Emery, The Almost, and Bad Luck Ignites the Stage at The Vinyl Music Hall

Anticipation filled the air in Pensacola as Vinyl Music Hall underwent a remarkable transformation into a sanctuary for emo aficionados. The stage was poised for an unforgettable musical odyssey headlined by Emery and The Almost, with the electrifying support of Bad Luck.

Emery, marking two decades since their debut album, and The Almost, commemorating 17 years since their inaugural release, promised a show destined to be etched in memory. Both seasoned emo enthusiasts and newcomers converged, uniting in anticipation. The palpable excitement radiated throughout the crowd, with fans buzzing in eager anticipation of the impending performances. Conversations with fellow attendees revealed a shared excitement, as fans eagerly awaited the chance to witness these bands live and reflect on the profound impact their music has had on their lives over the years.

Bad Luck.

Kicking off the night with a bang was Bad Luck, a dynamic force hailing from New York. Fresh off the release of their adrenaline-fueled album, Take What You Need in the last quarter of 2023, the band wasted no time in igniting the crowd with their punk-infused anthems. Bad Luck absolutely set the stage on fire.

My introduction to Bad Luck left me thoroughly impressed; their infectious energy intertwined with their music resonated with me deeply. Their musical style evokes a fusion of punk and midwest emo, seamlessly shifting from fast, infectious riffs to slow, introspective lyrics. Take, for instance, the song Willoughby. It delves into themes of loneliness, addiction, and the challenges of growing up.

Bad Luck reflects on their experiences with friends, reminiscing about childhood memories spent on a playground and bonding over shared mischief. Despite the camaraderie, there's an underlying sense of isolation and disillusionment as the singer expresses feelings of being unwanted and unloved. The juxtaposition of these themes in their lyrics, accompanied by guitars transitioning from fast, energetic sections to slow, harmonic chants while vocals convey raw emotion, creates a perfect blend crafted by these emo rockers.

Their music has undeniably won me over, and I encourage everyone to give them a listen. Bad Luck has created something truly special, and I'm excited to see where their journey continues to takes them.

The Almost

Next up, The Almost took center stage, celebrating 17 years since the release of their iconic album, Southern Weather. From the first chord to the last, the band delivered a masterclass in nostalgia, whisking fans back to the golden era of mid-2000s post-hardcore. Frontman Aaron Gillespie's vocals soared as the band unleashed a barrage of hits, including the anthemic Southern Weather and the soul-stirring Amazing, Because It Is. The crowd roared in approval, swept up in a whirlwind of emotion and musical euphoria.

Southern Weather by The Almost isn't just an album—it's a journey through the heart of the South, infused with raw emotion, infectious melodies, and a whole lot of soul. Released on April 3, 2007, this debut masterpiece is the brainchild of Aaron Gillespie, known for his role as the drummer and clean vocalist in Underoath. But with The Almost, Gillespie steps into the spotlight, showcasing his talent as a multi-instrumentalist and frontman extraordinaire.

I don't know about you but for me being in my prime Florida scene kids years during the release of this album I've always felt from the moment you hit play, Southern Weather grabs hold of your senses and refuses to let go. The title alone conjures images of sweltering humid summers and stormy skies, setting the stage for an album that's as atmospheric as it is electrifying. Drawing on their Florida roots, The Almost infuses every track with a palpable sense of place, weaving tales of faith, struggle, and redemption against a backdrop of Southern charm and grit.

The album's lead single, Say This Sooner, is an instant classic, boasting infectious hooks, driving rhythms, and lyrics that hit you right in the feels. It's a song that demands to be blasted at full volume, windows down, as you cruise down the open road with the wind in your hair. But Southern Weather is more than just a one-hit wonder—it's a journey from start to finish, filled with standout tracks like I Mostly Copy Other People, and the achingly beautiful Dirty and Left Out.

In the end, Southern Weather isn't just an album for me—it's an experience. It's the sound of late nights and early mornings, of highs and lows, of hope and heartache. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of storms, there's always a glimmer of sunshine waiting on the other side. Being able to continue enjoying this album and seeing The Almost performing songs from this album really does bring me back to nostalgic days and the live performances on this night was truly amazing.

Emery

But the night was far from over. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Emery took the stage, marking 20 years since the release of their groundbreaking debut album, The Weak's End. From the moment they launched into the haunting opening chords of Walls, it was clear that Emery was on a mission to blow the roof off the venue.

The Weak's End, Emery's debut studio album unleashed on January 27, 2004, catapulting the South Carolina-based post-hardcore band into the limelight with its potent mix of aggressive instrumentation, melodic hooks, and introspective lyricism. From the thunderous opening of Walls, the album grabs listeners by the collar and refuses to let go, delving into themes of faith, doubt, relationships, and personal struggle with unwavering honesty.

At the heart of The Weak's End lies an emotional landscape explored through standout tracks like the experimental anthem The Ponytail Parades. Yet, amidst the album's intensity, moments of vulnerability and introspection shine through so many songs but especially in tracks like The Secret and Fractions, offering a glimpse into the inner turmoil beneath the surface.

Musically, The Weak's End is a masterclass in post-hardcore prowess, with each band member bringing their unique talents to the table. The album's intricate guitar work, thunderous drums, and soaring vocal harmonies coalesce into a sound that's as powerful as it is unforgettable, laying the groundwork for Emery's ascent as one of the genre's most beloved and influential acts.

As the set progressed throughout the night, Emery unleashed a sonic assault of epic proportions, seamlessly weaving through tracks. The band held the audience in the palm of their hand, commanding their attention with every note. The energy was electric and the atmosphere was charged with emotion, as Emery delivered a performance for the ages.

As the final chords reverberated through the venue, it was clear that the night had been nothing short of magical. Emery, The Almost, and Bad Luck had dominated the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance. From the raw energy of Bad Luck to the nostalgic vibes of beloved classics from The Almost and Emery's, it was a night that will be remembered in Pensacola and hopefully we won't have to wait another few years to see their return to our gulf coast town.

Emery, The Almost, and Bad Luck bid farewell to Pensacola as they embark on their journey across the US, with plans to visit cities nationwide over the coming months. Fingers crossed we'll see them soon again.

Band Links:

Bad Luck - Website , Facebook , Instagram
The Almost - Website , Facebook , Instagram
Emery - Website , Facebook , Instagram