This was my first time seeing a show at Mr. Smalls Theater in Pittsburgh, PA. I found out they have a couple different stages in the venue: the main stage and a smaller club stage upstairs.
Mainland and friends performed upstairs, with the stage being a little nook in the wall. As a photographer, this made it difficult to get shots like I would at a bigger stage; but as a concert attendee, this gave the show an intimate feeling. Long story short: this was the perfect venue for this show!
This New Jersey-native alt rock/90s grunge outfit started off the night on a great note. They interacted with the audience and really made them part of the show as well.
Towards the end of their set, the band talked about how they don’t like following the rules. They invited the audience to come on stage with them. Of course, the whole audience wouldn’t be able to fit, but as many people that could were up there.
Rad Horror had a completely different vibe and sound than Mainland. So different to the point I thought it was interesting the two bands toured together. After Kitten performed, it made sense. Each band was different, but they all flowed together nicely.
I fell in love with this band from the second they stepped on stage. Kitten put on a fantastic show. It was extremely entertaining to watch them perform.
Chloe Chaidez, lead singer, was constantly dancing and moving around. She really knew how to get the audience involved with their performance.
Their music is super unique, with noticeable influences from the 80s and 90s. Their music is the perfect thing to listen to during a cool, late summer evening. Make sure to check them out!
Between Kitten and Mainland’s sets, the audience shrunk a little; but with the people that were there, it felt like a room full of 40 best friends. And while I didn’t know a single person in that room, I felt like I was a part of that community. It was really awesome to see such a tight knit community around a growing band.
I was surprised this was their first headlining tour.
Their tour was in support of their new EP, Villains. According to the band’s frontman, the EP is a collection of songs that “encapsulates the rollercoaster ride of a relationship.”
When the band came out, the party started with the title track off the new EP. Everyone in the audience was radiating happiness as they got lost in the music.
Another song that really resonated with me was “Hometown.” It’s a feel good, inspirational song about breaking out of your hometown.
Honestly, the whole night was a feel good, inspirational experience. All three of these bands put on a great show. If you missed this tour, I really hope the stars align and these bands tour together again so you can experience this magic too!
*All photos credited to Angela Rose
TAGS: Rad Horror | Kitten | Mainland
Email: angela.spinningthoughts@outlook.com
Twitter: @hipstrmoon
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