The anticipation hung thick in the air as the crowd buzzed with excitement, awaiting the arrival of Better Lovers at Albuquerque’s treasured venue, the Launchpad. Formed in 2023, Better Lovers emerged from the collaboration of several former members of Every Time I Die, bringing their hardcore/metalcore fusion to the forefront of the scene. Their reputation preceded them, promising a night of relentless energy and blistering soundscapes.

Opening the show, Greyhaven unleashed a torrent of energy that set the tone for the evening. Their seamless blend of melodic and harsh vocals, coupled with relentless instrumentals, delivered an onslaught of heaviness that left the audience in awe. With each song, they demonstrated their mastery of the genre, commanding the stage with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

Following Greyhaven, Foreign Hands took the stage with an explosive energy that ignited the crowd. Their dynamic performance had fans jumping and moshing with abandon, feeding off the band’s raw intensity. As a preview of what’s to come, they debuted a new song set to release in June, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming releases.

As anticipation built for the headliner, SeeYouSpaceCowboy delivered a blistering performance that showcased the raw energy of their newly released album, Coup de Grâce. The chaotic energy of the mosh pit mirrored the frenetic pace of their music, with fans enthusiastically embracing every moment of the set. It was a fitting tribute to their latest release, leaving no doubt that SeeYouSpaceCowboy is a force to be reckoned with in the hardcore scene. Their performance was nothing short of explosive, with a frenzied pit erupting to the pulse of their chaotic rhythms.

But it was Better Lovers who truly stole the show, commanding the stage with an electrifying presence that left no soul untouched. Their set was a masterclass in controlled chaos, as they unleashed a barrage of crushing riffs and impassioned vocals. Singer Greg Puciato’s daredevil antics added to the spectacle, as he fearlessly dove into the crowd not once, but twice, defying gravity with each leap.

Amidst the chaos, Better Lovers offered a glimpse of what’s to come, teasing songs from their upcoming album set to release later this year. Each track was met with an outpouring of enthusiasm from the crowd, signaling a bright future for the band.

The entire night was a whirlwind of energy and emotion, with each band delivering a performance that left an indelible impression on the crowd. From Greyhaven’s melodic intensity to Better Lovers’ fearless stage presence, the night was a testament to the power of live music to unite and inspire. As the echoes of the final chords faded away, fans were left exhilarated, eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to experience the magic once again.

April 22nd, 2024