On a quiet Tuesday, Houstonians were greeted with an epic night filled hardcore sounds of Sunami and Scowl – along with Nuovo Testamento, Whispers and Crawling Back – that completely tore off the roof of White Oak Music Hall.
Crawling Back
Opening up the evening was Houston’s own Crawling Back. Early concert goers were greeted with a blend of deep death metal vocals and blaring breakdowns. Even though it was a short twenty minute set the band got the first of many circle pits of the night started and fans warmed up for an amazing evening. Crawling Back fit perfectly on the bill this night and reinforced the importance of getting out and supporting your local hardcore scene.
Whispers
Up next was Whispers, an acclaimed hardcore group all the way from Thailand The band gives themselves the title of “Bangkok Evilcore” but their sound together is nothing short of heavenly. Their live performance is a perfect blend of frantic riffs and chaotic booming vocals that amped the crowd up even more for what was to come. The band constantly took time out of their set to thank the crowd and reflect on how amazing it was for them to be so far away from home and be greeted with such open arms in the community.
Nuovo Testamento
Next up was a completely different change of pace, with Nuovo Testamento. On a bill full of breakdowns, screams and two-stepping Nuovo brought their eighty’s synth pop and new wave sound that was a total surprise for the evening, yet so well received. Fronted by Chelsea Crowley, this three piece brings a show that is full of nostalgia and reminiscent of the synth heavy pop sounds of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper in their heyday. The crowd danced and even crowd surfed heavily to Nuovo. Their latest EP, Trouble, came out earlier this year and should be on everyone’s radar if it isn’t already.
Scowl
Next up was one of the main headliners of the evening, California’s own Scowl. Still riding the high from their latest full length album that came out in April of this year, Are We All Angels, the band was met with an enthusiastic crowd that were moshing, crowd surfing and singing every word along with the band.
Kicking off their set with “Special” the first song off their latest LP, vocalist Kat Moss immediately commanded the stage and two stepped her way through the whole evening. One thing the band excels at besides their energy and amazing live sound, is their stage presence and interactions with the crowd. Scowl has a way of connecting with their audience and making them feel seen and most importantly that they belong there.
Sunami
Closing out the evening, Sunami took the stage and lit the crowd on fire. From the guttural vocals, intense drums and chugging, insane guitar riffs, it’s no surprise that the entire venue was on their feet and moving from start to finish. Sunami has that classic hardcore sound and intense energy that leave people wanting more and more.
Everyone in the crowd during Sunami’s set just looked like they were there to let out any anger or intense energy with like minded individuals. Hardcore shows tend to have a community like no other. This tour is not one to be missed. Make sure to arrive early enough to catch every band on this stacked lineup, you will surely not be disappointed.
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.
