This show was packed from the doors opening until they closed. As the band members came out dressed in all black, including their face masks, Vana entered the stage in full color, setting the vivid contrast that would weave itself through the entire performance. Most bands wouldn’t open with one of their newest singles right away, but Vana did—out the gate the first song was “Pray,” which immediately sent the crowd into a constant, surging wave of energy. Mixing tracks from her Trial and Fever EPs (including “Beg” and “Noxious”) with hit singles like “In Your Name” and “Clandestine,” they delivered a stage show that matched the music’s intensity. While the band worked the stage, the audience delighted in tearing up the pit. Now with Sumerian Records backing her, the sky truly seems the limit for Vana and her fans.
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I normally think the opening slot is the hardest to get everyone going—not for Australia’s RedHook. The band exploded onto the stage with ferocious energy for their first New York City show; the crowd fed off that momentum immediately and the night took off. The set was electric and at times theatrical, from vocalist Emmy Mack spewing blood to an encore showered with bubble machines and beach balls. Their latest album, Mutation, was even nominated for Australia’s Best Hard Rock/Metal Album, and the live performance carried that momentum straight through.
Playing to a hometown crowd were Long Island’s Deadlands. From the moment they kicked things off with “Villain” (from their EP Seven), the hometown fans gave everything they had. The bond between band and audience was palpable, evident as vocalist Kasey Karlsen reached out while fans surfed toward the stage. With songs like “More!,” “Die in Paradise,” and an encore of “House of Cards” featuring Kasey’s brother joining them onstage, the set had it all—and left the crowd wanting more.
Direct support for this tour came from Chandler Leighton. This was a master class in performance — not only in the selection and delivery of the songs, but in the effortless interaction among the musicians themselves. The band had a way of making you feel as though each song was being played just for you, until the sudden swell of screams from the crowd snapped you back and reminded you there were hundreds of people behind you. With hits like “Say Less,” “When You Say My Name,” and “Waiting for You to Heal” (which just had a video released), you’ll be caught in her trance and happily lose yourself in the moment.
