LIVE: (HED) PE wsg SMILE EMPTY SOUL – August 22, 2024

Venue: The Castle Theater

City: Bloomiongton, IL

Date: August 22, 2024

Review and Photographs by: Kassidy Goldberg (https://kassidyraephoto.wixsite.com/mysite/projects-7)

If you were anywhere near Bloomington, Illinois like me last Thursday night, you might have noticed the pandemonium riffs emanating from the Castle Theater. The historic venue, with its ornate decor and intimate ambiance, set the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening of hard-hitting rock and alternative metal featuring Smile Empty Soul and Hed P.E. Taking the stage that night as a rock doublet was Smile Empty Soul, a band that’s been delivering powerful, angst-filled rock since the early 2000’s. With their signature blend of raw emotion and melodic hooks, they immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Opening with a fan favorite  “Out to Sea,” the band set a high bar for the night. Frontman Sean Danielsen’s voice, a compelling mix of gravel and grit, reverberated through the theater, resonating with fans who sang along word-for-word. Drummer Jon Loree of Tantric, currently filling in for the set, delivered dynamic and vigorous rhythm that had the audience jamming on their feet. Their set was a nostalgic journey through their discography, showcasing not only their most popular tracks, but also some deeper cuts. Songs like “Silhouettes” and “Don’t Ever Leave” were delivered with such intensity that they almost seemed to breathe new life into the crowd. The band’s chemistry was palpable, with Danielsen’s impassioned performance complemented by the tight cadence of Jon Loree on the drum kit. The energy in the room was contagious, with the audience swaying and headbanging in unison, a testament to Smile Empty Soul’s enduring appeal.

After a brief intermission, it was time for Hed P.E to take the stage and close the night. Known for their eclectic fusion of punk, metal, hip-hop, and reggae, Hed P.E offered a refreshing jolt of diversity. As the lights dimmed and the opening riff of “No Way Out” blasted through the speakers, the crowd erupted into cheers. The band’s frontman, Jahred Gomes, led the charge with his signature blend of ferocious rapping and gritty vocals, commanding the stage with an undeniable presence. Hed P.E’s set was a whirlwind of high energy and genre-blending experimentation. Tracks like “ Bartender” and “Renegade” showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly shift between aggressive riffs and melodic hooks. Frontman Gomes’ interaction with the crowd was especially engaging; his call-and-response moments and spontaneous banter created an electric connection that kept the energy levels soaring. As the lights came up and the last echoes of the final song faded away, the audience lingered, reluctant to let go of the night’s vibrant energy. The Castle Theater had once again proven itself as a premier venue for live music, and both Smile Empty Soul and Hed P.E had delivered performances that would be remembered by the fans. For anyone who was there, it was clear: this was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of rock and alternative music’s enduring power. For those who missed it, the next time these bands come around, make sure you don’t miss out. As Thursday night’s show demonstrated, sometimes the best experiences are those that unfold right in your own hometown.

(HED) PE SETLIST: No Way Out – Rat Race – Peer Pressure – Peer Pressure (Played twice because fan requested it.) – Blackout – Killing Time – Let’s Ride – Raise Hell – Bartender – Sophia – The Meadow – Renegade

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(HED) PE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

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INSTAGRAM

TOUR DATES

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SMILE EMPTY SOUL LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

X – TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries