The Home Team makes New York City feel Worthy at sold-out Irving Plaza show
review by amber bintliff
With nearly every date of The Crucible of Life Tour selling out almost instantly, The Home Team is not a band to be slept on. The massive headliner made its way across the United States, recently wrapping up with two huge sold-out shows in the band’s hometown of Seattle. The real rockers brought the party to New York City for a packed, energetic night at Irving Plaza on November 21st.
The 1200-capacity room came alive once The Home Team kicked off their set with “Turn You Off.” The heavy-pop act absolutely commands the stage beneath them. Vocalist Brian Butcher, drummer Daniel Matson, guitarist John Baran and bassist Ryne Olson never slowed down for even half a second. It was impossible to tear your eyes away from the stage with each kick, spin and groovy dance move locking your attention onto the quartet. “Brag” and “Hell” followed right after with the crowd’s energy intensifying during each song.
NYC was more than ready to let loose. Waves of crowdsurfers began hurdling towards the barricade and a small, but mighty mosh pit raged on in the middle of the venue. Fans in the first few rows sang their hearts out capturing memories from up-close and groups of friends danced around with each other from the back of the venue. No matter where you were standing, everyone in the pit could be seen savoring each moment of the set in their own way.
The Home Team delivered a mix of songs from The Crucible of Life and some older, beloved deep-cuts THROUGHOUT THE SHOW. “Fashion Forward,” “Love When You’re Used” and “Danger” were just a few stand-out moments from the stacked setlist and my personal favorites of the night. As the band powered through each track, you could feel the passion and love for what they do radiating off them with every note. The Home Team closed the night off with “Worthy,” delivering one last chance for the crowd to get as loud and rowdy as possible.
I don’t mean to Brag, but getting to be in attendance for a legendary sold-out show for one of the hottest bands in the pop-rock scene was pretty cool. The Home Team was born to tear it up on stage in front of massive crowds. The Crucible of Life Tour showcased the band at their boldest and most self-assured, both in their live performance and overall career.
If you missed this run of shows, The Home Team will be hitting the road next spring supporting Bilmuri across the United States before heading to the UK for Slam Dunk Festival. Tickets and information for all of these upcoming shows can be found here.
