Oklahoma City was set ablaze last night as four bands delivered an unforgettable night of high-energy, pulse-pounding music. From the first note to the last encore, the Diamond Ballroom was transformed into a whirlwind of soaring vocals, relentless riffs, and an atmosphere thick with adrenaline.
Unwell: A Cannonball Into the Night
Kicking off the night was Detroit’s own Unwell, and calling their entrance a “toe-dip” would be an insult. These guys took a full-on, fearless cannonball straight into the deep end. Self-described as “Great Lake State Pop-Punk,” their sound ignited the OKC crowd like a spark to gasoline. From the first chord, Unwell set an electrifying pace, refusing to let up for a second. Midway through their set, vocalist Matt Copley threw a curveball with a hard-hitting, pop-punk-infused cover of Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car. The crowd immediately took the cue, belting out every word as the floor trembled beneath them. By the time Unwell wrapped up their powerhouse performance, hearts were pounding, and the energy bar for the night had been set sky-high.
Many Eyes: A Veteran Masterclass
As the dust settled, Many Eyes took the stage, delivering a show that felt both fresh and familiar. With frontman Keith Buckley at the helm, the band didn’t just play a set; they commanded a presence. Buckley has said, “This is an expression of who I am. I’m letting the music do the talking,” and talk it did—loud, raw, and unfiltered. The audience, filled with fans who came specifically for Many Eyes, fed off their energy and gave it right back. The chemistry between band and crowd was undeniable, and if last night was any indication, Many Eyes is a band worth keeping a close watch on.
Hail the Sun: Eclectic Chaos at Its Finest
Chico, California’s Hail the Sun kept the night’s momentum at full throttle, delivering a set that was as erratic as it was mesmerizing. Vocalist Donovan Melero was a firecracker, a whirlwind of boundless energy that never ceased to captivate. Mic stand-wielding, high-kicking, and tossing his microphone like a battle-hardened warrior, Melero was the embodiment of controlled chaos. And as if the night couldn’t get any wilder, the crowd took a moment to celebrate his birthday with a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday, complete with cake, a birthday hat, and a gloriously ridiculous pink sash. Every minute of their performance was a rollercoaster ride that no one wanted to end.
The Amity Affliction: A Masterclass in Emotional Catharsis
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for. As Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ blasted through the speakers, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. Then, like a tidal wave, The Amity Affliction crashed onto the stage, ripping straight into Pittsburgh before launching into the anthemic Drag the Lake. Having missed them in OKC last year, I made damn sure not to make that mistake again—and they did not disappoint. The crowd erupted, a sea of voices screaming every lyric with fervor, their collective energy fueling the band’s dark, emotive performance. The haunting light show only amplified the experience, plunging the room into a moody, immersive abyss.
Every band on the bill brought their absolute best, and the Oklahoma City crowd ate up every second of it. This tour is just getting started, so if it’s coming to a city near you, do yourself a favor—get a ticket, show up, and prepare to be blown away. You will not regret it.
