SHOW REVIEW: Badflower Bring Their Ok I’m Sick Tour to Arizona
SHOW REVIEW: Badflower Bring Their Ok I’m Sick Tour to Arizona
Badflower rocked the night away with Weathers and Dead Poet Society
Images and Words By: Taylor Gilliam
Head-bang, dance, repeat: the order of events at Badflower’s OK I’m Sick Tour with support from Weathers and Dead Poet Society. The three bands brought the heat on October 15 night in Mesa, AZ and while they had all passed through town separately earlier this year, fans still showed up for Badflower’s proper headlining tour.
Self-described “sloth rock” group, Dead Poet Society, wasted no time tearing into their set — much to the delight of fans who packed the barricade ready to rock out. A screen behind them did the introductions, broadcasting the band’s name out to the crowd while they ripped through tracks, old and new. In similar fashion as Muse, there’s a juxtaposition of Jack Underkofler’s voice soaring over darker instrumentals, including a fretless guitar that makes “Lo Air” and other riff-heavy tracks so distinctive.
The night then took a turn when Weathers brought their throwback aesthetic and pop-influenced sound to the stage. The Los Angeles four-piece were the dance break – no less captivating than the bands on either side of them but a way to keep the crowd on their toes, not knowing what to expect. What they got was a set full of swagger as Cameron Boyer strutted around, calling to mind other great historical frontmen.
Despite the presence of many fans who are familiar with Weathers’ discography that tackles mental health and the struggles of growing up in an increasingly bright spotlight, nobody saw it coming when the band launched into a partial cover of My Chemical Romance’s “Famous Last Words” as a way to intro their new single “Lonely Vampire.” However, by the time the phones came out to take video, the moment was gone – just a moment to be burned into our memories.
Even the heavy rockers in attendance were converted by the end of Weathers’ set and rushed their merch table before the house lights came back down for Badflower. The backdrop screen flashed with a text conversation that had the crowd laughing—and had the band giggling backstage, undoubtedly—before warming up with “Wide Eyes” and bringing up the energy levels with “x ANA x.”
Frontman Josh Katz was stunned by the number of people singing back at him and took the time to thank everyone who has supported Badflower over the years. As a token of appreciation, the setlist incorporated much of their new album, OK I’m Sick, Temper EP in its entirety, a mashup of “Champagne Supernova/Mother Mary,” and a truly killer cover of Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend.” We got so much Badflower, but they still left the crowd wanting more.
Closing with breakout single “Ghost” and (personal favorite) “Promise Me,” Badflower proved their prowess. Katz commented, “This is the last time you’re going to see a lineup in a club this size.” And there’s no question he’ll be proven right.
