by jen

After months of anticipation waiting for the return of Bad Suns, the day was finally here. Fans from all over Arizona and even beyond state lines gathered at the Rialto Theatre for the last stop of the Accelerator Tour. This tour began last September in Phoenix which was very special for local fans to be able to experience the show again. For some people it was their first Bad Suns show and they have been waiting nearly a decade to hear the songs they love live.

Before Bad Suns took the stage, Breakup Shoes got the crowd ready for a fun night. Breakup Shoes is an indie rock band that consists of Nick Zawisa (vocalist and guitarist), Matthew Witsoe (drummer), John Macleod (guitarist), and Michael Montiel (bassist). This band formed in Phoenix and have been playing together across the US since 2015, previously touring with Summer Salt and Phoneboy. Their first EP, Nicotine Dream, was released in 2016 and they recently released a 10th Anniversary Edition.

Breakup Shoes was able to join the spring leg of the Accelerator Tour for the Albuquerque and Tucson shows. The band started their show with “Brainwash”, an upbeat anthem that sounds like it belongs in an 00s coming of age movie. As someone who absolutely loves that era of music, Breakup Shoes perfectly encapsulates the indie surf rock vibe.

Nick introduced their most streamed song “Unrequited Love” as a song about being friendzoned and how much that sucks to experience. Although the experience does suck, the song captures those uncomfortable feelings of longing and frustration. It is such a universal experience and it makes complete sense why so many people have “Unrequited Love” in their rotation.

“Nicotine Dream” was also a hit with the whole crowd swaying along to the dreamy nostalgic sound. Breakup Shoes concluded their set with “Copacetic” from Standing Still, their latest album. The nostalgic song filled the room one last time but will definitely be streamed on the drive home and many drives to come.

Setlist:

Brainwash

How It Goes

The Suburbs

Malaise

Nicotine Dream

Anti - Social

Unrequited Love

Copacetic

BREAKUP SHOES

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Bad Suns are Christo Bowman (vocalist and guitarist), Gavin Bennett (bassist), and Miles Morris (drummer). This indie alternative rock band has been making music together since their teen years in the early 2010s. In their more than decade long career, Bad Suns have built up quite an extensive catalog of five albums, with their latest, Accelerator, released last August.

Fans excitedly jump up and down and scream as Bad Suns take the stage and open with “Slow Karma.” Everyone is singing along and grinning from ear to ear, including me behind the lens.

The colorful lasers light up the room and make it just as captivating of a visual experience as an auditory one. The Rialto Theatre has a disco ball which complimented the lights and encouraged the crowd to let loose and dance. This tiny detail made such a positive impact on the night, making the venue the ideal setting for the final show.

In the first half of the songs, Christo asked everyone to take out their phones and play the latest single off of Accelerator, “Communicating” at the same time. He counted down from three and the crowd hit play all at the exact same moment. The studio version of the song was more muted than expected and the sound didn’t quite fill the room. However, everyone in the room started to sing along which was a beautiful moment of community. Christo was also touched and promised to play that song for real later in the set.

There was a perfect mix of old and new songs which kept fans on their toes, not knowing what era the next song was from. For instance, ”Madeline” was introduced as a new song and “Salt” was a fun throwback. “Everything Is…” was performed as a jam, not as the recorded version. During this jam Christo started to remix “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, a Phoenix based band, which was the unexpected crossover the fans needed. As the show went on and the temperature of the venue increased, Christo decreased the amount of layers he was wearing. First the leather jacket was removed, which revealed the Bad Suns Accelerator tank top he was wearing. Eventually Christo ended up shirtless for the last few songs and who could blame him in this heat.

In the last bit of songs, Christo jumped off stage and performed “Back to Zero” and an acapella version of “Violet” with the crowd. During “Back to Zero” Christo asked everyone to join him and get as low as possible and then all jump on the beat drop. Everyone in the crowd got involved during this interactive part of the show, soaking up the experience of being in the pit with their favorite singer. It was definitely just as unforgettable for the audience as it was for the band. Christo said “I’m going to miss you guys” as he headed back up to the stage for the last few songs of the night and this leg of the Accelerator Tour. Despite the bittersweet realization of the show coming to an end, the energy remained high for “Communicating”, “Cardiac Arrest” and “Daft Pretty Boys.” The band waved goodbye before packing up and heading on one final ride on their tour bus, which smells like fish for some unknown reason.

Christo, Gavin, and Miles consistently put on amazing performances that keep their fans coming back for more. They are experts in keeping their shows engaging and fun for everyone no matter how long someone has been a fan. Their infectious energy on stage and catchy beats make anyone want to have a good time. It is clear that their dynamic as a band is just as strong, if not stronger, than when they first started in 2012. Although the Accelerator Tour came to an end, the future of Bad Suns shines bright.

Setlist:

Slow Karma