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

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

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

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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The Plot In You Sell Out Anaheim On their North American Tour | 2-22-25 | Feat. Holding Absence, Boundaries, & Acres | Photos + Review

For the past nine years, The Plot In You has been a steadfast band in my journey as a photographer. I still vividly remember the electrifying night July of 2016 when I captured them performing at the legendary Chain Reaction. It was one of my first experiences shooting in manual mode, armed with my dad’s then-new Canon Rebel T5 camera. Each time I see and photograph The Plot In You, I’m transported back to that moment, a powerful blend of excitement and nostalgia. Their evolution over the years mirrors my own growth in photography, making every encounter with them feel even more special. On their recent North American Tour, The Plot In You assembled an impressive lineup featuring Holding Absence, Boundaries, and Acres, creating a captivating and heavy-hitting experience right from the start. The energy in the venue was palpable, with the crowd immersed in the raw power of the performances. From the first note to the final encore, the show was nothing short of extraordinary. I can hardly wait to share all the unforgettable moments from this incredible night with you.

Acres, the electrifying band from Portsmouth, England, took to the stage with an explosive energy that set the tone for the night. They kicked off their performance with “A Different Shade of Misery,” a groove-heavy metalcore anthem where the intricate riffing of guitarists Ash Scott and Alex Freeman was nothing short of mesmerizing. The crowd vibed to the powerful rhythms that reverberated through the venue, showcasing their undeniable talent. The second song, “Lost,” shifted gears, revealing a raw post-hardcore intensity. With his commanding presence, lead vocalist Ben Lumber poured his heart into every note, effortlessly blending melodic singing with savage screams that pierced through the music, leaving the audience in awe of his vocal prowess. Next came “Into Flames,” a track bursting with fiery passion and infectious pop-punk energy. Drummer Parker Adsit provided an exhilarating backdrop with his punchy, dynamic rhythms, amplifying the song’s intensity and leaving listeners craving more. Throughout their set, Acres showcased a total of six tracks, including their latest offering, “Bloodlust.” This innovative electronic metalcore piece was a thrilling exploration of new sounds, expertly blurring the lines between genres and highlighting the band’s creative evolution. Excitement filled the air as they announced their upcoming album, “The Host,” set to drop in May. I can’t wait to experience the full spectrum of their artistry when the remaining tracks are unveiled. Acres is undeniably exceptional, and if they continue on this path, I foresee their popularity soaring to new heights.

SETLIST

  1. A Different Shade of Misery
  2. Lost
  3. Into Flames
  4. Nothing.
  5. Bloodlust
  6. Leave You To Rot

Next to the stage, Boundaries, hailing from Hartford, CT, transformed the area into a whirlwind of emotion and sound with their explosive opener, “Turning Hate Into Rage.” Their fusion of melodic hardcore and metalcore was not just heard; it was felt deep within every fiber of your being. The moment the piercing guitar tones from the incredible duo of Cody DelVecchio and Cory Emond erupted, I was completely captivated, swept up in the sheer force of their artistry. The band’s energy was off the charts as they leaped around the stage, creating an electric atmosphere that was impossible to ignore. Vocalist Matthew McDougal commanded the crowd with a magnetic and intense authority. His screams propelled the music forward, infusing it with an urgency that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. When they launched into their second track, “My Body Is A Cage,” the dynamic shifted to a heavier, doom-laden metalcore sound. The rapid, syncopated beats from drummer Tim Sullivan felt like a relentless heartbeat, driving the intensity even further. Their third song, “Darkness Shared,” immersed us deeper into a haunting metalcore realm, allowing bassist Nathan Calcagno’s deep grooves to resonate powerfully within the venue. His bass lines not only anchored the music but also intertwined beautifully with his clean vocals, creating a compelling contrast that enriched the overall experience. In total, Boundaries unleashed nine tracks during their set, delivering the most intense performance of the night. They skillfully balanced mesmerizing melodic moments with overwhelming bursts of heaviness, leaving the audience in awe. After eagerly anticipating the chance to experience and capture their electrifying energy, I can confidently say they surpassed all my expectations. I can hardly contain my excitement at the thought of immortalizing their vivid and aggressive spirit through my photography again in the future.

SETLIST

  1. Turning Hate Into Rage
  2. My Body Is A Cage
  3. Darkness Divided
  4. Is Survived By
  5. Cursed to Remember
  6. I’d Rather Not Say
  7. A Pale Light Lingers
  8. Inhale The Grief
  9. Easily Erased

Up next on stage was the incredible band Holding Absence, straight out of Cardiff, Wales. This was my third electrifying encounter with the band, the last being in August 2022 when they opened for Silverstein and The Amity Affliction. They kicked off their set with the powerful track “Aching Longing,” immediately immersing the audience in the intense side of their mesmerizing post-hardcore sound. Vocalist Lucas Woodland captivated everyone with a performance that radiated passion and strength, his powerful voice echoing throughout the venue. Guitarist Scott Carey intensified the experience with his dynamic backing screams, and as they transitioned into “Gravity,” the thunderous drumming from touring drummer Scott Waters created a pulse that resonated with every heart in the room. Their third song, “Like A Shadow,” illustrated the band’s unique modern twist on emo, seamlessly blending elements of post-hardcore, alternative rock, and pop-punk. The infectious energy surged as bassist Benjamin Elliott laid down deep grooves that propelled the entire performance. With a riveting set of eight songs, the band set the crowd ablaze with excitement, inspiring crowdsurfers to joyfully leap over the barricade. One of the most memorable moments for me was hearing “Afterlife” again; it remains one of my all-time favorites. Holding Absence is an unmissable spectacle that leaves you craving more. Trust me, you don’t want to miss the chance to see them live—you will be utterly captivated!

SETLIST

  1. Aching Longing
  2. Gravity
  3. Like A Shadow
  4. Her Wings
  5. Nomoreroses
  6. A Crooked Melody
  7. Afterlife
  8. The Angel In The Marble

The Plot In You from Hancock County, OH took the stage by storm, bursting onto the scene with a dazzling display of confetti and their powerful opener, “Don’t Look Away.” Vocalist Landon Tewers delivered bone-rattling vocals that perfectly propelled this groove-heavy metalcore track. The energy only intensified with the follow-up, “Divide,” in which guitarist Josh Lewis Childress unleashed deep, resonant riffs, while bassist Ethan Yoder added a layer of syncopated bass that truly drives the song forward. Tewers showcased his remarkable versatility, effortlessly transitioning between haunting screams and smooth singing, creating a captivating listening experience. As the set continued, “Pretend” highlighted the band’s melodic prowess, introducing a pop-metal flair that was impossible to resist. Drummer Michael Cooper brought a crisp and vibrant energy to the percussion, elevating the track with his impeccable style. With a stunning production featuring elaborate lighting, The Plot In You prepared a monumental 15-song setlist, celebrating their journey from classics like 2015’s “Happiness In Self Destruction” to fresh cuts from their upcoming 2024 “Vol. 3 EP.” Hearing hits like “Feel Nothing” and “Forgotten” was truly a thrill, underscoring the band’s remarkable evolution over the years. Witnessing them sell out Anaheim once again felt like a triumphant homecoming. This tour was an unforgettable experience, especially with the incredible support from Holding Absence, Boundaries, and Acres. Don’t miss the chance to catch this powerful lineup; it was nothing short of spectacular!

SETLIST

  1. Don’t Look Away
  2. Divide
  3. Pretend
  4. Paradigm
  5. THE ONE YOU LOVED
  6. NOT JUST BREATHING
  7. Face Me
  8. Been Here Before
  9. Forgotten
  10. Spare Me
  11. All That I Can Give
  12. Closure
  13. Time Changes Everything
  14. Left Behind
  15. FEEL NOTHING (ENCORE)

The Plot In You | Holding Absence | Boundaries | Acres

Photos + Review courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | X

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Spending Halloween night with Buc-ee… I mean Polaris

October 31st, 2024

Polaris’ The Fatalism Tour plowed through town on Halloween night, at the amazing Echo Lounge & Music Hall. Can you say they delivered with an amazing set? You bet your sweet Halloween candy they did. In true Texas fashion, they came to the stage wearing Buc-ee the Beaver onesies, form the world famous store Buc-ees. From that point forward it was on!!

        They opened with their first song from there new album Fatalism entitled, Harbinger. Starting with a smooth intro and onto a face punching riff to get this Dallas crowd going. Making the mosh pits go hard and the crows jump go harder. It didn’t stop there, next they played Nightmare, and from there the energy went sky high and blew the roof right off. Jamie Hails vocal energy that had the fans literally stretching passed the barricade screaming and singing the lyrics with him.

