The night I had waited for finally arrived! Softspoken, a sensation of a band I've been vibing on, and A Skylit Drive, a peak post-hardcore band that's been rocking the genre since 2005, stopped by Dallas, TX at the end of their 'Se7en' tour.
Softspoken is a band that's really been picking up speed and gaining a great fan following. They're based out of Cincinnati, OH, and fit the modern post-hardcore scene. I love the upbeat, yet heartfelt, feeling to their music. There's an emotional connection throughout the melodic guitar, captivating vocals, and bursts of more aggressive vocals. They opened up with "Where The Heart Belongs," and immediately had me wanting to bounce up and down. "Throw Me Your Roses" got the energy in the room pumping with the more aggressive vocals leading in to the song, followed by Sam Scheuer's melodic clean notes. This song had everyone's heads banging!
I love the vulnerability of Softspoken's music, and how relatable it is. What stood out to me most, is how genuine and kind they are; always happy to smile at a fan, fist bump, or chat after the show by the merch tables. Sam was quick to fist bump some young kids in the front of the crowd, and pass them a drum stick from drummer, Kevin Potts.
My favorite moment of their set had to be hearing "TWLAM" live, and I think the fans would agree! I'll be humming the lyrics and head banging to that all week now.
A Skylit Drive wowed the building with their energy! I could tell that mostly everyone in the room had been listening to them for many years as everyone sang along and danced with smiles on their faces. It's incredibly neat to see so many bands that began in the early 2000's adapting and growing, and still hugely impacting their fans with music! They started off with a banger, "All It Takes For Your Dreams to Come True," which brought momentum to the room. The tension from the drums and Jag's vocals, along with the rhythm of the guitar and bass brought a sense of urgency to the song.
"Said And Done" was next, with its charged energy and heartfelt lyrics. I know cinematic is the new "it" word for the hardcore music scene, but it's definitely a word I'd choose to describe the dynamic song. I challenge you to give it a listen and try NOT to bang your head...good luck! "XO Skeleton," from their album Identity On Fire, was perfect for a little bit of two-stepping and a circle pit. The track has more of a gritty, hardcore/screamo feel to it that instantly transports you back to 2011.
My favorite song from their set was "Falling Apart In A Crowded Room." I think it's one of their most emotionally-charged songs, and it feels really relatable. As an autistic woman, I can 100% relate to the feeling of falling apart, or holding myself together just barely in a crowded room, but honestly can't everyone relate to that at some point? Heartbreak, loneliness, anxiety, and depression don't hold back when we're surrounded by others. This song is a beautiful depiction of their writing and vulnerability. "Se7en" was a close second! We can't go without giving a shoutout to the song that fueled the tour! And, of course, "Love The Way You Lie" was a fun cover that had the entire audience singing along to the lyrics.
The highlight of the night for me, though, went uncaptured, and exists only in memory. While waiting in line to say hi to A Skylit Drive, my favorite front-row fan who danced her heart out, shared with me and the band that without them she might not be here today. Their music so deeply resonated with her and got her through tough times over the last ten years, and she was overjoyed to jump, dance, and sing along with her favorite band. That, and hearing the band members discuss cheese for five minutes with fans, because why not? Joey, who plays bass, was happy to chat all things food and delicious snacks with fans.
A Skylit Drive is one of those bands that make a huge impact with their authenticity and humility, both on and off the stage. The word that comes to mind is human — their genuine humanity and approachability is really what made me a dedicated fan, and I could say the same for Softspoken! This tour is just coming to a close, but I highly recommend seeing both bands next time they play in your area!
SETLIST
All It Takes For Your Dreams to Come True
Said & Done
The Cali Buds
XO Skeleton
Knights Of The Round
Rise
Falling Apart in a (Crow)ded Room
Love the Way You Lie
I’m Not a Thief, I’m a Treasure Hunter
Too Little Too Late
Count Me Out
Tempt Me, Temptation
Wires And The Concept of Breathing
