to mention spending your 22nd birthday photographing one of your favorite bands since your teenage years is pretty cool, too. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Cage The Elephant’s electric performance at Night One at the Capitol Theatre, NY | 10/28/25 | Photos & Review

November 19, 2025 Leave a comment

The last time alternative-indie rockstars Cage The Elephant performed in the New York/New Jersey area on the band’s 2024 “Neon Pill” headlining tour, frontman and broken boy himself Matt Shultz, unfortunately, performed with a broken foot for the majority of the tour. Nonetheless, he did nothing short of putting on an epic performance, but it was now time for NY/NJ to see Shultz at his fullest potential. 

On this night, we quickly learned that his “fullest potential” was non-stop energy and enthusiasm, all while his top-tier, studio-sounding vocals bounced throughout the venue. This was not only true for Shultz, but for the powerful musicians behind him in bassist Daniel Tichenor, guitarist Nick Bockrath, drummer Jared Champion, keyboardist Matthan Minster, and, of course, Matt Shultz’s brother and partner in crime, Brad Shultz, on guitar.

Cage The Elephant kicked off the incredible night with a badass opener, “Broken Boy,” which is not only one of my favorite songs from Social Cues (2019) but is an unforgettable, fun tone-setter for the entire performance.

One of the best aspects of their set was how they incorporated songs throughout their impressive two-decade discography, with tracks as early as “Back Against The Wall” and “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” from their debut self-titled album (2006), and “Sabertooth Tiger” and “Shake Me Down” from Thank You, Happy Birthday (2011), and as recent as “Ready To Let Go” and “House of Glass” from Social Cues (2019) and “Good Time,” “Skin and Bones” and the title track from Neon Pill (2024).

I was pleased to see that even after all these years, Cage never neglects their fan favorites, continuing to perform standout hits like “Come A Little Closer,” “Cry Baby,” “Spiderhead,” and “Cigarette Daydreams,” which got an impromptu “Sweet Home Alabama” introduction.

A personal highlight of the set was their performance of “Cold Cold Cold,” a song that is not only my favorite Cage The Elephant track, but easily my favorite song of all time (and I listen to a lot of music, so this is saying something). I am glad that this song has made its mark on their setlist, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing it live before… It makes me tear up nearly every time. There is something in this song that I live and breathe for, and for that, I am ever so appreciative.

The only bummer? The band did not perform some of their staple songs like “In One Ear” (which New Jersey luckily did hear in 2024), and the most devastating was the loss of their show closer, “Teeth.” I really came to appreciate the song after hearing it close the set a few years back, but the other 21 outstanding songs certainly made up for this loss!

The most important takeaway: Cage The Elephant is the real deal. From starting note to final encore, the boys from Kentucky performed an outstanding, dynamic set, ranging from their earlier songs to their latest singles, and everything in between. Their energy radiated from the stage to the back of the venue, with newer fans, seasoned fans, and boyfriends dragged to the show alike, enjoying the songs Cage brought to the Capitol Theatre.

Before Cage’s performance, emerging indie duo hey, nothing took the stage. Composed of Atlanta-based musicians Tyler Mabry and Harlow Phillips, the charismatic best friend duo was nothing short of a breath of fresh air, bringing innovative emo-meets-folk tunes to the stage and true personality to a brand-new audience. I felt like being let into a fun friend group through their witty banter, and it was easy to tell how all the members were comfortable sharing the space. 

The band showcased their personalities through and through, moving around on stage with smiles and hilariously introducing their next songs. One of my favorite intros for their song “Waiting Room,” where Harlow shared that the track is about “the time they took away Tyler’s appendix because he’s too damn sexy.” (To which the crowd promptly gave them a “woo!”). 

Hey, nothing performed a memorable, dynamic set, everything from the more upbeat tracks like “Sick Dogs,” “The Sink,” and “Hitchhiking” to the slower side in “Maine,” and their latest standout single, “Seeing You.”

Cage The Elephant’s The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY 10/28/25 Setlist:

  1. Broken Boy
  2. Cry Baby
  3. Spiderhead
  4. Too Late To Say Goodbye
  5. Good Time
  6. Cold Cold Cold
  7. Ready To Let Go
  8. Neon Pill
  9. Social Cues
  10. Halo
  11. Mess Around 
  12. Trouble
  13. Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked
  14. Skin and Bones
  15. Telescope
  16. House of Glass
  17. Sabertooth Tiger
  18. Back Against The Wall
  19. Shake Me Down
  20. Cigarette Daydreams
  21. Come A Little Closer

Photos & Review by Emily McCormack

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