        After they played their fourth song of the set they took a little breather. Asking if the crowd wants more, they happily obliged and dug deep too their 2017 debut album The Mortal Coil, with the first song off that album, called Lucid. It was just pure energy from the back to the front, including the second level of the venue. You can feel the passion as Polaris performs.

        Two more songs in Polaris dedicated their next song Martyr to the memory of there guitarist Ryan Slew. He passed away June 19, 2023, the crowd clapped and cheered loud with the load roar of chants of Ryan’s name. Emotions took over and they delivered a powerful performance.

        Filled with emotion and passion they played song after song, but they weren’t done yet! Beginning the close out, with the first encore song being Pray for Rain, from their album The Death of Me. Crowd surfers flying over a fast paced mosh pit, fans head banging and singing along with the band that it was like they were just getting started all over again. However, they were not leaving Dallas without giving it the last blow from down under with the song The Remedy. WOOO!!!!! It’s all I can say cause holy hell this band was giving it all and left it all on that stage. Freaking amazing way to close out Halloween night in Dallas Texas.

Coverage courtesy of Angel Castillo

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50 Cent’s The Final Lap Tour Brings the Heat to St. Louis.

If you thought St Louis couldn’t get any hotter, you weren’t at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Tuesday night, July 25th. G-Unit headliner 50 Cent lit up the stage with support from Busta Rhymes and Jeremih. The Final Lap Global Tour is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin”, and is plugged as his last tour ever.

Opening the show was Jeremih, whose short set kicked off with his hit, Planez, brought to life by his backup dancer taking the role of flight attendant.

The set was followed by Busta Rhymes, with longtime hype man Spliff Starr, covering classics like Ante Up and Break Ya Neck, as well as covers, including a cover of Don’t Cha by The Pussycat Dolls.

50 seemed to be having a great time as he played some of his biggest hits from his earlier years for the packed partying audience, including Candy Shop, Magic Stick, In Da Club, and P.I.M.P.

The Final Lap Tour continues through North America through September, then takes to Europe, beginning in Amsterdam September 28th. Below are upcoming tour dates:

Coverage courtesy of Elizabeth Rajchart

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Volumes with special guests Varials, UnityTX, and Kingsmen | Fall US Tour | 11/20/21 | Photos + Review

Volumes Sell Out Their Hometown Show To Close Out Their Fall Tour

Chain Reaction in Anaheim, CA on 11/20/21

Volumes have been a band I have enjoyed for quite some time. Their progressive metalcore sound that verges on deathcore brings in a lot of fans that go absolutely nuts to their music. For their return to the stage, they embarked on a month-long headlining US Tour in support of their new album “Happier?” in 2021 via Fearless Records. They brought along a solid lineup of bands that are quite different in sound but who each bring the energy to the stage, those being Varials, UnityTX, and Kingsmen. This night was a lot of fun and brought a lot of high energy and vibes. 

First up to the stage were Kingsmen from Providence, Rhode Island. Unfortunately, some issues getting in as a photographer prevented me from seeing or photographing a majority of their set. However, I was able to get in and photograph the last song and a half of the set, which I utilized each second of. The band is good ole metalcore, with music in the same vein as bands like Killswitch Engage, Miss May I, and many more. I was very much looking forward to seeing Kingsmen and seeing their 5-song set, most of which came from their 2020 record “Revenge. Forgiveness. Recovery.”, which was released via SharpTone Records. The one song I did get to see and photograph was a cover of Metallica’s “Sad But True,” which they did exceptionally well. The vocalist Tanner was on point with his’ vocals, guitarists Nick and Tim did incredibly on those guitar parts, Adam held it down strong on those bass lines, and drummer Mike slammed those drum parts. I’m sad I could only see and photograph one song, but the band killed it on that cover. I cannot wait to see and photograph them for a longer period of time next time they come out to the west coast. 

