Peter McPoland (with support from Stephen Dawes) performing at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA on October 13, 2023. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
Maude Latour | New York City
Maude Latour performing at Webster Hall in New York City on October 13, 2023. All photos taken by Elizabeth Feirstein.
State Champs | Cleveland
The Pure Noise Records tour brought pop punk and mosh pits to the House of Blues in Cleveland last Wednesday.
Bearings started out the show. They immediately brought energy to the room and had fans jumping and singing by their first song. From “Better Yesterday” to “Sway,” they played a fantastic set.
The energy did not let up when Just Friends took the stage. They were not what I was expecting in the best way possible. This funk rock band, on an otherwise pop punk heavy bill, had everyone in the building dancing. Concerts are always more special when you can tell the band is putting their all into a performance and genuinely enjoying every moment, and that’s exactly what Just Friends brought to the table. They were having the time of their lives and it shown through, not only with their performing, but also in the interactions between the band members.
Four Year Strong was up next. Impressive riffs and heavy vocals swept through the venue as lights strobed. The crowd surfing was constant and really set the precedent for the rest of the night.
The band I was arguably most excited to see on this tour was Real Friends. I’ve been a huge fan since buying a “Composure” CD at Warped Tour back in 2018. Of course their original vocalist, Dan Lambton, is crazy talented, but I was looking forward to hearing their new vocalist live and Cody Muraro did not disappoint. He gave a wonderful performance and brought that same Real Friends energy I was hoping for. They played a ton of old favorites like “I’ve Given Up On You” and “Get By” along with newer songs like “Nervous Wreck” and “Storyteller.” Real Friends lyrics are catchy and heartfelt and it’s always so cathartic to be able to experience them live and scream those lyrics at the top of your lungs.
Every time I’ve had the honor of seeing State Champs live it has been one big party and this night was no different. From their opening song, “Secrets,” until the confetti rained down during their final encore of “Dead and Gone,” the singing, jumping, moshing, and crowdsurfing was nonstop. I absolutely cannot wait until the next time I get to see these guys.
This was such an incredibly fun show from start to finish and it’s easy to see that Pure Noise has a great group of bands on their roster. I hope you were able to see a show on this tour and I highly recommend catching all of the bands at any upcoming shows they have in your area.
Words and photos by Kayla Kreller.
Treasure Island Music Festival | San Francisco
Treasure Island Music Festival featuring Soccer Mommy, Alex Cameron, Courtney Barnett, Lord Huron, and Tame Impala in San Francisco, CA on October 13 - 15, 2018. All photos taken by Manika Casterline.
Against Me! | Washington DC
Against Me! performing at 9:30 Club in Washington DC on October 13, 2017. All photos taken by Jamie Langley.
Bleached | Washington DC
Bleached performing at 9:30 Club in Washington DC on October 13, 2017. All photos taken by Jamie Langley.
The Dirty Nil | Washington DC
The Dirty Nil performing at 9:30 Club in Washington DC on October 13, 2017. All photos taken by Jamie Langley.
The Devil Wears Prada | Orlando
The Devil Wears Prada performing at The Plaza Live in Orlando, FL on October 13, 2017. All photos taken by Jahi Khalfani.
Beach Fossils | Santa Ana
On an unusually cold Thursday night in Santa Ana, Calif., Brooklyn, N.Y. based indie rockers Beach Fossils made The Observatory feel like a mini music festival on the beach. Even before the band went on stage, the commotion began throughout the night, with concertgoers eager to start a mosh pit in anticipation of Beach Fossils. Playing songs from their latest 2013 album, “Clash The Truth,” and also showing love to older records, the band did not disappoint. Whether you’re an avid fan and crowd-surfer, listener, or just someone who knows one or two songs, there’s something about Beach Fossils’ dreamy guitar riffs and vocals that draw you in and sound a little dreamier live.
Words and photos by Sammi Hsu.