Shows

Sunburns & Sweet Feelings: Almost Monday Stuns Southend

Ashley McKenzie
May 11, 2025
5 min read
Featured
Almost Monday by @ashleyymck

Reigning all the way from San Diego, Almost Monday, a surf-pop inspired trio consisting of Dawson Daugherty, Luke Fabry, and Cole Clisby, started creating together in their high school years. Following their Southern California roots, their sound has an all familiar groove that you can't help but dance along to.

I have personally been following the band since their release of "Don't say you're ordinary" in fall of 2020, and it has been incredible to see the evolution of not only the band itself, but their sound. From festivals to tours, Almost Monday always brings an energy that's unforgettable. Dawson's dancing and Luke’s funky bass lines create an impact on fans of all ages.

Almost Monday by @ashleyymck

Opening the night, Missouri natives FOX ROYALE brought a vibe similar to that of the likes of Cage the Elephant. The electric indie rock trio boasts an impressive 20k monthly Spotify listeners and has spent the few last year on the road opening for bands like Colony House, Fitz and The Tantrums, and our very own Almost Monday.

The band surely had fans of their own in the audience, judging by the crowds energy and reaction. Those that weren't already infatuated surely left yearning for more; I was certainly one of them.

The band has a handful of more shows, festivals, and headlines this year. Check your calendar and swing on by- you won't regret it.


Almost Monday is truly making a genre of their own. A setlist including some of their older hit's like "parking lot view," and "sunburn" plus additions that showcase their new and evolving sound, like "sequoia." Seeing as this stop was a rescheduled show, fans were climbing with anticipation far longer than expected, but every second of this wait was worth it.

Almost Monday by @ashleyymckAlmAl

Going to an Almost Monday show is an unexplainable feeling. The ability to keep the energy up regardless of crowd size and other outside factors is telling to the bands drive and dedication to their craft.

One of the things I enjoy the most about Almost Monday performing is their ability to interact with the crowd. Coming from a fellow fan, it is an easy tell whether the artist enjoys performing, and this band truly does. There is nothing more fulfilling than the feeling of an interaction with your favorite artist. In some instances, it may be so small on their own scale but it's something that we remember for the rest of our lives.

Following this band for so long, having the opportunity to view them from a professional lens (pun intended) felt like such a full circle moment. Bands like Almost Monday, have brought such an immense amount of meaning in my life. It's so hard to explain to someone unless they have truly "felt" it. Music saved my life, and many others as well. Having the ability to capture the impact artists and their music have on fans, is what makes everything worth it. I was once them, and I always will be.

This show was a perfect blend that had you imagining the impactful California sunshine that the music was written in. The growth of Almost Monday, especially in recent months with the release of their debut album "DIVE" proves they are here to stay.

The band has an almost familiarity to their sound, a warm inviting synth that has their name written all over it. Developing a sound and image that is this recognizable is so important to a band/artists image and Almost Monday has outdone themselves.

Dave Bowers, their artist of choice, is a huge part of this. One of my favorite things about new releases, announcements, and tours is seeing what whimsical graphics they will dream up next.

Amos Southend of Charlotte is a small and intimate venue that has made a huge splash in the scene since its founding in 1990. After closing its doors, moving, and reopening, Amos has still hosted names as big as John Mayer, The Beastie Boys, and Snoop Dogg. Leaving the venue, staff has remarkable words towards the band and their abilities which is an incredible accomplishment.


See Almost Monday live here


Follow FOX ROYALE:

Instagram/Youtube/TikTok


Follow Almost Monday:

Instagram/Youtube/TikTok

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