SETLIST

  1. Tipping The Scales
  2. Nightmares
  3. Until I Departed
  4. Oppressor
  5. Sad But True (Metallica Cover)

Up next were the Dallas, Texas boys in UnityTX. This band is the perfect blend of metalcore, hardcore, and rap. The band played songs from their two EPs, “Madboy” and “Hellway,” released on Pure Noise Records. Their crowds went wild and even got so violent to the point where multiple crowd members were dragged out of the venue for fighting. Their music goes HARD. What’s unique is the diverse stylings the band has. With vocalist Shaolin at the forefront, the band incorporates many hip hop and rap elements. The band weaved some full-on rap songs into their set, showcasing Shaolin’s stage prowess and rap ability. The instrumentals in the band’s set should definitely be praised as well. Those basslines from Alberto are beefy and heavy. They add a deep groove to the songs that are very much needed. Then you have the guitar tones from Ricky that add a deep emphasis on those breakdowns and get the crowd going wild with those guitar chugs. Closing out the band’s lineup is Jonathan on drums, who slammed the hell out of those drums with precision. The band absolutely blew me away and proved why they are getting as far as they are. I cannot wait to see and photograph them again next time they come to Southern California. 

SETLIST

  1. Agony
  2. Ruckus
  3. Cross Me
  4. 60 Seconds (Wait)
  5. Bang Shit
  6. Hail Mary
  7. Walk With Me

Up next was Varials from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I’d best describe their sound as the perfect trifecta of metalcore, hardcore, and deathcore, with some minor nu-metal influences as well. This was my second time seeing and photographing the band, with the first time being back in May of 2019 when they toured in support of Sylar and Cane Hill at this same venue. Since then, the band has gone through some lineup changes, the most notable being the shift of vocalist to Mitchell. Mitchell was previously on guitar and absolutely killed it on his new position in the band. He screams and sings those parts with power and emotion. Mike is still slaying it on bass, adding some serious grit to the rhythm section. James added some grooves to the rhythm section on the guitar, which adds a lot to the band’s sound. The band brought out two touring members to finalize their live set for this tour. Kendrick is in the band BeGotten and played lead guitar on this tour, absolutely slaying those leads while also having incredibly high energy on stage that included two-stepping, windmills, and lots of headbangs. Kevin finalized the band’s lineup on drums, absolutely murdering that kit on stage. They played a 10-song set, playing songs from both of their albums, “In Darkness” and “Pain Again,” along with a couple of songs from their E.P. “Failure//Control.” I always enjoy seeing and photographing these guys and hope to do so again when they come out with All That Remains, Miss May I, and Tallah in Spring of 2022!

SETLIST

  1. Romance
  2. Empire of Dirt
  3. I Suffocate
  4. In Darkness
  5. South of One
  6. E.D.A.
  7. Stigmata
  8. Savage
  9. Anything To Numb
  10. The New Damnation

Volumes from Los Angeles, CA, came to the stage next. For the tour’s final date, the Southern California native band came back home to party it up. The band played a great mixture of songs to please old fans and new fans alike. Their progressive metalcore sound that borderlines on deathcore has garnered various fans. Vocalists Myke and Michael do a great job going back and forth on vocals, creating a jab punch in songs like “The Mixture” and “F.X.B.,” and creating incredible dynamics between cleans and screaming on songs like “Bend.” Bassist Raad adds those deep grooves that are ever-present throughout the band’s whole discography. Drummer Nick slams those drums with intricate patterns that create the bassline for the instrumentals to flow effortlessly. Finalizing the band’s live lineup is Mikhael on guitar, who plays those complex guitar parts flawlessly. The band really had a lot to offer in this set. They had the crowd going wild with a dynamic lighting setup to a whopping 17-song set that incorporated songs from their entire discography. Out of all the shows I covered in 2022, this was by far the rowdiest crowd I had the honor of being a part of. Volumes know how to bring the party, and they did not disappoint this time around.

SETLIST

  1. Intro
  2. F.B.X.
  3. The Mixture
  4. Holywater
  5. 91367
  6. Pixelate
  7. Get Enough
  8. Weighted
  9. Bend
  10. Serenity
  11. The Columbian Faction
  12. Edge Of The Earth
  13. Erased
  14. Pieces
  15. Intake
  16. Wormholes

Encore

17. Feels Good

Volumes truly brought it on this final night of their month-long trek on the road. With bands like Varials, UnityTX, and Kingsmen, they truly brought along with them a diverse group of bands that created a dynamic night of music. I’m still sad I couldn’t see and photograph more of Kingsmen’s set, but that will definitely happen next time. 

