Royal Blood @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia
September 30th 2023: Royal Blood @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia, PA
Royal Blood - Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lederach
UK’s Royal Blood made their triumphant return to the States in celebration of their latest album Back to the Water Below. I for one have been patiently waiting for them to have a proper Philly show since their last venue show here in 2017. Royal Blood packed out The Fillmore, giving fans a perfect mix of new and old tunes, including the live debut of “Tell Me When It’s Too Late”. The night flew by quickly and the set was flawless, with very little dialogue to go with it.
Setlist
Mountains at Midnight
Boilermaker
Come on Over
Lights Out
Triggers
Trouble's Coming
Typhoons
Pull Me Through
Little Monster
How Did We Get So Dark?
Tell Me When It's Too Late
Loose Change
Out of the Black
Encore:
Waves (ft. Will Phillipson from Bad Nerves on guitar)
Shiner in the Dark
Figure It Out
Noah Cyrus @ Mercury Ballroom - Louisville
September 30th, 2023: Noah Cyrus with Anna Bates @ Mercury Ballroom - Louisville, KY
Noah Cyrus brought her The Hardest Part Tour to Mercury Ballroom on September 30th, supporting her new album The Hardest Part, to a sold-out crowd. She and her band came out on stage to cheers and screams of excitement from the crowd, who sang along with Cyrus throughout the set. The sold-out crowd of fans filled every facet of the venue, from the floor to the front and sides of the balcony, and filled the venue with fun and warm energy. For the first few songs, Cyrus was wearing a black, shimmery dress with a large black bow on the front and a mask of sorts covered in holes and made of a shimmery black mesh-like material that fit over her face and head. She later took the mask off. Starting her set out with 3 tracks from the album, “Noah (Stand Still)”, “Mr. Percoset”, and “Unfinished”, she also performed some older songs from her first album, including “Liar”, “Ghost”, “I Got So High That I Saw Jesus”, and “July”. She was having fun on stage with her band and with the crowd, engaging often with her fans and band members. She chatted a bit between songs, talking about her new album and telling a couple of stories, but mostly she let her music do the talking and led the crowd in a couple of sing-alongs! She talked about how much she loved the guys in her band and thanked the crowd for all of their support and how her bandmates had become like family to her. Leaving the stage at the end of the set, she and her band soon came out for their 3-song encore, with Cyrus again wearing the mesh-like mask! She ended the evening with “Lonely”, “Make Me (Cry)”, and “The End of Everything”. It is clear that Cyrus loves her fans and they love her just as much, with the mutual excitement and enthusiasm making for a really fun night!
Opening the show this evening was Los Angeles/Nashville singer-songwriter Anna Bates, who along with her boyfriend and bandmate Van Andrew Berkemeyer, sang some beautiful songs and created beautiful harmonies. She started writing and releasing music mid-pandemic in 2020, having amassed a nice collection of songs, several of which she and Van performed this evening. Chatting a bit with the crowd and sharing some funny stories from the road, they thanked everyone for coming out and Noah Cyrus for bringing them out on the road with her and her band and saying how lovely and welcoming they had been. It was a nice way to start out the evening and get the crowd warmed up. I have no doubt that they made plenty of new fans this evening!
ANNA BATES
The Mars Volta @ Old Forester's Paristown Hall - Louisville
September 29th, 2023: The Mars Volta, Teri Gender Bender @ Old Forester’s Paristown Hall - Louisville, KY
Progressive rock band The Mars Volta brought their North American Tour to Old Forester’s Paristown Hall on September 29th to a packed house! The band released their latest album Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon in April of this year, an acoustic re-recording of their 2022 self-titled album, and performed songs from the album this evening that included “Shore Story”, “L’Via L’Viaquez”, and “Graveyard Love”. As the lights went down and the band came out on stage, the crowd erupted in a sea of cheers and screams of excitement. Starting out with “Vicarious Atonement”, “Drunkship of Lanterns”, and “Graveyard Love”, they performed a 12-song setlist with a varied selection of tracks, with several from their first album De-Loused in the Comatorium. With Cedric Bixler-Zavala (vocals/lyrics) and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, the founders and only constant members of the group, dancing around the stage throughout the set, awash in a kaleidoscope of beautiful lighting, it was clear that the crowd was having a great time. The Mars Volta’s music has a fun and eclectic mix of sounds, going from slow and progressive, with sounds of jazz, Afrobeat, and salsa, to heavier and more rock and punk-oriented sounds, sometimes in the span of one song, all the while sounding cohesive. Going from one song straight into the next, there was no talking between songs, with the music taking center stage! Hanging at the back of the stage, behind the band’s setup, were several rectangular mirrors flanked in lights that made for a cool and dramatic backdrop, with the band’s reflections being mirrored back to the audience. Ending their set with “The Widow” and “Inertiatic ESP”, they gave their fans an energetic and fun evening that will no doubt leave everyone hoping the band comes back soon!
