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Metric

Metric Release New Single ‘Dressed to Suppress’ Ahead of Album Release

Canadian band Metric have released the video for their new single Dressed to Suppress from their seventh album which is set to release September 21.

In July, Metric released the single Dark Saturday, their first release since their 2015 album ‘Pagans in Vegas’. Noisey describes the single as “one of Metric’s scuzziest and most immediate songs since ‘Fantasies’.”

The Dressed to Suppress music video, directed by Justin Broadbent, captures the band in a live performance, filmed on an iPhone X. The black and white visuals of the video give the song a dark feel, reflected in lead singer, Emily Haines, repeating the lyrics, “Dressed to suppress all kinds of sorrow.”

Haines explains, “Lyrically, the song explores the maze of conflicts we encounter in our attempts at finding and holding onto love; the absurd mating rituals we routinely perform; and the vast divide between the desires our appearances can imply and the way we actually feel inside.

“Sonically, it’s one of the most intense songs on the album. We’re already playing it live and it’s getting stronger every night. The contrast between the delicate, dreamy opening and the heavy riffs of the verse and chorus match the dramatic emotional shifts we all go through when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, the push and pull of retaining our own identities in love.”

The band has collaborated with Justin Meldal Johnson, who has previously worked with M83 and Nine Inch Nails, to produce their album. “Justin was just what we needed in a producer for this album,” says Jimmy Shaw, the band’s guitarist. “Making this album brought us together in a way we hadn’t been for quite some time and I think you can hear it in the music.”

The currently unnamed new album is available for pre-order and fans who pre-order the album will receive a signed Dark Saturday seven-inch vinyl.

Metric fans can see them currently supporting for Smashing Pumpkin’s Shiny and Oh So Bright tour. They are also going on an overseas tour in October 2018, kicking off in Moscow, Russia, and travelling around Europe.

Further reading: Good Charlotte Announces New Album and Tour Dates

Pray for the Wicked album review

Panic! At the Disco—Pray for the Wicked Album Review

Roughly two years after releasing Death of a Bachelor (2016), Panic! At the Disco has triumphantly returned with their new LP Pray for the Wicked—the band’s sixth studio album and second studio album with vocalist Brendon Urie being the only original member. When describing the experience of Pray for the Wicked, one could easily imagine F. Scott Fitzgerald penning the tales of Jay Gatsby, spinning on a diamond-coated record player at one of the lucrative billionaire’s lavish parties; in fact, listening to the album front to back often alludes to the novel’s themes of high society and too much of a good time.

From beginning to end, the narrative of Pray for the Wicked soars through the highs and lows of experiencing the fame and glamour of living life in a fast-paced, extravagant environment. Pray for the Wicked has elements that can easily be correlated to The Great Gatsby (i.e. “Some [friends] are loyal soldiers / While these other thorns are rosy / And if you never know who you can trust / Then trust me, you’ll be lonely” in Hey Look Ma, I Made It, “Sketchy girls and lipstick boys / Troubled love and high speed noise” in The Overpass, “And if you’re night crawling with him / I won’t take it lying down” in Dancing’s Not a Crime, or the song title and musical elements in Roaring 20s). Basically, after examining the album’s lyrics, musical elements, and listening to the splashes of bright and vibrant tones, Pray for the Wicked alludes to music that would have both been played in the 1920s and relates to the plot of the 1920s-based novel, The Great Gatsby, in its similarities to the rise and downfall of quick and instant success and fortune, within a mess of love affairs and internal conflicts.

One could easily consider Panic!’s latest album to be the next chapter in the classic novel. Examining the two together can easily draw similarities within the basis of the plot, just merely told in two different contexts and two different creative formats. In fact, Urie has also referenced another timeless piece, The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. “My Tell-Tale Heart’s a hammer in my chest” from Roaring 20s is both an ode to Poe’s short story as well as a wordplay used to express Urie’s anxiety. Additionally, songs like (Fuck A) Silver Lining, High Hopes, and King of the Clouds, use hints of Greek Mythology and the church that allude to Urie leaving behind his Mormon past and other sacrilegious aspects in his life. These themes are common throughout the entire album and showcase the sheer talent and brilliance that Urie and his creative team possesses; not to mention, how much thought has gone into making Pray for the Wicked.

