Rival Sons – Fillmore – Minneapolis MN- June 10th 2023

On a warm evening in Minneapolis, The Black Angels took the stage at The Fillmore, delivering a mesmerizing night of psychedelic rock that left the crowd spellbound. Known for their trippy, hypnotic sound and visual storytelling, the band’s performance was an immersive journey into the depths of their sonic universe. Here’s a breakdown of the evening:

The Venue: A Perfect Setting for Psychedelic Vibes

The Fillmore Minneapolis, with its rich history and intimate yet expansive atmosphere, was an ideal setting for The Black Angels’ brand of music. The venue’s cozy interior, decorated with colorful, retro-inspired murals and intricate lighting, enhanced the experience, as if the space itself was an extension of the band’s trippy aesthetic. The intimate setting allowed for an up-close-and-personal feel, but also provided room for the music to fill the space, creating a collective energy that reverberated throughout the room.

The Black Angels: A Journey Through Time and Sound

As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s anticipation grew, The Black Angels took to the stage, their signature blend of swirling guitars, vintage keyboards, and reverb-soaked vocals instantly taking over the room. Right from the opening notes, the band’s commitment to their psychedelic roots was clear. The driving rhythms of “Currency” off their Death Song album brought an immediate sense of urgency to the crowd, while the elongated, hypnotic guitar lines kept everyone in a trance.

Lead vocalist Alex Maas’s haunting voice was on full display, with his signature croon cutting through the dense fog of sound that surrounded him. His vocals, paired with the ethereal harmonies from bassist Jake Garcia and guitarist Christian Bland, elevated the songs, making them feel both timeless and contemporary at the same time. The band’s interplay between fuzzed-out guitars, sweeping keyboards, and thundering percussion created a sonic landscape that was as vast as it was rich.

Visuals and Atmosphere

One of the most striking aspects of The Black Angels’ performance was their visual presentation. The band has always been known for pairing their music with stunning, psychedelic visuals, and tonight was no exception. Projected visuals—ranging from swirling colors and kaleidoscopic patterns to vintage film clips and surreal imagery—added another layer of immersion to the performance, drawing the crowd deeper into their world. The combination of lights, sounds, and visuals was pure psychedelic magic, transporting the audience to another time and place.

The band’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by the ’60s psych-rock scene, but it’s given a modern twist that feels fresh and relevant. It’s as though the music takes you on a journey not only through sound but through visual art, making each song feel like a full sensory experience.

Standout Tracks

• “Black Grease”: This track was a crowd favorite, and when it kicked in, the energy in the room surged. The song’s dark, brooding energy combined with Maas’s almost haunting delivery made for an unforgettable moment.
• “You on the Run”: The haunting, hypnotic quality of this track was enhanced by its heavy, pounding rhythm, creating an almost cinematic atmosphere. The crowd swayed in unison, lost in the moment.
• “Young Men Dead”: This fan favorite from their debut album Passover was a highlight of the set, with its expansive, swirling guitars and pounding drums taking the room on a journey that felt almost otherworldly. The buildup was electric, and when the song reached its peak, the room was completely in the grip of the music.
• “Entrance Song”: As an opening number, this track set the tone for the night with its eerie, almost ominous tone, giving the crowd a taste of the deep, psychedelic depths that were about to be explored.

Setlist Highlights

The Black Angels didn’t shy away from diving into their discography, delivering a setlist that spanned their career, drawing from both old favorites and their newer material. The setlist was perfectly balanced, mixing slow-burn, atmospheric tracks with high-energy moments that whipped the crowd into a frenzy. They also gave some love to their more experimental side, allowing for moments of improvisation where the music ebbed and flowed in a way that felt fluid and organic.

Crowd Energy

The audience was deeply engaged throughout the entire performance, feeding off the band’s energy. There was a communal vibe, as people swayed, danced, and completely lost themselves in the music. The psychedelic nature of the band’s sound naturally encouraged a laid-back, almost trance-like state, but at the same time, the songs had enough intensity to ignite pockets of wild energy in the crowd. The Black Angels have a devoted following, and it was clear that the fans were there to experience the music on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts

The Black Angels at The Fillmore Minneapolis was everything you could hope for from a live psychedelic rock show—immersive, visually stunning, and sonically transcendent. The band has honed their craft over the years, and it shows in the quality of their live performance. Whether you were already a fan or seeing them for the first time, their ability to transport you into their hypnotic, swirling world is unparalleled. If you’re into psych-rock, The Black Angels are one of those bands you absolutely have to see live—they deliver an experience that’s as much about the journey as it is the music.

When Rival Sons hit the stage at The Fillmore Minneapolis on June 10th, 2023, they brought the heat with a live performance that was nothing short of electrifying. Known for their blend of bluesy rock, swaggering energy, and raw talent, the band delivered a night that felt like a throwback to classic rock’s golden era, while still keeping things fresh and exciting. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s unforgettable experience:

The Venue: Perfect Setting for Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Fillmore Minneapolis provided the perfect backdrop for Rival Sons. The venue’s intimate yet expansive atmosphere allowed for the band’s high-octane performance to feel both personal and larger-than-life. The venue’s signature vintage décor, combined with top-notch acoustics, enhanced the overall vibe, making the concert feel like a rock show that could’ve been held in the golden age of live music.