Opening the show was Teri Gender Bender, singer of Le Butcherettes, and her band. Full of energy, she and her band came out on stage with colorful onesies that had unicorn hoods pulled onto their heads, with Teri Gender Bender holding a unicorn stuffed animal that she held through the first song. Presenting the stuffed animal to the audience towards the end of the first song, she then set it on the stage until later in the set, taking the opportunity to move about the stage. Moving her body throughout the set, whether in slow and synchronized moves or faster-paced dancing, she was a bundle of energy on stage, constantly interacting with the crowd and her bandmates. Alternating singing songs in Spanish and some in English, with some spoken word moments, the crowd was having a great time dancing along, with her infectious and fun energy permeating the room. Overall, it was a really great night of music!
TERI GENDER BENDER
Noah Gundersen @ The Foundry - Philadelphia
October 1st 2023: Noah Gundersen @ The Foundry - Philadelphia, PA
Noah Gundersen - Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lederach
We celebrated the first night of October at Philadelphia’s The Foundry catching Noah Gundersen. Noah is currently touring in support of his seventh studio album If This Is The End. The album really shows a more reflective look at Gundersen’s career and, as he mentioned during his set, he wasn’t sure he still wanted to return to music after the pandemic. Noah has always been one of my favorite songwriters, and the setlist for this show really showcased that gift he has of hitting on some of the darker thoughts in life. The crowd was also super respectful (give or take an Eagles chant or two) and might go down in the books for one of the quietest shows I’ve been to at The Foundry.
Highly recommend showing up early for the show to catch Casey Dubie, her songwriting and live show really will give you an ethereal experience to start off the night.
Setlist
If This Is the End
Swim
Heavy Metals
The Sound
Haunted House
Round Here (Counting Crows cover)
Painted Blue
Atlantis
First Defeat
Moment Like This
Lover
Sleepless in Seattle
Headlights
Robin Williams
Better Days
Encore:
Cigarettes
Wild Horses
Thomas Headon @ The Ritz - Raleigh
September 28th, 2023: Half Alive, Thomas Headon @ The Ritz - Raleigh, NC
Thomas Headon - Photos Courtesy of: Chinaza Ajuonuma
Thomas Headon kicked off the show in Raleigh at The Ritz on September 28th with an explosive burst of energy that left the audience breathless. Jumping and dancing as he took the stage, he set the bar sky-high from the very start. But it wasn't just about the music; Thomas, in a playful mood, initiated a spontaneous "trivia time" during a short break. He handed out a crisp dollar bill to an unsuspecting fan who correctly guessed how many Bojangles locations could be found in the state of North Carolina, all while professing his newfound love for the southern fast-food chain.
With his drummer Josh hailing from North Carolina, the concert felt like a jubilant hometown reunion. Thomas didn't stop there; he brought the house down with two unexpected cover songs that had the crowd singing along. First, he transported us back to our Disney-channel-watching days with a soulful rendition of "The Best of Both Worlds" by Hannah Montana, and then he had us swaying to the infectious rhythm of Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." The night was a whirlwind of surprises, infectious energy, and unforgettable moments that left the audience buzzing with excitement long after the final notes had faded away.
Half Alive, the indie-rock band known for their unique visuals and energetic performances, did not disappoint. The set was an experience in itself, with a cool and ever-changing stage design that featured a giant sheet at the beginning, reminiscent of their recent music videos.
The sheet came down in the middle of "The Fall" to reveal leading man Josh Taylor dancing as his bandmates, drummer Brett Kramer and bassist J. Tyler Johnson kicked off the show. Josh Taylor's dancing was on full display throughout the night, lying on his back on the giant raised platform during "Yosemite," and launching into more interpretive dance during "I'll Stop" and "Conditions of a Punk," among others.
The show was broken up into "seasons," with mini set changes and a sheet with the name of each season projected on it. The dancers, as well as Taylor, were interpretive dancers, adding another layer of artistic expression to the show.
The show was not without its surprises, such as a corded phone that rang in the middle of the stage after "Call Back," which Taylor handed to an audience member dressed as Waldo to speak on, and the crew tearing down the black backdrop to reveal a white one for winter. There was also a beautiful use of autotune during "Hot Tea".
