UNDEROATH AT MARATHON MUSIC WORKS IN NASHVILLE
This fall, Underoath has set out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album They’re Only Chasing Safety, bringing along a rotating list of friends to help make the night memorable. On November 22, 2024, they brought the party to Marathon Music Works in Nashville, TN with Static Dress and Nashville locals Her Leather Jacket joining in the festivities.
Hailing from just across the river in East Nashville, the duo Her Leather Jacket kicked off the night with a local flavor. Bringing a decidedly pop punk/rock sound to the crowd, they definitely were the vibe that this line up needed. Boasting solid vocals and screams alike and an infectious energy to match, this group was ready to party. Although I suspect not many in the crowd had heard of them before, (I did spy a few HLJ shirts floating in the crowd) I have no doubt that after their 30 minute set that they made many new fans.
As the lights dimmed for the next band, you couldn’t help but notice a few old bulb style tv’s positioned onstage that were displaying old school TV static on them. The sight certainly caught my attention, but as soon as I had locked onto the screens in front of me - Static Dress burst on the stage demanding to be noticed. The pure energy this band exuded was insanity. Coming all the way from the UK, this was the group’s first stop in Music City USA, and I think it made a good impression on them because the band certainly left an impression on the crowd that night. Bringing their unique blend of post hardcore and emo, they played through their blistering set without sacrificing an ounce of energy that they had burst into the room with. The solid bass hits from the stage shook the floor of the room, and let me tell you - that is a feat in this venue. They played songs such as “crying” and “safeword” as they rocked the packed house all with the background of the vintage TV’s running in the background alternating between static and the band’s logo and brave crowd surfers passing overhead. This band is going places, and I can’t wait to see where they end up.
The lights dimmed once more, and it was time to welcome Underoath to the stage. The stage was set with what appeared to be living room lamps stationed around, and a giant leather sofa positioned at the center of the stage on the riser and backdrop of a brick wall. The set starts with a single lamp illuminated beside the couch as drummer Aaron Gillespie starts singing “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape” while seated on the couch. He is only illuminated by a single lamp. As the song continues, other band members join him and their respective lamps illuminate as well, casting the stage in a warm glow of lamplight until everyone is on stage and it is time to kick off the party! As is expected with an Underoath show, the lightshow is unmatched. With the house lights, the lamps on stage and the well positioned LED row lights. (some being temporarily installed among the vintage rafters of the venue!) the show was a feast for the eyes and ears. The band played through the entirety of They’re Only Chasing Safety from front to back, with the exception of moving “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape” to be the opening of the evening. There was not one point in the night that the audience was not singing along loudly and there were a plethora of crowd surfers at all points as well. In a particularly special moment, lead singer Spencer Chamberlain invited an entire family to join them on stage to watch the song from the leather couch that was positioned there. He called it “generations of Underoath fans” and it really was. It was a family of all ages, all fans. Once they had played through the entire album, they were still not done. They played another 7 song set full of songs that fans love that appear on other albums. Some of the songs that were played included “Teeth”, “Generation No Surrender”, and “When The Sun Sleeps”. There was something for every Underoath fan in attendance.
It was a wild night at Marathon Music Works, and those are the best kind; when rock bands are on the stage. A night full of epic music, amazing lights, loud singing and plenty of crowd surfing made for a night to remember.