Made out of a stacked lineup of rock stars, Anthony Green’s Saosin and Circa Survive, Frank Iero’s My Chemical Romance, Tim Payne and Tucker Rule’s Thursday, and Travis Stever’s Coheed and Cambria, have coordinated yet another incredible tour for L.S. Dunes. The legendary musicians who make up some of the best bands of our generation coming together in a new fashion are widely embraced by their domineering and passionate fanbase.
L.S. Dunes have taken a turn in their emotional composure and lyricism with the same full throttle feeling. Now, with the release of their new album, Violet, they provide the essential hard rock, with mixes of some more upbeat and softer mixes.
Taking their show on the road for a month-long run, their live performance exudes the same emotions that their music does. The crowd feels it, as their energy is absorbed from the crowd and projected right into the artist's performance. Their fans are known for their high energy pits, where they empty their built up emotions onto the venue floor.
When I arrived at the Majestic Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin, the historic venue known for its diverse seating and large acceptance of heavy rock and metal bands, the fans were already wrapped around the block awaiting the doors to open. Toting silver chains and all black outfits, I knew this crowd was made to be a fun one.
Kicking off the night was Plague Vendor, LA-born post-punk, with a high energy set. Although their time on the stage was short, this four piece band delivered extreme stage presence. Alongside an dark and fast-paced sound is their lead vocalist, Brandon Blaine, who’s over the top and excitable demeanor owned the stage.
The next act, From Indian Lakes, delivered a touch of shoe-gaze mixed with indie-pop, during their supporting act. Floating into a more tranquil set, with incense lit on stage to support their moody ambience. From Indian Lakes latest album, HEAD VOID, released in May of 2024, vocalist Joey Vannucchi references his childhood growing up outside of Yosemite National Park as a spark for his lyric writing. Their set was polished and dynamic, a perfect addition to this tour.
Before L.S. Dunes took the stage, I assessed the crowd’s excitement, getting to know those at the front row and their love for the band. Some mentioned their tattoo’s hand drawn by members of the band while others discussed their meaningful love of the member’s new music and projects. The newest L.S. Dunes album, Violet, made lots of appearances on the setlist; dramatically opening with "Like Magick." Lead vocalist, Anthony Green, is like the conductor of the night. With his intense and passionate relation to the crowd; they hang on his every move. His frantic, yet controlled demeanor echoes through the music hall, emanating his enthusiasm to be in presence with his fans. That enthusiasm was harped on almost every time Green spoke to the crowd, his appreciation for them coming out to the show really made them feel special, seen and heard by the iconic rock band.
Throughout L.S. Dunes’ set, they played a wide range of songs from their discography. I loved hearing the high-skill level guitar playing from Frank Iero, his talent and expertise shows in his playing. This certainly shows in their song “Like Forever,” where I was completely enamored, floored, watching his hands move across the neck of his guitar with ease. His riffs are clean, detailed and unique to the sound LS Dunes creates on stage. Iero is a true once in a lifetime performer, take it upon yourself to catch this tour live; you will not regret it.
Another highlight of the night was the title track from their most recent album, “Violet,” which played about halfway through the night. The volume of the crowd during this song was incomparable as they sang every word back to the performers. It’s cathartic and deep, the crowd began singing the chorus like a choir “Know that I forgive you / but I never will forget / Unmoved by the attention / So I reverse the sentiment.”
Unshackled from their previous bands aesthetics and soundscapes, L.S. Dunes creates more than just music. Their ability to combine community and escapism is highly desired and sought after by the fanbase, craving to connect to the remnants of their previous work and appreciate what’s new.
L.S. Dunes is on the path to conclude their North American tour soon, so grab tickets here while you still can.
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