Photos and Review by Mariah Reilly – The Menzingers tour started off on a high note on November 9th, 2023 in Rochester, NY at the Waterstreet Armory. Michigan’s Rodeo Boys opened the show, bringing a unique flavor to the event with their blend of lonesome country twang wrapped up in indie grunge. Singer, Tiff Hannay, sprinkled in some yodeling in one of the tracks that, while could’ve seemed out of place or contrived utilized by others, fit perfectly into the landscape they created through their sound.
Cleveland based Cloud Nothings, self described as a “simple rock band,” followed and delivered a high-energy performance that kept the crowd on their feet. From the raw intensity of their guitar riffs to the powerful vocals, each song resonated with an energy that filled the venue. Having never experienced any of the band’s music prior to the evening, the almost post-rock elements of their performance were surprising and added a lot to the depth of their sound. Cloud Nothings proved they are a long standing force to be reckoned with in the indie rock scene.
The crowd was clearly familiar with and excited for Atlanta’s Microwave’s dynamic performance, weaving through melancholic melodies and bursts of energy. Lead singer Nathan Hardy’s vocal ability to shift from throat-shredding to plaintive delicacy is powerful, and encompasses the despair so clearly portrayed through their music. This, accompanied by the driving intensity of the guitars, captured the audience’s attention from the first note. Their music seemed to connect with the crowd on a personal level, the hopelessness feeling especially relevant at this particular moment in history.
The Menzingers took the stage with enthusiastic, unbridled energy, starting with their new track ‘Hope Is A Dangerous Little Thing.’ This was the first show of their tour supporting their new album, Some Of It Was True and from the first to the last note of the show, it was apparent how much they truly love playing music. The camaraderie between the band members, their self-deprecating lyrics, delivered by singers Greg Barnett and Tom May’s gravelly vocals, and infectious guitar riffs created an authentic, engaging atmosphere. They delivered a setlist that spanned their discography back to 2012, evoking nostalgia with songs off of After the Party, while showcasing their new tracks off of October’s release like ‘Come on Heartache,” and ‘There’s No Place In This World.’ Their anthemic choruses and (what feels like) millennial anxieties created an atmosphere of unity apparent in the singalongs and energy of the crowd. The connection between band and fans was visceral, creating a night that felt cathartic, and starting off the tour with a bang.