Volumes | Varials | UnityTX | Kingsmen

Photos + Review courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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State Champs w/ Four Year Strong, Real Friends, Just Friends, and Bearings | Pure Noise Records Tour 2021 | Photos + Review

State Champs and co. Slay The Belasco on the Pure Noise Records Tour

Date: 10-6-21

Venue – The Belasco in Los Angeles, CA

I’ve taken in music like a sponge for as long as I could remember going to shows. Being so open-minded musically, I listen to everything from classical to death metal. However, as a photographer, I’ve photographed a ton more metal than I have other genres. Since shows have come back post lockdown, I really wanted to broaden my horizons and photograph and see bands that have always been on my bucket list. State Champs was one of those bands for me. They have always been on my radar with catchy, high energy, and derived from classic pop-punk. But when running a publication, I have to pick and choose my shows and have typically gone for the heavier metal tours over pop-punk as I know others on the team will cover it instead. With the announcement of the Pure Noise Records Tour, I knew this was finally my chance to see and photograph State Champs, but to once again see Four Year Strong, along with other bands I’ve wanted to see and photograph for years and years, like Real Friends, Just Friends, and Bearings. This showcase of bands from the Pure Noise Records lineup was excellent!

First up was Bearings from Ottawa, Canada. The quintet can be best described as the perfect blend between pop-punk and alternative. They opened up the set with “Better Off Yesterday,” which acts as somewhat of a title track off their newest album, “Hello, It’s You,” released in 2020 via Pure Noise Records. Off the bat, vocalist Dougie Cousins took command of that stage, belting out those words in tune with the major key. A staple element to any pop-punk band is that most songs are in major keys, which is a massive change-up compared to the metal I typically see and photograph. I’m all here for a change and branching out here. Guitarist Ryan Culligan acts as a backing vocalist, sometimes singing lead parts and adding harmonies that add the extra touch to the band’s songs. The second song in the set was “Aforementioned” from their 2018 release “Blue In The Dark.” This song definitely incorporates some of their indie and alternative influences, and drummer Mike McKerracher was pounding away at his drum kit with a big smile on his face throughout the whole song. Bassist Collin Hanes and guitarist Ryan Fits were grooving along during the third song, in particular, that being “Over Now,” which once again came from their 2020 release. The band just seems to really enjoy what they’re doing, and with the music they create, and you can’t help but vibe and headbang along with them. Bearings was incredibly endearing and had positively infectious energy throughout their six-song set. I cannot wait to see and photograph them again!

SETLIST

  1. Better Yesterday
  2. Aforementioned
  3. Over Now
  4. Dreams
  5. Eyes Closed
  6. Sway

Up next was Just Friends from Dublin, California. The band is best described as “funk rock,” but to me, they are honestly a melting pot of genres. They have a blend of funk-rock, alternative rock, pop-rap, ska, and a slight emo vibe that I LIVE for. They had some technical difficulties at the start of their set. Still, co-lead vocalist Brianda “Brand” Goyos Leon did a good job entertaining the crowd during the downtime. In fact, she was asking us if we had bought anything cool recently, and I held up my hand sanitizer holder, which is a unicorn cat whose horn lights up when a button is pushed. Well, Brand held it up to the crowd and yells “LOOK HOW COOL THIS IS!!” I started dying laughing, and it’s now kind of an inside joke between us, which I now have looped you all in on too! After the band fixed their technical difficulties, they started the set with their song “I Wanna Love You” from their 2018 album “Nothing But Love,” released in 2018 via Pure Noise Records. I love the vocal dynamics between Sam Kless and Brand throughout their set, with Sam providing the rapping and some singing and Brand providing her bluesy tones that really amp everything up. The next song was the band’s most popular single, “Supersonic.” This song gets the crowd dancing. You can see guitarists Brandon Downum and Matt Yankovich, along with bassist Kevin Prochnow, dancing to choreographed moves to the song while playing their instruments. It’s an absolute bop and a half of a song, so much so that I couldn’t help but stop shooting for a second and dance along with them. The band played a total of five songs, each truly showcasing their talent and range as a group. They were an absolute blast to see and photograph, and I would absolutely love the opportunity to do so again!

SETLIST

  1. I Wanna Love You
  2. Supersonic
  3. Fever
  4. Stupid
  5. Sunflower

Real Friends from Tinley Park, Illinois, was up next. Coming fresh off their new EP “Torn In Two,” released in 2021 via Pure Noise Records, the band set out on this tour as their first tour post-lockdown. This new release for the band was a new chapter in a couple of ways. It was their first release under Pure Noise Records, as they were previously signed to Fearless Records before this. The EP was also their first release with vocalist Cody Muraro. The band opened their set with the song “Nervous Wreck” from this new EP, showcasing their new music right off the bat. Cody is incredibly high energy, constantly jumping, hyping up the crowd, and owning every inch of that stage. The band came prepared for this tour, with a simple yet effective lighting set up behind them, adding a lot of contrast between the darkness and light behind them. Guitarist Dave Knox provided his excellent backing vocals and high energy when not being the mic. The band then moved on to “Me First,” from their last release on Fearless Records released in 2018 titled “Composure.” You could just see how happy the members were to be playing again. Drummer Brian Blake was constantly smiling while playing those fast pop-punk beats. Bassist Kyle Fasel held down the rhythm section with Brian, strumming those deep bass tones that bring the band’s sound to the next level. The band then moved on to the song “I Don’t Love You Anymore,” which came from their 2014 album released via Fearless Records titled “Maybe This Place Is The Same, And We’re Just Changing.” This is where I really honed in on rhythm guitarist Eric Haines, who strummed his parts with precision and seemed ecstatic to be performing again. To finally see these guys after many years of listening to them brought me a ton of excitement. Their pop-punk meets emo sound makes their sound both current and new yet feels like an homage to the music that has come in the scene before their emergence. Their nine-song set did a beautiful job of showcasing songs from each release, including two off the new EP. I cannot wait to see and photograph them the next time they come out here. If this new EP shows a glimmer of what’s to come for the band, there’s no stopping this band!

SETLIST

  1. Nervous Wreck
  2. Me First
  3. I Don’t Love You Anymore
  4. Late Nights In My Car
  5. Storyteller
  6. I’ve Given Up On You
  7. Get By
  8. Mess
  9. From The Outside

Four Year Strong from Worcester, Massachusetts, was up next to the stage as direct support. As one of the pioneers of the easycore genre, Four Year Strong blends Pop Punk with elements of Post Hardcore. Think of it like pop-punk with breakdowns. These guys were by far the heaviest band on this lineup. I previously saw them at the Rockstar Disrupt Fest back in 2019, and they didn’t have much energy on stage that day I saw them. When I tell you these guys blew my expectations out of the water this time around would be an understatement. The band opened their set with the song “Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die” from their 2007 album “Rise or Die Trying,” released via I Surrender Records. The band showcased their insane light show from the gate, something they did not have when performing at the outdoor music festival I last saw them at. The light show the band had with them was fast-paced, just like the band themselves are. Four Year Strong has a unique dynamic, with two co-lead vocalists who both play guitar for the band, Alan Day and Dan O’Connor. This dynamic of their vocals going back and forth add a lot of energy and superb dynamics to their music. The band then moved on to their second song being “Get Out Of My Head,” from their 2020 album “Brain Pain,” released via Pure Noise Records. Brain Pain is by far my favorite album by Four Year Strong, as it truly showcases the perfect blend of the band’s sound. Get Out Of My Head is a more pop-punk heavy song with lots of punchy energy. There’s a deep bass groove heard throughout the song, which is provided by bassist Joe Weiss. Joe is an energetic bassist, constantly moving about and engaging with the audience. They then moved on to their third song, “It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now,” from their 2010 album “Enemy of the World,” released via Universal Motown Records. I honed in on drummer Jake Massucco during this song, and that dude RIPS it on drums. As I said, Four Year Strong’s vocals are incredibly fast-paced, and Jake really keeps up with those fast songs, laying out the foundation needed in this kind of music. I am beyond stoked to have seen Four Year Strong again and am stoked that they blew my expectations out of the water! They absolutely killed it throughout their entire nine-song set, and I cannot wait to see them again next time they come through Southern California!

SETLIST

  1. Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die
  2. Get Out Of My Head
  3. It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now
  4. Learn To Love The Lie
  5. We All Float Down Here
  6. Brain Pain
  7. Go Down In History
  8. Talking Myself In Circles
  9. Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)

