Photo of Patrick Miranda of Movements by Matt Lynch
The atmosphere at The Pageant for the Movements tour was electric from the moment the lights dimmed.
Opening first, Downward. A shoegaze/indie fusion group from Tulsa, OK, Downward started the show off strong, bringing some dimly lit halftime drums and overdriven riffs.
A punk group from Santa Cruz, CA, Scowl brought a no-holds-barred approach to their performance from the moment frontwoman Kat Moss took the stage. Her ferocious delivery brings a perfect match to the band’s chaotic, mosh-inducing riffage. The tempo was relentless, each track pushing the envelope further as the band dove headfirst into the fast-paced breakdowns and dissonant chord progressions. The energy was a perfect build up to the first main event: Citizen’s “special guest” set.
As the red essence of light filled the room and Citizen took the stage, the room crackled with anticipation. Opening up with immediate emotional demand by playing “The Night I Drove Alone”, Citizen had the crowd hooked. Their tight and energetic performance was a testament to their growth over the years, as they navigated through a set that blended both their heavier cuts from their 2013 debut Youth into their more melodic songs seamlessly. The most personally captivating moment from their set was their performance of “Sleep.” It felt almost cathartic live and it seemed to bring a nostalgic feel over the band playing one of their most iconic, emotional tracks with passion and precision. Drummer Ben Russin’s pounding rhythms set a perfect foundation for guitarist Nick Hamm’s atmospheric riffs, providing the perfect backdrop for the soaring vocals of Mat Kerekes.
As the set came to a close, Citizen wrapped up with a stirring encore that left the crowd craving more. Their ability to balance their post-punk roots with a modern, polished sound was on full display as they played some of their most dynamic songs from their recent album, 2023’s Calling All Dogs. The energy was a seamless build up to the main event: Movements.
Known for their passionate, introspective lyrics and powerful sound, Movements delivered an intimate performance seemingly capturing everyone in the room. The setlist for Movements was a perfect mix of the most beloved tracks such as “Skin to Skin” or “Daylily,” getting the whole arena to scream “I think it’s time you had a pink cloud summer.” Their heavy rock instrumentation perfectly complementing the raw emotion conveyed through lead vocalist Patrick Miranda’s voice. Miranda’s vulnerability on stage with his vocal energy and continuous thankfulness towards the crowd and what he claimed to be “our best tour yet” helped connect deeply with the crowd. The band’s seamless transitions from delicate, melancholic passages to explosive, cathartic breakdowns had the audience in a constant emotional flux. The band’s energy was evident throughout their performance, with each member playing off one another to create a truly unified sound. Drummer Spencer York’s percussive precision anchored the set, providing a steady foundation for guitarist Ira George’s intricate, emotive riffs and bassist Austin Cressey’s driving melodic lines.
Ultimately, Movements delivered an impressive performance highlighting their skills as musicians but also as storytellers. Their ability to balance emotionally charged moments with explosive musicality ensured that the concert was a journey rather than just a show. With their dynamic range, vulnerability, and raw intensity, Movements proved why they’ve become a staple in the post hardcore and alternative scenes. | Matt Lynch
