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

Keep up with us on social media! Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube