Last Thursday, April 25th, The Rave in Milwaukee vibrated with the electrifying energy of Des Rocs’ Dream Machine Tour. Despite the clear but chilly Wisconsin night, the crowd inside was anything but cold.
Openers Jigsaw Youth set the stage with their own brand of infectious indie rock, warming up the audience for the main event.
Des Rocs exploded onto the stage, a charismatic frontman channeling the spirit of rock n’ roll legends. His aptly titled first song, “Dream Machine,” kicked off the night with a pulsating rhythm section and Des Rocs’ soaring vocals.
Tracks like “Used to the Darkness” and “Natural Born Thriller” showcased the band’s tight musicianship and Des Rocs’ knack for crafting arena-ready anthems.
The setlist perfectly balanced new tracks from his latest album, “Dream Machine,” with fan favorites like “Maybe I” and “White Gold.” Each song was delivered with raw emotion and a captivating stage presence. During “Nowhere Kid,” the entire venue seemed to erupt in singalongs, a testament to Des Rocs’ growing fanbase.
The night wasn’t just about singalongs though. Des Rocs showcased his range with powerful ballads like “Hanging by a Thread” and the introspective “Never Ending Moment.” He truly owned the stage, commanding the audience’s attention with every movement.
The latter half of the show was a masterclass in high-octane rock. “I Am The Lightning” lived up to its name, electrifying the crowd with its driving guitar riffs and pounding drums. The one-two punch of “HVY MTL DRMR” and “Let Me Live Let Me Die” sent the energy levels into overdrive, leaving the audience breathless.
Des Rocs closed the night with a three-song encore, including the hauntingly beautiful “Dead Ringer” and the crowd-pleasing “Suicide Romantics.” The entire venue was left wanting more, a sign of a truly unforgettable performance.
Knowing who Des Rocs was before the show, but not being familiar with his live performance, I was left speechless. If you have the chance to catch Des Rocs on the Dream Machine Tour, don’t miss it! He’s a rising star with the talent and charisma to become a rock legend.
I sincerely look forward to what he has in store for us in the future!
Review & Photography by Greg Hamil for MPM
