Fans were left glowing after an evening with Sweet Pill at Bad Astronaut Brewing with Houston.
Kicking off the night was Bike Routes from New Jersey. Although the indie rock project is technically led by singer-songwriter David Osterhout, their performance featured a full backing band that perfectly encapsulated the nostalgic, indie-filled energy Bike Routes exudes. Prairie, the band’s most recent full-length album, debuted just a few months ago, but it is packed with catchy tracks destined to become staples of the scene.
Next up, Deux Visages took the stage, immediately filling the venue with their soothing signature dream-pop rock sound. Frontwoman Daphney Hanono’s ethereal vocals paired over grungier guitars and drums provided a sonically pleasing experience for everyone in the room. Set to release their debut full-length album later this fall via Pure Noise Records, Deux Visages is an alternative act that should be on everyone’s radar.
Finally, it was time for the high-energy Sweet Pill to take the stage. Sweet Pill released their second full-length album, Still There’s A Glow, in March of this year. They were slated to embark on a nationwide headlining tour immediately following its release, but the tour was postponed about a week in. While fans were taken aback, they ultimately understood after the band expressed a need to focus on their mental and physical well-being to give the new record the live show it deserved. After witnessing their live performance in Houston, Texas, it proved to be well worth the wait.
The road to this specific show was a rocky one for many reasons. The band was originally scheduled to play at White Oak Music Hall, but after learning a far-right political rally for Senator Ken Paxton was hosted at the venue, fans brought it to their attention. Sweet Pill immediately decided to move the concert to Bad Astronaut. Sweet Pill has always been vocal about their political beliefs, making it clear that their live shows are safe spaces for everyone regardless of race, gender, or sexuality, and that they do not stand for fascists in power. They even used their platform to raise funds for Montrose Grace Place, a Houston-based nonprofit organization providing a safe haven for youth facing homelessness.
On top of the venue change, lead singer Zayna Youssef woke up the morning of the show with back pain so severe she could not stand up, requiring a trip to the emergency room for a steroid injection. While that physical strain might lead most touring bands to cancel, Sweet Pill pushed through. Though Zayna sat for most of the set, the band delivered such a loud, dynamic concert that you could hardly tell anything had gone wrong earlier in the day.
Opening the concert with “Sunblind,” the lead track off their new album, Sweet Pill proceeded to give a glowing 15-song set that kept the crowd captivated. A good portion of the night was dedicated to showcasing new music, but fan-favorite songs like “Cut,” “Starchild,” and other staple tracks remained on the setlist. Following tradition, the band brought a fan onstage to perform the climax of “Blood,” off their debut album Where The Heart Is.
The venue was filled with electric energy from the band and audience alike. Sweet Pill continuously reminded attendees to practice kindness, empathy, and patience with those around them, not just at concert venues, but in everyday life, and to push back against the negativity present in the world today. Finishing the show on a high note with their hit single “High Hopes,” it was a fitting end to a sweaty, satisfying night of live music.
I’m a Houston based photographer. Currently living in College Station with my fiancé and our four cats. I’ve been attending and photographing shows around the Houston area for over a decade. Some of my favorite artists are Sleigh Bells, Magdalena Bay, Knocked Loose and so many more. I love attending shows and documenting the moment.