Long time collaborator Jake SInclair returns to helm the production duties on Pray for the Wicked, whose worked on previous Panic! albums (Death of a Bachelor and Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die), along with albums by Sia, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, and P!nk, to name a few. Sinclair helps to shine a light on the creative process behind the record, allowing Urie’s creative choices to feel more fleshed out than ever before. Among Sinclair, other producers such as Jonas Jerberg (High Hopes, The Pussycat Dolls, Jordin Sparks), Jonny Coffer (High Hopes, Beyoncé, Leona Lewis), and Scott Chesak (The Overpass, (Fuck A) Silver Lining, The All-American Rejects) are noted in the album, adding to Pray for the Wicked’s brilliant charm and cohesivity.

All songs were written by Brendon Urie, with other contributing writers such as Michael Angelakos (Hey Look Ma, I Made It, Passion Pit), Lauren Pritchard (Say Amen (Saturday Night), LOLO), Jenny Owen Youngs (High Hopes, Roaring 20s), Alex Kresovich (King of the Clouds, Alexander DeLeon), Mike Viola (Dying in LA, New Politics), and Sam Holland (S*A*M, One Direction) to name a few. All of these unique writers, artists, and producers collaborating with Urie on lyrics helped to bring out the purposeful tones and unspoken hints that are detailed throughout the album. Samples and elements from artists such as The Dells ((Fuck A) Silver Lining), The Budos Band (Say Amen (Saturday Night)), Nathan Abshire (Say Amen (Saturday Night)), Maynard Ferguson (Roaring 20s), Chris Bernard (Dancing’s Not a Crime), James Brown, and Lyn Collins (latter artists featured in The Overpass) are masterfully included within the overall sound of Panic!’s latest record.

There’s a central theme throughout the whole album of living a party-lifestyle with the ups and downs that come along with it – figuring out how to navigate young adulthood, dealing with bouts of crippling self-doubt, and making the most out of life despite the rough times and heartbreak are also common themes throughout Pray for the Wicked. Elements of Urie’s Broadway experience with playing Charlie Price in Kinky Boots were also obvious in the album within the track Roaring 20s, which is simultaneously a name play on Urie’s age (now 31)—he quite literally ended his “roaring 20s” on Broadway. Urie also makes note of some of his favorite musicians and gives them praise for what they’re known for. For example, the bridge in (Fuck A) Silver Lining pays respect to Beyoncé’s career, which in comparison to Urie’s, also started off in a group setting before taking off as a solo artist. “When you gonna say my name? / Quick charade / Beyoncé / Lemonade,” suggesting that Beyoncé’s career during Destiny’s Child was simply a stepping stone that lead her to the 2016 success of Lemonade (he’s right). The beginning of Dancing’s Not a Crime also pays homage to Michael Jackson and his notable moonwalk routine (“I’m a moonwalker / I’m like MJ up in the clouds”).

Musically, Pray for the Wicked is masterful, to say the least, as Brendon Urie’s distinct vocals have never sounded better. His falsettos used in songs like Old Fashioned and Dancing’s Not a Crime are impressive, but one of the most notable vocal arrangements in the album is in the chorus of King of the Clouds – Urie uses his falsetto in the lyrics “I’m king of the clouds / I get lifted” to make a “jumping up” affect in the word “lifted,” which only adds to the songs overall theme and message. It’s merely a pebble within an ocean, but the lasting effect that lone part has on the listener is equivalent to a tsunami. The variety of instrumental plays used throughout the album are impressive as well. Everything from piano, to horns, trumpets, violins, bass, and drums were all used in the production of Panic!’s latest record. Tracks four to eight stand out with the most unique instrumentation styles, which are beautifully placed in the center of the album’s tracklist. Winding down with a ballad appropriately titled Dying in LA simply brings the entire record together, especially ending the album with actual bird chirps recorded from Urie’s at-home studio.

From the largest to the slightest details, there is not one beat, note, or lyric that is missed or overlooked in Pray for the Wicked. There’s a little something for every era of Panic! At the Disco fans within this album. Overall, it showcases a significant growth of Urie musically, as well as a well-rounded appreciation for his past due to all of the lessons he has learned. As sampled in the latest album, “Ode to the old, and to the new / We rededicate this song to  you.”

