Photos & Review by Greg Hamil for MPM
The night wasn’t as scorching hot as the previous week had been, but it was a very hot night in the Midwest as a crowd gathered for Beartooth, Currents, Boundaries, and Nevertel on the Back Waters Stage at the Q Casino in Dubuque, IA.
Unfortunately, due to work and the long travel time, I couldn’t make it to the show in time to catch Boundaries and Nevertel. But as a prepared for the upcoming performance of Currents, I was told by many that I had missed a couple of ear bending and head banging performances by both bands.
I was barely able to get my gear out and ready to go, when Currents stepped onto the stage. I noticed right away that were was a mix of die-hard fans and those that were curious about a band they may not have heard of before. Everyone was captivated by the band’s technical prowess right from the get-go. Guitarists Chris Wiseman and Ryan Castaldi effortlessly weaved complex riffs and solos, while bassist Christian Pulgarin and drummer Matt Young provided a solid, driving rhythm section.
Highlights of t he set included the relentless energy of “Never There” and “The Death We Seek”. The crowd erupted into a mosh pit frenzy for both. Vocalist Brian Wille’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal, seamlessly transitioning between guttural screams to melodic cleans with astonishing precision.
Currents performance in Dubuque was a refreshing surprise. The bands’ ability to connect with the audience on a deep level is a testament to their talent and passion. It would safe to say that the die-hards got a night to remember with their performance, but those in the crowd that were new to Currents music, many became fans with that one show.
Currents Setlist: Never There – Monsters – Kill the Ache – Better Days – The Death We Seek – So Alone – Unfamiliar – Living in Tragedy – Over and Over – Remember Me – Guide Us Home
As the stage was cleared, the crowd got a well-deserved breather. In my experience, Beartooth normally has a stripped down, no frills set. But for this show, video screens lined the back of the stage, fire canons extended from each side of the drum kit, and confetti canons lined the front of the stage, which could only mean we were in for a Beartooth performance on steroids.
When Beartooth finally exploded onto the stage, the crowd erupted. Caleb Shomo, the band’s frontman was a whirlwind of energy. His voice was a potent blend of raw aggression and melodic vulnerability. His stage presence was magnetic, drawing every eye and inciting the crowd into a frenzy.
The setlist heavily featured the 2023 album The Surface with songs like “Doubt Me”, “Riptide”, and “I Was Alive”. But there was room for songs from their entire discography with songs like “Disease”, “Body Bag”, and “Devastation”. There was even time for a cover of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside”. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend heavy breakdowns with soaring choruses created a dynamic and captivating live experience.
Highlights of night included Shomo’s interaction with the crowd, asking them to put the outside world to the side for a couple of hours and enjoy a night of rock-and-roll without any distractions. He often invited them to participate in sing-a-longs and open circles pits or crowd surf.
Beartooth’s Dubuque show was a testament to their states as one of the most electrifying live acts in rock music today.
They delivered a performance that was both brutal and beautiful, leaving the crowd exhausted but exhilarated. It is clear that Beartooth’s star continues to rise and nights like this one solidifies their place at the forefront of modern rock.
Beartooth Setlist: The Surface – The Past is Dead – Doubt Me – Riptide – Disease – Devastation – Might Love Myself – Mr. Brightside – Look the Other Way – The Lines – Beaten in Lips – Body Bag – I Was Alive – Sunshine! – In Between
