100 gecs performing at Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL on October 21, 2021. All photos taken by Jared Callaway.
Wheelwright | Chicago
Wheelwright (with support from Tedious & Brief) performing at Schubas Tavern in Chicago, IL on October 23, 2021. All photos taken by Kayla Kreller.
The Backseat Lovers | Atlanta
The Backseat Lovers performing at The Masquerade (Purgatory) in Atlanta, GA on October 23, 2021. All photos taken by Emily Pereira.
Chain Fest | Irvine
Chain Fest felt like the Warped Tour reunion we’ve all been waiting for.
Chain Reaction, an infamous punk venue, and Live Nation bring us Chain Fest. The festival took place at the FivePoint Amphitheatre on October 23rd in Irvine, California.
This event was postponed twice due to COVID-19 and while some bands had to drop off the line up, what we saw was something you wouldn’t see unless you were at a summer rock festival in the 2000’s.
The lineup: The Summer Set, Envy On The Coast, Cartel, Anberlin, Mayday Parade, Circa Survive, Taking Back Sunday, and Jimmy Eat World.
The thing that stood out instantly was just how happy everyone was to see their favorite bands. It was evident who was here to see which band as so many were wearing the merch of those performing. They came ready to represent! The fans were not the only ones happy to be in attendance. Singer to Anberlin, Stephen Christian, spoke on how they are no longer a touring band, and how much it meant to be there. “Even if we weren’t performing, this is still a festival I would be attending,” he said. As the performances went on, the energy amplified within the crowd. We had an incredible sunset with cotton candy skies while Mayday Parade serenaded us with all their hits off of their sophomore album A Lesson In Romantics. Circa Survive had us instantly captivated with their moody lighting and Anthony Green’s heartfelt melodies. You can feel his soul radiate through the crowd.
The amphitheater was filled with gratitude and excitement to be there experiencing the energy of live music and festivals once again. We hope to back at Chain Fest next year with another nostalgic line up.
Words by Bryana Contreras
Photos by Nazrin Massaro
Rozzi | New York City
Rozzi performing at Ludlow House in New York City on October 25, 2021. All photos taken by Alexis Marzo.
Shallou | Los Angeles
Shallou performing at Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on October 23, 2021. All photos taken by Sarah Ohta.
Vacation Manor | Fort Worth
Vacation Manor performing at Tulips in Fort Worth, TX on October 21, 2021. All photos taken by Maia Tharp.
Lucy Dacus | Philadelphia
Lucy Dacus (with support from Shamir) performing at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA on October 20, 2021. All photos taken by Sophia Zucker.
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.
Tennis | Dallas
Tennis performing at Granada Theater in Dallas, TX on October 19, 2021. All photos taken by Maia Tharp.
Blue October | Philadelphia
Blue October (with support from Yam Haus) performing at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA on October 14, 2021. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
HUNNY | Atlanta
HUNNY (with support from Small Crush and Michi) performing at The Masquerade (Purgatory) in Atlanta, GA on October 16, 2021. All photos taken by Chandler Bunzol.
Nothing | Philadelphia
Nothing (with support from Frankie Rose and Enumclaw) performing at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA on October 16, 2021. All photos taken by Sophia Zucker.
The Districts | Grand Rapids
The Districts (with support from girlpuppy) performing at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, MI on October 15, 2021. All photos taken by Isabel Dowell.
Manchester Orchestra | Philadelphia
Manchester Orchestra (with support from Foxing and Slothrust) performing at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA on October 15, 2021. All photos taken by Sophia Zucker.
Caroline Rose | Brooklyn
Caroline Rose performing at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY on October 14, 2021. All photos taken by Elizabeth Feirstein.
TV Girl | Philadelphia
TV Girl (with support from Jordana) performing at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia, PA on October 11, 2021. All photos taken by Sophia Zucker.
Turnstile | Philadelphia
Turnstile performing at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA on October 10, 2021. All photos taken by Sophia Zucker.
ZHU | Los Angeles
ZHU performing at Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on October 10, 2021. All photos taken by Sarah Ohta.
Liz Cooper | Brooklyn
Liz Cooper performing at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY on October 9, 2021. All photos taken by Elizabeth Feirstein.