Further reading: Panic! At the Disco Back with New Track

Good Charlotte North American Tour

Good Charlotte Announces New Album and Tour Dates

Yesterday, Good Charlotte announced the release of their new album, Generation Rx, and their North American tour dates.

Generation Rx is the band’s seventh full-length studio album and has been much awaited by die-hard fans. Its title mirrors that of a well-known documentary, which investigates the effects of children in the US who are prescribed psychiatric medication. In a similar sense, Good Charlotte’s collection of songs offer some hope to a young generation plagued by depression, loneliness and self-doubt. The album also touches upon themes of mass tragedy, icons gone too soon and the opioid epidemic—all extremely poignant topics.

“At the beginning of the year we were reflecting a lot,” the band said in a statement. “We just played a memorial service in honor of Lil Peep. We were thinking of that.

“Our generation was the first to have so many ways to deal with pain. Throughout this century, we’ve seen the whole opioid crisis get worse. We wondered if we were really doing our part. We wanted to be back out there on the battlefield and spread insight, share experience and give anything we could to improve lives,” they added.

In support of their anxiously awaited new album, Good Charlotte also announced dates for a massive North American tour. The tour dates start October 12, 2018 in Mexico City and end November 24, 2018 in Las Vegas. Fan club pre-sale tickets will be available beginning July 10, 2018 at 10am PST and general tickets will be available beginning July 13, 2018 at 10am PST.

“This is the album we’ve been waiting 15 years to create”—Good Charlotte

Good Charlotte was formed back in 1996. In 2002, they unleashed The Young and the Hopeless, which has since been revered as one of the ultimate rock albums. This album eventually went RIAA triple-platinum and was marked in Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Pop-Punk Albums. Since then, their recognition and success has remained steadfast.

The group, made up of brothers Joel and Benji Madden, Billy Martin, Paul Thomas and Dean Butterworth, see their new album as a chance to simultaneously revisit their roots and start a new chapter. The songs within it manage to retain their signature blend of vitality and quirkiness whilst delving into darker territory. The infectious anthems of the new album are indicative of a band that has spent two decades in the game. Generation Rx was produced by Zakk Cervini and Benji via a number of creative sessions in MDDN headquarters. The soundtrack emanates a distinctive punk spirit—a genre that was practically forged by the band.

Generation Rx will officially be released September 14, 2018 via a new global partnership between the band’s MDDN label and BMG. The band has also confirmed that they will be back on the road in Europe early next year, much to the delight of further afield admirers; dates can be found on the goodcharlotte.com website.

Good Charlotte north American tour dates

October 12, 2018 – Mexico City, Mexico – Open Air ACMX

October 13, 2018 – Puebla, Mexico – Tecate Comuna

October 16, 2018 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

October 17, 2018 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

October 19, 2018 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

October 20, 2018 – Lynchburg, VA – Phase 2

October 21, 2018 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore

October 23, 2018 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium

October 25, 2018 – Toronto, ON – Rebel

October 26, 2018 – Montreal, QC – MTelus

October 27, 2018 – Syracuse, NY – SI Hall at the Fairgrounds

October 28, 2018 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre

October 29, 2018 – New York, NY – Terminal 5

November 01, 2018 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore

November 02, 2018  – Columbus, OH – Express Live!

November 03, 2018 – Grand Rapids, MI – Monroe 20

November 04, 2018 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre

November 06, 2018 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre

November 07, 2018 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland

November 09, 2018 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom

November 10, 2018 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater

November 11, 2018 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

November 12, 2018 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

November 14, 2018 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theater

November 15, 2018 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

November 16, 2018 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House

November 17, 2018 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

November 18, 2018 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO

November 20, 2018 – San Francisco, CA – Warfield Theater

November 21, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

November 23, 2018 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

November 24, 2018 – Las Vegas, NV – The Pearl at The Palms

Xxxtentacion

Controversial Rapper XXXTentacion Shot Dead in Florida Aged 20

Chart-topping US rapper XXXTentacion was shot dead in South Florida on Monday, June 18.

The rapper’s latest album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, making it his second consecutive hit record.

The murder

XXXTentacion, whose real name is Jahseh Onfroy, was gunned down outside of a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office announced.

He was taken to hospital soon after where he was pronounced dead.

XXXTentacion had been at RIVA Motorsports checking out inventory, the sheriff’s office said. He was in a black luxury vehicle and preparing to leave when two armed suspects approached him. At least one of them fired, and then both suspects fled the scene in a dark SUV.

Investigators say the attack may have been robbery, as a Louis Vuitton bag was taken from the back seat of the rapper’s car.

The controversy

Despite his huge popularity, XXXTentacion was often described as one of rap’s most controversial artists and was facing domestic violence, aggravated battery and false imprisonment charges stemming from 2016.

According to the Miami New Times, his ex-girlfriend Geneva Ayala’s depositions “detail a pattern of regular, torturous abuse that summer, with daily verbal attacks and physical incidents every three or four days.”

According to Ayala’s statement, he beat her at times, choked her, broke clothes hangers on her legs, threatened to chop off her hair or cut out her tongue, pressed knives or scissors to her face, and held her head underwater in their bathroom while threatening to drown her.

From tough upbringing to number one

XXXTentacion had a troubled upbringing and was expelled from middle school for fighting, but he channelled his energy and fury into music.

He quickly cemented himself as the most popular artist within the SoundCloud Rap genre, defined by its languid, hazy beats and wide-ranging influences.His surging popularity was noted by the music industry and, by October 2017, he had scored a distribution agreement reportedly worth $6 million.

But his career was already being overshadowed by his legal problems. Fans were apparently unswayed, sending his latest album to number one in the US.

The tributes

The rapper, who first found fame by uploading his music onto online music platform SoundCloud, has been hailed as a breakthrough talent as tributes pour in from hip-hop luminaries in the wake of his death.

Kanye West tweeted: “I never told you how much you inspired me when you were here thank you for existing.”

While rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs described XXXTentacion as “one of the most interesting people I have met.”

Among others, rapper J Cole’s tribute read: “Enormous talent and limitless potential. God bless his family, friends, and fans.”

Documentary maker Louis Theroux said: “Notwithstanding personal demons, he was a huge talent & bringing a beautiful new feel to hip hop. So sad.”

Don Diablo

Don Diablo Announces Biggest Solo Show Ever

Don Diablo has announced his biggest solo show to date will take place on December 8, 2018.

FUTURE XL will be a one-night-only experience held at AFAS Live—the flagship concert venue in Don Diablo’s hometown of Amsterdam.

Hot off the heels of his sold-out Future tour in the US and his European Better Future tour, Don Diablo’s FUTURE XL promises to deliver a whole new level of mind-blowing production and showmanship.

To celebrate the momentous occasion, Diablo will play the longest set of his career, featuring hits Cutting Shapes, On My Mind and Chemicals, his remixes of artists such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Rihanna and Madonna, as well as premiering exclusive new tunes.

“FUTURE XL will be the biggest show I have done in my career. I will be doing a very special extra long set, showcasing all of my biggest hits from the last years and premiering lots of new music in a show setting that will be my personal vision of the future,” Don Diablo said.

“I look forward to creating a memorable night that will take things to the next level with all my Hexagonians from around the world. And… last but not least: where better to do this than in my city, Amsterdam?”

Having signed his first record deal when he was just 15, Don Diablo was ranked 11th in the Top 100 DJs by DJ Mag in 2016, he was also ranked the number one Future House Artist of the Year on Beatport in the same year.

Also known as Origin Unknown and 2Faced, Don Diablo founded his own record label and event brand, Sellout Sessions, in 2005, raising his profile in his native country, the Netherlands.

Don Diablo is also known for his philanthropy; he was made the first ambassador for Dance4Life, an international UN-backed action campaign to fight against HIV and AIDS.

And his 2018 tour has a major charitable aspect—all ticket proceeds will be donated to the Dutch Cancer Charity.

Don Diablo has won several major awards including EMPO’s Producer of the Year in 2016 and WDM’s Best Remix award in 2018.

Further reading: Martin Garrix and Loopers Release Game Over

Noonday Dream

Ben Howard North America Tour Confirmed to Promote Noonday Dream

British musician Ben Howard has confirmed dates for his headline North American tour. The announcement comes following the success of Howard’s hugely triumphant sold out UK European tour. The tour, set to begin this Fall, will promote his new album Noonday Dream which is due to be released June 1 2018 via Republic Records.