Opening Act: Setting the Tone

The night kicked off with a solid opening act that set the tone for what was to come. Though they weren’t as widely known, the opener’s bluesy, gritty rock style worked in perfect tandem with Rival Sons’ sound. They warmed the crowd up nicely, building anticipation for the main event. The energy was already buzzing by the time Rival Sons took the stage.

Rival Sons: A Masterclass in Rock ‘n’ Roll

As the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Do Your Worst” rang out, it was immediately clear: this was going to be a night to remember. Rival Sons are a band that knows how to grab your attention right from the first note. The crowd erupted in cheers as Jay Buchanan’s powerhouse vocals hit the air, his raspy, soulful voice cutting through the room with commanding authority.

The band’s tight, infectious groove was anchored by Scott Holiday’s explosive guitar work. From fiery solos to slick riffs, Holiday was a force of nature, his playing oozing the kind of swagger that’s reminiscent of legendary guitarists like Jimmy Page and Keith Richards. Meanwhile, Mike Miley on drums and Dave Beste on bass formed a rock-solid rhythm section, providing the backbone that allowed the rest of the band to shine.

Setlist: A Perfect Blend of Hits and New Material

Rival Sons wasted no time diving into a mix of crowd-pleasing hits and newer material from their latest album, “Lightbringer”. The setlist was a great balance of fan favorites and fresh tracks, and it was clear that the band’s energy was palpable from start to finish.

• “Do Your Worst” – The opener and a perfect introduction to the night. The heavy groove, Buchanan’s vocal range, and Holiday’s searing guitar made it clear this was going to be a rock show of the highest caliber.
• “Pressure and Time” – This track had the crowd singing along, with its infectious hook and upbeat energy. The crowd’s reaction was wild, and it felt like a true anthem moment.
• “Fear and Loathing” – One of the standout tracks from “Feral Roots”, this one showcased the band’s ability to blend bluesy, soul-filled moments with heavy rock energy. The live rendition was even more intense, with Buchanan’s emotive delivery making it impossible to look away.
• “Back In the Woods” – A new gem from “Lightbringer”, this song showed Rival Sons’ continued evolution as a band, blending swampy blues with a more atmospheric vibe. The live performance only added to its hypnotic energy.
• “Electric Man” – A crowd favorite and one of the band’s most iconic songs, “Electric Man” had the audience on their feet, chanting and clapping along to the infectious rhythm. The moment was pure rock ‘n’ roll magic.

The Band’s Energy: Pure Rock ‘n’ Roll Dynamism

One of the most striking things about Rival Sons live is their undeniable energy. Buchanan is a true rock frontman, commanding the stage with an intensity that draws you in. Whether he was belting out soul-filled vocals or engaging with the crowd in a playful, almost magnetic way, he proved why he’s considered one of the best modern rock vocalists out there.

Holiday, on guitar, was a spectacle of his own. His solos were ferocious, raw, and at times almost too much to keep up with, but in the best way possible. The connection between the band members was palpable—each musician playing off the others, creating a unified sound that felt both spontaneous and perfectly rehearsed.

The rhythm section, with Miley on drums and Beste on bass, was tight and dynamic. Miley’s drumming, in particular, was incredible—his fills and driving beats formed the backbone of every track, adding weight to each song while keeping everything grounded.

Visuals and Stage Presence

The visual aspect of the show was equally engaging, with lighting that shifted between warm, fiery tones during intense moments and cooler blues for more laid-back songs. The stage design kept things simple but striking, focusing on the music itself rather than any over-the-top theatrics. The focus was clearly on the energy of the performance, and it worked perfectly.

Encore: A Thunderous Finish

After an already intense set, the band returned for an encore that was nothing short of electrifying. They gave the crowd what they wanted with a thunderous version of “Soul”, and then closed with “Tied Up”, leaving the room in a frenzy of cheers and applause. The final moments were a perfect way to cap off a show that had already delivered on every level.

Crowd Interaction: Engaged and Appreciative

The audience at The Fillmore was fully invested in the show, responding to the band’s energy with cheers, claps, and singalongs. Buchanan took a moment to address the crowd, thanking them for their support and letting the audience know how much it meant to the band to be playing live again. The connection between the band and their fans felt genuine, making the night feel like an intimate rock celebration.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember

Rival Sons at The Fillmore Minneapolis was a true rock ‘n’ roll spectacle. From the powerful vocals to the incendiary guitar work, the band proved they are one of the best live acts in the world today. Their ability to blend blues, rock, and soul into a cohesive, high-energy experience is unmatched, and this performance only solidified their place at the forefront of modern rock.

If you’re a fan of raw, authentic rock music, Rival Sons live is an experience you absolutely can’t miss. Whether it was the sweat-soaked intensity of “Electric Man” or the soul-soaked, bluesy grooves of “Back In the Woods”, the night had everything a rock fan could ask for.