Bearings x Broadside @ House of Independence 11/16/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Known for their hit song “Coffee Talk,” Broadside has been in the scene since 2010 from Richmond, Virginia. They currently have four albums out: Old Bones (2015), Paradise (2017), Into The Raging Sea (2020), and most recently, Hotel Bleu (2023). Broadside is planning on heading out to the UK and Europe in February of 2025. Along with “Coffee Talk,” more of their hits include “Heavenly,” “I Love You, I Love You. It’s Disgusting,” and “One Last Time.”

This was my first time seeing Broadside live and I was not disappointed! While I think Bearings was more energetic, I think Broadside delivered their passion. I couldn’t stop watching and taking photos of lead singer, Oliver Baxxter (who also sounds incredible live).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadside kicked off their set with “Stranger” which I thought was a solid choice. Following songs two and three were “Dazed & Confused” and “Nights Alone.” I’m a little shocked that “Coffee Talk” was so high up in the setlist at number four. Even though it was early in their set, the crowd still delivered!

Some of my stand-out songs from their set were “Coffee Talk,” “Heavenly,” and “One Last Time.” I do have to say, “Heavenly” might be my favorite song they played (they quite literally sounded heavenly). (Full setlist here!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought it was so fun and interesting that there was no barricade – this was my first press show without one! When people would crowd surf they would have nowhere to go but the stage. Once they had to get off, the would either get off on the side or they’d fall back into the crowd to get caught. I’ll be totally honest, I have thought about participating in such activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadside were strong passionate performers. What surprised me is that they played a lot of songs off their new album Hotel Bleu. While I did enjoy the songs they played off it, I would’ve loved to hear more from their debut, Old Bones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEARINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Ottawa, Canada, four-piece pop-punk band Bearings rose out of the underground Canadian music scene with a few independently released EPs. They released their debut album Blue In The Dark in 2018 under their deal with Pure Noise Records. They released their sophomore album Hello, It’s You in 2020 and a Deluxe version of the record two years later. Their third LP The Best Part About Being Human released back in 2023. The Deluxe version of that record came out in September of 2024. They’ve also opened for Welsh pop-punk icons, Neck Deep, this February. Some of their most popular songs include, “Aforementioned,” “Eyes Closed,” and “Blue In The Dark.”

Funnily enough, before I went into the venue, I had the pleasure of meeting three members of Bearings! I just happened to get to the venue while they were standing outside and they were awesome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw Bearings open for Neck Deep back in February – and they were good! But there was something about this show that blew me away. They had so much energy and were so fun to watch. The crowd erupted when they came on stage. They started off with a bang – one of my favorite songs by them is “Scenery” and it really kicked off the show with a bang.

I loved how hype the crowd was. Everyone was dancing, moshing, or just having a good time. The energy that the crowd gave was so exciting. I love pop-punk shows because everyone’s cool and there to have a good time. This was the first show I’ve seen fans crowd surf onto the stage! Even though I was taking photos and was there for work, I felt so welcomed and encouraged by the audience.

 

 

 

 

 

Some of my standout songs from the setlist were “If I’m Being Honest,” “Blue In The Dark,” “Aforementioned,” and “Where You Are.” I think my favorite, along with “Scenery” was “Eyes Closed” – it was such a fun song to hear them play live. Bearings were al

so such fun performers – they had so much passion and energy that the crowd reciprocated very well. (Full setlist here!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved how intimate House of Independence was – it was a perfect size and to my surprise, had no barricade. I loved being so close to the stage with all the fans, it had more of an intimate connection between the artists and the audience. I thought this tour had a great pairing – Bearings and Broadside go very well together and fit the vibe.