Howard wrote and produced the tracks that will feature on Noonday Dream, with contributions from the musician’s bandmate and regular collaborator, Mickey Smith. Noonday Dream was recorded over a two-year time frame in studios throughout Europe.

The first track to be released from Noonday Dream, is Nica Libres at Dusk and the album has already started to gain widespread acclaim. “A Boat to an Island on the Wall is a sprawling, mesmerising track that shifts restlessly, rocking back and forth like that small boat on the waves, with the familiar sound of Howard;s low, gruff vocals,” said UK news outlet The Independent.

Since the release of his debut album back in 2011, Howard has seen unbridled success with major chart toppers and global critical acclaim to boot. Every Kingdom (2011) sold more than one million copies worldwide. The album, which features favorites including Black Flies and Old Pine, received a Mercury Music Prize nomination and led to a win of two prestigious BRIT awards in 2012 for best British Breakthrough and best British Solo Male Album.

The artist’s second album I Forget Where We Were (2014) reached similar levels of success. Alongside a track featured on AMC’s The Walking Dead (2010-present) and receiving a nomination for the Ivor Novello Award, the album topped the charts in the UK.

At the time of writing, Howard’s music has racked up over half a billion digital streams.

Noonday Dream tracklist:

  1. Nica Libres at Dusk
  2. Towing the Line
  3. A Boat to an Island on the Wall
  4. What the Moon Does
  5. Someone in the Doorway
  6. All Down the Mines (Interlude)
  7. The Defeat
  8. A Boat to an Island Part II Agatha’s Song
  9. There’s Your Man
  10. Murmurations

Howard’s North American tour will begin September 20 in Burnaby, BC.

Further reading: Years & Years Announce New Album Palo Santo

Palo Santo

Years & Years Announce New Album Palo Santo

Synth pop British trio Years & Years have announced their highly anticipated second album Palo Santo. The new record is due to be released via Interscope Records July 6 in North America.

While there is still some time to wait for the first single of the album to hit the shelves, the band have published an exciting trailer for short film, Years & Years. The trailer features frontman Olly Alexander and Academy Award-winner, Judi Dench, teasing fans and building anticipation in the run up to its release.

Palo Santo follows the massive success of Years & Years’ debut album, Communion which was released in 2015. The album reached number one in the US Billboard Dance/Electronic Album Charts, hit top 10 in the Billboard Digital Album charts and went to number one in the UK Album Charts. As if this wasn’t enough, the album shot to dizzying heights with nominations for five Brit Awards after the sale of more than 1.5 million copies.

The new album has a line-up of big collaborations including Kid Harpoon, Greg Kurstin, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter and Jessie Shatkin.

A press released described Palo Santo as, “Part full-blooded, escapist fantasia and part social comment, for Years & Years this is about outlier pop as futurism once more, offering solutions when the wider world is transforming beyond recognition.”

The new album sees the band’s talented vocalist pull musical inspiration from pop legends including Lady Gaga, Prince and Bowie by exploring intimate, human themes of sexuality, identity and performance.

The standard edition track list for Palo Santo:

  1. Sanctify
  2. Hallelujah
  3. All for You
  4. Karma
  5. Hypnotised
  6. Rendezvous
  7. If You’re Over Me
  8. Preacher
  9. Lucky Escape
  10. Palo Santo
  11. Here (Interlude)

Fans can pre-order Palo Santo by Years & Years now on iTunes and Amazon and most major digital retailers.

Further reading: Martin Garrix and Loopers Release Game Over

Martin Garrix Game Over

Martin Garrix and Loopers Release Game Over

Young EDM superstar Martin Garrix and Dutchman Loopers have joined forces to release the highly anticipated single Game Over today (Friday 20 April) via STMPD RCRDS.

The track was initially premiered during Garrix’s set at EDM and dance music festival Tomorrowland back in 2017, and fans have been urging the DJ to officially release it ever since.

Game Over is nothing short of what fans would expect from Garrix—spunky, fun, full of bass with a big sound—but the collaboration with Loopers gives this new release a unique flair.

The now 21-year-old Garrix shot to fame stardom in 2013 with his hit tune Animals which received worldwide critical acclaim. By 2016, with the number one hit In the Name of Love featuring Bebe Rexha (racking up over a billion streams since its release so far), the artist’s career hit stratospheric heights.

