Nashville’s very own The Band Camino kicks off their highly anticipated ‘Screaming In The Dark Tour’ in none other than Philadelphia, PA. With their second studio album having been released less than one month ago, the alt-rock trio has made huge strides in and outside of their genre. Bending the rules of what alternative rock should sound like, and infusing elements of metal and pop, The Dark was begging to be played live.
The 25-show run began on the corner of Broad and Poplar, at the historic Metropolitan Opera House. Known now as The Met, this historic venue has seen the likes of musicians of all kinds, housing genres from folk to gospel, rock, and blues. The night began sharply at 6, as the doors opened and fans flooded inside to snag their seats. Already inside the pit, VIP experience fans stood as they were treated to an intimate acoustic set moments before. More fans trickled in as the first opening act, Charlotte Sands took the stage. Another Nashville native, Sands, and her bandmates Dill, on guitar, and Danen, on the kit brought the perfect energy to ramp up the early show-goers. It was the perfect dose of alt-pop and rock to start the night. Sands treated her fans by singing “Dress”, a single featured on Billboard’s Top 40.
Sands was followed by Bad Suns, an alt-pop trio whose set included some of their biggest hits, including “Cardiac Arrest”, “Swimming In The Moonlight”, and of course “Daft Pretty Boys”. Playing their first night on the ‘Screaming In The Dark Tour’, Bad Suns was able to debut their new single “The One I Used To Love,” for the first time ever in front of eager fans.
There was excitement in the air as the soundtrack faded and the lights dimmed, giving way to a mysterious blue light. The Band Camino took the stage, both Spencer Stewart and Jeffery Jordan adorning new guitars splattered with glow-in-the-dark paint. The two gathered around the kit, along with bassist Regan Renfrow and drummer Garrison Burgess to begin aptly the show with the album’s eighth track, “Afraid of the Dark”.
The first half of the set was a balanced mix of their discography so far, including singles “1 Last Cigarette” and “Damage”, both from their debut album as well as an appearance from their collaboration with EDM duo, NOTD in, “Never A Good Time”.
What was most surprising (and appreciated) about Camino’s set was the medley in the middle, with Stewart on the keys and Jordan on the acoustic guitar. Staying on brand, the piano was also covered in neon splatter paint with the sophomore album’s emblem on the front. Camino was not shy during the medley, breaking from one song to the next, interjecting with small anecdotes and “Thank yous,” playing with intention and gratitude and a touch of tomfoolery. For being in a venue with a 3,500 capacity, the band seemed at ease on stage.
A few songs that have not made the setlist in years got the love they deserved, most notably “Bernstein,” a single from 2017. (It should be noted that Taylor Swift added this song to one of her playlists way back when and that Camino has yet to live this down, and honestly, rightfully so.) For OG fans, it was clear that this new setlist addition was much appreciated.
The Band Camino brought a dynamic energy to Philadelphia and had an incredibly successful opening night. The band exudes a rockstar vibrancy that warrants all of the positive reception they have received so far as they make their mark in alt-rock and beyond. With a shapeshifting and ever-evolving electric sound, I’m excited to see what Camino does next. A true Nashville gem, they are not one to miss.
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