Photo of Honey Revenge’s Donovan Lloyd by Michael O’Connor
To label the Honey Revenge Loving and Losing Tour as an unstoppable force is an understatement. A fire was ignited on the 5th of June, one with brilliant luminescence, a blazing crowd, and four incredibly talented artists. Delmar Hall hosted the show and utilized their vibrant lights to paint the stage like a canvas. It was obvious how each change in lighting was purposefully crafted to perpetuate a new burst in emotion and depth.
Nightlife opened with a set that gave way to an effortless blend of soul and pop-punk. Their seamless fusion of these two genres set them apart, enhancing their dynamic soulful stage presence. A particular highlight of Nightlife’s set was the saxophone pieces implemented by Allan Romero. As a saxophonist myself, it was fascinating to witness the pure, resonant tone cutting through the onstage energy, especially with the amount of movement that took place.
Following Nightlife’s performance was New Zealand-based artist Vana. The stage transformed under a wash of deep crimson red, adding a mesmerizing dichotomy from the set before. Vana’s talent lies in her intersection of gentle, ethereal vocals, and breathtaking, electrifying screams, creating a captivating contrast for the audience. Guitarist Niles Gibbs and bassist Harlan Jones were also brilliant, commanding the stage with synchronized spins and dynamic movement. The crowd mirrored this intensity, almost immediately, with the front row barricade pulsing in sync from the raw power of their performance. Vana’s passion for her craft was unmistakable, making this set a critically essential experience for anyone drawn to the metalcore scene.
Daisy Grenade was the final act before the headliner, featuring lead vocalists Keaton Whittaker and Dani Nigro. Regardless of the “bubbly grunge band” aesthetic, the lyrical messages woven into their songs revealed a depth that contradicted the initial lighthearted vibe. The duo’s interactions with the audience were exceptionally personable and engaging, breaking the barriers between performer and fan with a warmth that deepened the overall connection. Additionally, vibrant cyan and blue tones that bathed the stage and directed every eye toward the band’s movements added to their spectacular and polished prelude to the headliner.
Neon lightbars were installed for Honey Revenge’s set, adding a striking layer to their performance—this was the moment everyone was waiting for. When the band came onstage, the audience was at their peak, the room was an ecstatic amalgamation of emotions. When the first guitar riff resonated through the hall, the crowd’s energy surged even higher. They launched into tracks from their latest album, 2023’s Retrovision, alongside their latest single “Risk,” and it seemed as if every person in the room knew each word by heart. While performing one of their popular numbers, “Habitual,” the audience was cued to sing the eight-word chorus. This interaction with the crowd was such a powerful symbol of the band’s ability to connect with their fans. After these initial songs, lead singer Devin Papadol and guitarist Donovan Lloyd had a slower, heartfelt moment with the audience, recounting the formation of Honey Revenge, and reminding everyone how important it is to cherish loved ones rather than take them for granted. After this message, they delved into older tracks with the unique perspective of a live performance. Honey Revenge delivered one of the most inspiring and powerful concerts I’ve ever experienced; every action presented on stage felt genuine, leaving me with nothing but respect and appreciation throughout their pop-rock showcase. | Michael O’Connor