Garrix also launched his own record label, STMPD RCRDS in 2016 to produce and release original tracks and collaborations besides his official global deal with Sony Music International. “There’s so much music out there in this whole EDM thing that sounds so similar,” he said. “I want to make my label more diverse.” Garrix’s commitment to the music industry at such a young age and in such a short time is commendable.

For Looper, Game Over follows a collaboration with dance music titan David Guetta and Brooks with Like I Do.

Watch Game Over by Martin Garrix and Loopers, here:

Further reading: David Guetta and Sia Release Flames

Jessie J

Jessie J Wins China’s Singer 2018 Talent Show

British pop star Jessie J has won major Chinese singing talent show, Singer 2018. The program, which can be likened to television shows like American Idol, is a singing contest for already-established artists.

The London-born artist was one of the first international contestants to ever appear on the show and won the competition with a staggering 48 percent of the vote.

Jessie J sang a selection of her own hits including Domino (2011) and Flashlight (2015), as well as a cover of Whitney Houston’s blockbuster hit My Heart Will Go On.

Many fans of the pop star were initially confused as to why she would enter a singing competition in the first place. “I know a lot of people were shocked when they found out,” she said. “Like why would I compete in a singing competition… I’m probably the least competitive person I know.

“I said yes because I LOVE to do the unexpected and I LOVE to represent the UK and singing everywhere I go. I LOVE to sing. But also it was an opportunity to bridge a gap between two cultures.”

The platinum-winning star added, “Chin is an amazing place and so different to anywhere I have ever been. I have never been made to feel more welcomed and loved as I have done here.”

Jessie J’s appearance on Singer 2018 followed the failed launch of her latest album R.O.S.E at the end of 2017.

Further reading: David Guetta and Sia Release Flames

Every Time I Die

Every Time I Die Return to the Machine Shop, Michigan

After 12 years, Every Time I Die made a triumphant return to the Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan. The venue, which had a slight western theme with restrooms labeled as “cowgirls” and “cowboys,” and a literal chain for a barricade, erupted with screaming fans and staff trying to capture crowd-surfers the second Keith Buckley stepped on stage. His vocals sounded as if he has the ability to rip through sandpaper, starting off the show with Roman Holiday. Guitarists Jordan Buckley and Andy Williams shred through the riffs with undying power and control, while bassist Stephen Micciche had control of the undertones in each song. Clayton Holyoak, the group’s drummer, had one of the most calming facial expressions I had ever seen on a drummer. Throughout the entire show, he maintained an appearance of being thoroughly at peace with the environment around him.

“Peace,” however, is one of the last things a fan of Every Time I Die should expect at one of their shows. With an abundance of people creating circle pits, crowd-surfers and head-bangers galore, beer seemingly falling on you from every direction, and getting kneed in the head multiple times (personal experience within the photo pit), it’s safe to say that the Machine Shop’s western theme lived up to the hype of Every Time I Die—wild, wild, wild.

The crowd, just as excited as the band were to be back, kept the energy alive throughout the 21-song set. With classic hits like The New Black, Pigs is Pigs, The Coin Has a Say and We’re Wolf mixed in with crowd favorites like Apocalypse Now and Then, Petal, Romeo a Go-Go and Decayin’ With the Boys, there was a bit of something for everyone at the show and it was hard not to be ecstatic throughout the entirety of it. Vocalist Buckley kept the crowd going as well, stopping between songs here and there to not only say a few words of encouragement, but also to check in with crowd members to see if they were still having a good time (shout out to the person on a swing). One interesting highlight of the setlist was that Every Time I Die decided to end their set with Fear and Trembling, which normally is an opener song throughout most of their previous tour dates post their latest album, Low Teens.

For a band that’s been around for nearly two decades and released eight stellar LP’s, it’d be easy to say that a group has “worn out” on stage and in studio, or become “too tired” and “boring” to continue putting on kick-ass shows—Every Time I Die is not one of those groups. During their final song, guitarist Jordan took the initiative to stage-dive and the crowd carried him from the stage all the way to the back of the venue, near where they had their merch setup. As the Flint stop was their final run on their recent US tour until the Vans Warped Tour this summer, I truly don’t think Every Time I Die could have seen a better send-off crowd than the one in Michigan.

Further reading: Panic! At the Disco Back with New Track