You see, I put Foxy Shazam up there because that’s really who I was most amped to see. Middle school and high school me only ever knew “Graduation Day” from Head Automatica, so they weren’t the main draw for me. With that being said, they both put on an excellent show!
Foxy Shazam, as usual, were a live wire and the crowd, though slow to start, were fully in it by the end. I was interested to see what the crowd was like because last year I saw these guys at the very same venue and it was sold out. I don’t know if the same could be said for this particular show. Maybe people didn’t realize they were playing? Either way, some people I heard in the bathroom were there solely for Foxy and I can’t say I’m surprised. They kicked off their set with “Unstoppable,” and everyone on stage was pulling their wildest moves and playing as passionately as I’ve ever seen anyone. Longtime trumpet player, Alex Nauth was giving Eric Nally a run for his money on moves, and his support vocals were on point!
Let’s not forget the most fun keyboardist on this planet, Schuyler White! I was lucky enough to snag a front row spot on his side of the stage and at one point he had the crowd hold his keyboard and then him, Superman style, while he smashed on that thing mid-air. It was awesome, though I am thanking genetics for being short enough to take photos during this time instead. The crowd loved him, obviously. While there was not cigarette consumption this time around, we did get the classic headstand. Admittedly, this wasn’t my favorite setlist of theirs, but I was so happy to hear “Holy Touch” made the cut. “Killin’ It” was for sure a high point during the set, and since it was early, that’s when the crowd really lost their shit.
All that hype carried over nicely into Head Automatica’s portion of the show. Now, I knew that I only knew one song from these guys, so I spent a couple days leading up to the show cramming some songs into my brain. Did I listen to them enough to know the words? No. But, I at least recognized everything that was played. I was kind of shocked to learn that they only put out two albums in 2004 and 2006, then managed to tour until 2012 before calling it quits. I’m even more impressed that pretty much the last iteration of the band is what came together over a decade later! They certainly looked older, but so are we, and they still sounded awesome.
Again, having a spot off to the side of the front row means that I got hardcore seduced by guitarist, Craig Bonich. Such talent! And so, so tall! Daryl Palumbo didn’t miss a beat with vocals and he delivered some pretty amazing crowd work throughout the night. I know this show was originally supposed to be played at a larger venue, but I’m glad the smaller turnout didn’t deter them. We heard all the great oldies, but we were even treated to a brand new song, “Last Bible.” It was a lot darker than anything they’ve put out before, but it sounded really cool. I’ll certainly be getting my hands on it whenever it’s officially released. For those new to the band, “Please Please Please” and “Brooklyn is Burning” are BANGERS.
I think this tour is still really early, so if you see them coming your way, go! I promise you will not be lacking entertainment and talent.