Finally, State Champs from Albany, New York, hit the state to absolutely slay the house down! State Champs have been on a steady rise in popularity within the pop-punk and alternative music scenes, starting with their EP “Overslept,” released in 2012 via Pure Noise Records. The band prepared a lengthy sixteen-song set for their headlining set on tour, showcasing songs from each release, starting with “Secrets” from their 2015 album “Around The World And Back.” The band came out the gate with insanely high energy. Vocalist Derek DiScanio had the crowd practically eating out of the palm of his hand the second he came on stage, with crowd surfers galore coming over the barricade throughout my time photographing the set. Like Four Year Strong and Real Friends, the band brought an extensive amount of lighting equipment that made the set feel larger than life and bright as all hell. Guitarist Tyler Szalkowski jumped onto the platform at the start of the set, amping the crowd up. Between the first song, “Secrets,” and the second song, “Crystal Ball,” a fan threw their underwear onto the stage, which landed right in front of bassist Ryan Scott Graham. With a visibly shocked face, Ryan picked up the underwear and put them on his’ mic stand as they proceeded to play “Crystal Ball” from the band’s 2018 album “Living Proof.” This song had bright blue and pink backlighting, which shined bright and vibrant. This is where I saw touring guitarist and backing vocalist Cameron Hurley, who absolutely kills it on stage with the band and meshes right in with their easy-going energy and vibe. The band then went into the song “Frozen,” coming from “Living Proof.” Drummer Evan Ambrosio seemed to be right on par with the rest of the drummers we’ve seen tonight, joyful with lots of smiles and absolutely DOMINATING that stage with his’ beats. The band’s incredibly high energy was evident, and they absolutely did not disappoint. The crowd was heavily engaged, and the band had the most crowdsurfers for any band thus far in the night. During “Frozen,” so many crowd surfers were coming over the barricade that we photographers got kicked out of the photo pit half a song early. I was a bit disappointed, but I got all the shots I needed and got to be up close and personal with a band I’ve wanted to see and photograph for many years at this point. The rest of the set consisted of songs from the band’s releases, a couple of covers, and lots of CO2 cannons shooting out confetti. It was a wild set that I am grateful I was able to witness and capture!

SETLIST

  1. Secrets
  2. Crystal Ball
  3. Frozen
  4. Outta My Head
  5. Mine Is Gold
  6. Easy Enough
  7. Stitches (Shawn Mendes Cover
  8. Chicago Is So Two Years Ago (Fall Out Boy Cover)
  9. Criminal
  10. Just Sound
  11. Remedy
  12. Slow Burn
  13. Losing Myself
  14. Elevated

ENCORE

15. All You Are Is History

16. Dead And Gone

The Pure Noise Records Tour 2021 was an absolute blast. Filled with years of nostalgia and bucket list bands I’ve wanted to see and photograph for quite some time, this made for an exciting evening. Make sure to catch the tour on the east coast during the last few dates if you are nearby!

State Champs | Four Year Strong | Real Friends | Just Friends | Bearings

Photos + Review courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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8/16/21 | Beartooth | The Below Tour | Photos + Review

Beartooth Dominates Anaheim With A Sold Out Show on The Below Tour

Venue: House of Blues Anaheim in Anaheim, CA on 8/16/21

As music fans, we all have bands that we want to see. But then something seems to always come up. Whether it be scheduling issues or another show overlapping, that’s always been my issue when it’s come to seeing or photographing Beartooth. I’ve been listening to their music since their debut in 2013, but this show was my first time actually seeing or photographing them. To say it was amazing would be an understatement, and I was so glad to finally see and photograph Wage War and Dragged Under as well. California hasn’t been getting as many big tours since we reopened live venues post-pandemic. So to have a show of this caliber come through was absolutely amazing.

First up on tour was Dragged Under from Seattle, Washington. I’d best describe Dragged Under’s sound as being that perfect blend of metalcore and hardcore punk. Their sound is right up the same vein as bands like Stick To Your Guns, Beartooth, and Stray From The Path, which are all among some of my favorite bands of all time. The band started off their set with the songs “Instability” and “The Real You”, which really showcased vocalist Anthony Cappocchi’s vocal prowess and control over the stage and crowd. Bassist Hans Hessburg was an animal on stage, headbanging and jumping around the stage like crazy. The band then went on to play their newest single, “Brainwash Broadcast”, which has received critical acclaim and has garnered a lot of views, streams, and radio play on SiriusXM Octane. Ryan “Fluff” Bruce shines on this song with his’ leads and hooks, which translate well live as well. Sean Rosario on rhythm guitar adds that dynamic sound that pushes the band over the edge. Kalan Anderson is the final piece to the puzzle, slamming the hell out of those drums and keeps the beat on time. The band played 7 songs, 6 of which came from their debut album “The World Is In Your Way”. I was thoroughly impressed with their set overall, and I’m glad they could play a good number of songs as the opener. I cannot wait to see these guys shine on a stage again soon!

