Highly Suspect stopped in Houston on Friday, November 8 for the second stop of their 2024 tour with support from Return To Dust.
Highly Suspect has been making waves since their debut in 2015 with their Grammy nominated album Mister Asylum. Hailing from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the alternative rock band has released five studio albums and has had a successful impact on their genre. Their latest record As Above, So Below dropped on July 19, 2024. Highly Suspect embarked on a brief, week-long tour and visited Bayou Music Center in Houston on November 8 with support from opener Return To Dust.
Return To Dust is an alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California. The group formed in 2023, and started off like any other band – playing gigs in local bars and small venues. Return To Dust has gained much traction with their 2024 self titled album. The popularity of their hit song “Belly Up” has led the group to success, opening for bands like Sevendust and Chevelle, spots on the bill at festivals including Rockville and Aftershock, and of course becoming the support for Highly Suspect’s tour. Return To Dust was a perfect opening band for the night, as their heavy and grungy sound fits perfectly within Highly Suspect’s variety.
Highly Suspect kicked off the night with high energy and amazing stage presence. After the first few songs, frontman Johnny Stevens became very interactive with the audience by cracking jokes and encouraging fans to dance and mosh around. As the band performed their most famous song “Lydia”, Stevens stopped the track before the final chorus to mess with the crowd and build anticipation for the rest of the song. He took a moment to thank the security personnel and even handed out a giant Butterfinger candy bar to an audience member.
Following “Lydia” Highly Suspect performed their hit song “My Name Is Human” and a slowed version of “16”, which sounded beautiful. The band was very organic onstage, playing as if they were performing to a small group of their friends. They jammed, they joked around, and they made the audience feel a sense of importance by being so welcoming and interactive. Highly Suspect put on a truly memorable show. They played their hits as well as some new tracks including “Summertime Voodoo” and “Mexico” from their latest record. Highly Suspect’s tour will continue until November 16 in Pioneertown, California.
I’m a Houston based photographer who loves being around live music and all the creative people involved in the local music scene. I enjoy capturing performers and artists doing what they love and the essence of how live music makes people feel. When Im not behind the lens, I love trying new things and visiting new places.