Taylor engaged with the crowd throughout the night, encouraging everyone to get low and jump up during "Back Around," and even launching into a Phil Collins cover of "Strangers Like Me." The band's hits were well-received, with the audience giving three-minute ovations after their medley, including hits like “ice cold”, “arrow”, and "Still Feel." The band ended the night by thanking the crowd for inviting them “into their living room” before playing their final two songs, "Conditions of a Punk" and "Creature." All in all, Half Alive delivered an unforgettable and visually stunning performance.
Neon Trees @ Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia
September 26th, 2023: Neon Trees @ Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
Neon Trees - Photos Courtesy of: Mandy S.
The Favorite Daze tour started with openers Silent Rival (CA), and Laundry Day (NY). Ending with Neon Trees. I’ll be honest I had never heard of Silent Rival, but they left a mark on me with their performance that night. Sara (Vocalist) sounded amazing all night, and Jon (guitarist) ended up on the barricade. A member from Laundry Day actually came out and played drums while the drummer for Silent Rival played. All of which hyped up the crowd, warming them up for Laundry Day.
Along with not knowing of Silent Rival, I had not come across Laundry Day prior to the Favorite Daze Tour. Laundry day brought out a Lorenzo’s pizza box as a prop (if you’re a Philadelphia native you know the vibes). I was pleasantly surprised with their set and will be adding them to the rotation.
Neon Trees started off the night with “Versions of You: from their EP of the same name released in 2021. Tyler (lead vocalist) draped in a metallic Purple / Blue suit running from side stage to side stage. Proving the band is ‘Still Young’, and knows how to keep it ‘Moving in the Dark’.
Neon Trees controlled their crowd with their songs, and energy the entire night. Ending their show with ‘When the night is over’. They had three encore songs. Officially ending the night with fan favorite ‘Everybody Talks’. Yet another tour that is a must-see, their next stop is Detroit MI!
Misterwives @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia
September 16th, 2023: Misterwives @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia, PA
Misterwives - Photos Courtesy of: Mandy S.
The night started off with opener Raffaella (check her out if you haven’t yet, you won't be disappointed). She had an amazing opening set that had the crowd locked in.
Misterwives started the night off with Out of Your Mind, which also happens to be the Opening song to their senior album (released July 14, 2023). Mandy (lead vocalist) was extremely active on stage and with the crowd. I believe at one point she was semi-in the crowd via the barricade. The band let us know that they had practiced synchronicity for the song ‘ End of My Rope’. The song mixed with the 6ft screens behind them showing lyrics/videos was extremely awesome to see live.
Mandy at one point got on a 6ft riser (she was on it earlier in the night as well) to sing Ultraviolet, the last song on their senior album. She had put a vest on with arrows alluding to the album’s cover. The night closed out with Bishopp Briggs, The ‘Baggage’ singer appeared on the riser with ‘Art of Survival' as her first song. I’ve never seen such an energetic artist on stage before. It was hard to keep track of what part of the stage she was on; she’s insanely good at what she does. She had told us (the crowd) that Her son was in the back (he’s on tour with her) and everyone cheered. Of course, Briggs couldn’t end the night without her iconic song ‘River’ from her album ‘Church of Scars’. I highly suggest checking out the Don’t Look Down tour if you’re one of the next stops.
The Band Camino @ The Met - Philadelphia
September 14th 2023: The Band Camino @ The Met - Philadelphia, PA
Spencer of The Band Camino - Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lederach
The Band Camino started right where they left off. In Spring 2022 the band ended their last tour in Philadelphia, only to kick off the first night of their latest tour back in Philly, but in a much bigger venue. The Band Camino kicked off their Screaming in The Dark Tour on September 14th. The very minimal stage design (embracing the darkness theme) gave me a throwback to when I used to go to glow-in-the-dark bowling in high school, adorned with backlights and glow paint, it was certainly something different…
This tour is in support of the band’s second studio album, The Dark. Another addition to TBC’s vast catalog of bops, a big step up from the first time we saw the band at Milkboy in 2019 where there were barely enough songs released to cover a whole hour set. Fans might be taken aback at first to notice neither Jeff nor Spencer has their signature keyboards on stage at the beginning of the set, but have no fear, the keyboards make their reappearance. About mid-set, the keyboard makes its appearance for an acoustic duo set from Jeff and Spencer that the screaming fan girls behind me claimed gave “major Eras vibes”.
The show was opened by the amazing Charlotte Sands and Bad Suns.
