After a three year absence, I returned to Deluxe at Old National Centre on a beautiful late-summer evening joining countless other devoted fans in the intimate basement venue. Even arriving partway through opener Tummyache’s set, I was struck by the unexpectedly large crowd that had already gathered. What impressed me most was the genuine respect and engagement these post-hardcore fans showed the opening acts, which is a refreshing change from typical concert behavior. The community spirit was so strong that between sets, a fellow attendee even gifted me a handmade La Dispute-themed friendship bracelet, perfectly capturing the welcoming atmosphere that made the evening special from the very start.
Someday I’ll Be In the Right Place, Today I Go At My Own Pace
Tummyache brought raw energy and emotional intensity to their opening set, with frontwoman Soren Bryce delivering deeply personal songs that felt more like confessions than typical rock performances. The band’s jittery guitars and pounding drums created a sound that was both chaotic and compelling, tackling heavy themes with genuine authenticity. Their ragged, passionate approach made for a perfect opener that immediately connected with the crowd and set the tone for an emotionally charged evening.
I Want to Be Invisible but I Can’t Stay That Way Forever
Glitterer opened with a sharp, stripped-down set that quickly drew the audience in, blending urgency with an intimate atmosphere. Their mix of fuzzy basslines, crisp rhythms, and Ned Russin’s half-sung vocals built a steady momentum, reaching a highlight with the raw delivery of “Try Harder Still.” Russin’s calm but magnetic presence grounded the performance, giving it emotional weight without relying on theatrics. The night ended with the sense that the crowd had witnessed something both vulnerable and cathartic.
To Apartments Still Unfurnished and Indulgences Unburdened
La Dispute’s Saturday night performance carried a weight that was impossible to ignore, setting the tone early with the raw urgency of “I Shaved My Head,” a standout single from their recently released album No One Was Driving the Car. Jordan Dreyer’s restless movements across the stage, paired with his spoken-word delivery, gave the set an intensity that commanded attention from the crowd. The band maintained a careful balance between clarity and heaviness, allowing every lyric to cut through while the instrumentation delivered with unrelenting power.
The audience fed off that energy, their voices rising loudest during “King Park,” one of the night’s most powerful moments. The song’s tension built steadily until the entire venue seemed to erupt at once, a release that made clear just how deeply these tracks resonate in a live setting. Quieter passages, such as those in “Andria,” shifted the atmosphere entirely, pulling the crowd into near silence as Dreyer’s words hung in the air with startling weight. The interplay between band and audience created a shared sense of focus, as though both sides were shaping the atmosphere together.
What stood out most was how seamlessly La Dispute’s recorded music translates into the live setting, where its precision and impact are magnified. Six years between albums felt justified, as the setlist leaned heavily on their newest material, with each track matching the last in intensity. By the end of the night, the performance had left a visible mark on the room, with many in the crowd appearing deeply affected by the emotional weight of the show. La Dispute reminded everyone present that their concerts are not just about hearing songs performed, but about experiencing their full emotional scope in the moment.