Concert Review: Taking Back Sunday performance at the Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theater was dynamic and engaging
Taking over the Dome at the Toyota Oakdale Theater this past week was longtime rock band Taking Back Sunday (TBS) who are currently nearing the end of their big headlining North American Tour. With a packed house of devoted fans, it was destined to be an exciting night.
The opening band, Citizen, really impressed me with their brazen stage presence from the moment they started playing. Commanding the stage, lead vocalist Mat Kerekes made sure to connect with the fans as much as possible, riling them up to jump and mosh all around. It isn’t easy to get the crowd on your side as an opening band, but throughout the set it felt like they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. I’m excited to see what becomes of Citizen as they continue growing amongst the alternative scene.
Under the glow of a hanging 152 neon sign, TBS rocked out to a mix of material from their 2023 album of the same name and a myriad of aged hits that earned them the label of an “emo staple.” In contrast to their past discography, 152 presents a crisper more focused sound from the band. This tailoring has marked a new evolution in the group’s storytelling, encouraging them to push their creativity and build a relatable setting for these songs to exist within, all while having fun making it of course.
TBS started on a high note, blasting bangers like “S’Old,” “Set Phasers To Stun,” and “Amphetamine Smiles.” Lead singer, Adam Lazzara, took a liking to playing in the back of the stage for most of the start, but that choice didn’t create much separation between his interaction with the crowd. Excited beyond measure, the crowd played along, encouraging Lazzara and the rest of the band to go wild. Lazzara’s stage persona is exactly that, wild and free. His vocals were a bit messy, being off-pitch some of the time, however, he would quickly recover to hit the highest notes of the track. Alongside Adam, guitarist and keyboardist Nathan Cogan overflowed with charisma as he played the guitar in a badass way. Each member was doing their own thing the whole time, yet it worked.
Taking Back Sunday delivered a performance that was as dynamic and engaging as their storied career. Their ability to connect with the audience, both through their timeless music and their unwavering stage presence, underscored why they’ve remained a beloved staple in the alternative scene. With a setlist that balanced nostalgia with fresh energy, they reminded everyone in attendance of the enduring power of live music. It was a night that not only celebrated the band’s legacy but also reaffirmed their place as a band that continues to resonate deeply with fans, old and new alike.
If you want to experience Taking Back Sunday, you can catch them on tour with the Maine this fall.
For more photos of Taking Back Sunday and Citizen at the Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theater click here.
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