SETLIST

  1. Instability
  2. The Real You
  3. Brainwash Broadcast
  4. Chelsea
  5. The Hardest Drug
  6. Just Like Me
  7. Hypocondria

Up next was Wage War from Ocala, Florida. Wage War has been a band that has always been on my bucket list and has always been on my radar, but I never got the chance to see. For my first time seeing them, I was blown away. The first thing you will notice about Wage War is how much of a presence lead vocalist Briton Bond has on stage. He absolutely commands that stage and screams the hell out of those words. The band played a great mix of songs, 3 of which came from their 2019 album “Pressure”, 3 from their 2017 album “Deadweight”, 2 from their 2015 album “Blueprints”, their newest single “High Horse”, and an unreleased track “Teeth”, presumably coming from their upcoming fourth album. One of my favorite things about Wage War’s sound is the clean vocals provided by Cody Quistad, who also plays rhythm guitar in the band. Those melodic choruses on songs like “Who I Am”, “Low”, and “Alive” are what really hooked me on Wage War, and I was so happy to hear these songs live. Lead guitarist Seth Blake really adds some unique hooks to the band’s sound. I consistently find myself humming some of those down-tuned guitar hooks from their songs in my head, and they sounded even better live! Adding to those lower tones, Chris Gaylord hits deep with those groovy bass tones that keep those heads banging. Finalizing their lineup is Stephen Kluesener, who adds some dynamic beats and rhythm that really grounds the band. I’m so stoked I was finally able to see Wage War, and I cannot wait to see and photograph them again soon!

SETLIST

  1. Stitch
  2. Who I Am
  3. Prison
  4. High Horse
  5. Alive
  6. The River
  7. Don’t Let Me Fade Away
  8. Teeth
  9. Gravity
  10. Low

Finally, Beartooth came to the stage from Columbus, Ohio. Beartooth has a sound that has always been unique. They’re riff-heavy metalcore with more of a hardcore punk style edge mixed in. But what sets them apart from many bands are their melodic choruses and hooks that really drive home with audiences. For their fourth record entitled “Below”, the band set out to really go back to their roots, with an aggressive yet diverse showing of music. Beartooth opened the show with the first track off the album, titled “Below”. This aggressive start to the album and set truly set the stage for the show they were about to put on. As vocalist Caleb Shomo ran out stage and screamed out those opening lines of the song, it was chaos from then on. The band brought an extensive lighting setup and LED light panel behind them, which lit up lyrics to songs and showed dynamic visuals for each song. Caleb really honed in on his’ musicianship on this record, taking elements from each of the three previous records while also trying out some new styles as well. Bassist Oshie Bichar was on fire, constantly moving about on stage and helping with the sing-along sections. Guitarists Zach Huston and Will Deely shredded on their parts and added a lot to the band’s sound. Connor Dennis is a superb drummer and was incredibly energetic throughout the entire set. The band played a whopping 17-song set: 8 from 2021’s “Below”, 4 from 2014’s “Aggressive”, 3 from 2018’s “Disease”, and 2 from 2016’s “Aggressive”. With a wide array of songs from both the new album and the rest of the discography, Beartooth made sure to make this headlining set something new fans and old would love. I am so glad I could finally see and photograph them, and I cannot wait to do so again soon.

SETLIST:

  1. Below
  2. Devastation
  3. Hated
  4. Sick of Me
  5. Fed Up
  6. Dominate
  7. The Lines
  8. Beaten In Lips
  9. Body Bag
  10. Hell of It
  11. Skin
  12. You Never Know
  13. Bad Listener
  14. Disease
  15. In Between

ENCORE

16. The Past Is Dead

17. The Last Riff

All in all, The Below tour was an absolute dream come true. Beartooth has been a huge bucket list band for me to see for quite some time, so seeing and photographing them was a dream come true. A massive shoutout to the fantastic crew and the other bands Wage War and Dragged Under, who absolutely DESTROYED that stage! Thank you for bringing this tour to California and for presenting us with live music once again!

Beartooth | Wage War | Dragged Under

Photos + Review By: Jamie Kaufman | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Fitz & The Tantrums ft Twin XL | All The Feels Tour 2020

February 12, 2020

Twin XL

Fitz & The Tantrums

Photos courtesy of Angel Haines

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