ONE NIGHT FELT LIKE “INFINITY” WITH THE BAND CAMINO
Following the release of one of their most carefully curated albums, NeverAlways, The Band CAMINO embarked on yet another US tour. Just 2 years ago, these mutli-talented musicians played this same venue, The Sylvee, and finally made their return for round two.
This was my second time reviewing The Band CAMINO’s live set, and I always love to watch as Jeffery Jordan, lead singer and guitarist, outstretched his arms during the first song, like he is trying to absorb every cheer traveling towards him from the crowd to the stage.
The Band CAMINO photographed by Anna Oleniczak / @annagraceyphoto
First up was the rising rock band In Color. Recently skyrocketing into popularity with their hit track “Headlights.” Lead singer, Matt Hastings, has a natural connection with his inner-star on stage, in combination with his uniquely pierced eyebrow and curly locks; In Color was the perfect choice to open the night. Although their recent jump into the mainstream has been quick, there were plenty of fans screaming every word to their songs. Certainly, with this type of momentum and charm, they are sure to continue that upward force into their next endeavor.
I left the pit after photographing In Color’s first few songs, climbing the stairs of the venue to take a moment to appreciate this massive stage from above. Even with a small, opening stage plot, In Color’s presence was large and impressive. Their lighting design and color scheme is part of seeing the overall picture of their vision
The direct support on this tour was beautifully chosen; Almost Monday. The group had previously finished a full world tour earlier this year. Now, their opening slot with The Band CAMINO allowed them to explore a newer, even wider audience. Lead singer, Dawson Daugherty, has some of the highest energy I have ever seen on stage. Constantly swinging his microphone cable across the stage, dancing and engaging with the fans at the front row.
Across a fast-paced and fun 45-minute set, this group performed some of the most up-beat, Cali-surf rock I have ever heard. Songs like “You Look So Good,” “She Likes Sports” and “Can’t Slow Down.” This set was a perfect warm up for the crowd in Madison, Wisconsin to get them primed and ready for The Band CAMINO.
One by one, the band entered the stage out of the darkness, before the first few notes of “Daphne Blue” began playing through Spencer Stewart’s guitar. As the first beat dropped, a wave of confetti exploded onto the crowd, raining down on them as the song continued to play. Across the front row and to the very back of the venue, fans were screaming every word, recording the moments on their phones to remember that euphoric feeling.
The second song played was “Infinity” off their newest record. With this in place, their set felt extremely well rounded and complete, like NeverAlways was made to fill in the gaps in their previous tours setlists. Other new tracks that made the set were “Baggy Jeans,” “Karaoke,” and “Hates Me Yet (222).”
After the crowd had been roaring for over half of this set, the boys joined together on stools at center stage for a quick acoustic set. Warm, calm lights covered the stage for, as the band called it, a “living room set.” Interestingly enough, they even whipped up a cover of Justin Bieber's new song “DAISIES,” which the crowd, and myself, definitely enjoyed.
Then, without keeping the audience waiting, they picked up the set again with more bangers, “1 Last Cigarette” and “Haunted” kept everyone on their feet before the final encore cheers began. Watching Jordan and Stewart interact on the top of the stage is such a wonderful experience, their chemistry as a group has only grown stronger with each tour, each album and each tour cycle.
To round off the night, one last puff of confetti covered the crowd as “What I Want” played through the speakers. I watched as fans happily reached towards the sky and absorbed the moment, some collecting confetti for their memories of this iconic night.
The Band CAMINO’s tour continues on throughout November 22 for the US, and will begin their UK/EU run in December, before their big trip to Australia in 2026! Get tickets here.
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