Traditionally, Friday the 13th is a day of bad luck, but for this Friday the 13th, there was only Badflower. After nearly a decade since the launch of their debut single, Badflower has carved a unique niche in the rock scene with their raw, emotive sound and unapologetic lyrical content. The Los Angeles-based band, led by frontman Josh Katz, is known for their intense yet engaging live performances that explore themes of mental health, vulnerability, and the darker sides of human experience. Their No Place Like Home Tour is a testament to the band’s commitment to connecting with their audience on a deeper level. With a strong lineup of supporting acts, this tour has been generating buzz across the country, and the Pittsburgh show at the Roxian was no exception.

Opening the show was Missio, the electronic rock group hailing from Austin, Texas. They brought a blend of gritty beats and soaring melodies that immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Their set was a high-energy journey through not just their timeless tracks but also several songs from their latest album, “I Am Cinco,” each punctuated by Matthew Brue’s haunting vocals and David Butler’s pulsating synths and intricate riffs. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, many already familiar with the band’s work and singing along with fervor. Missio’s dynamic stage presence set a high bar for the evening, delivering a performance that was both intense and introspective.

Next up was Slothrust, a trio that brought a different flavor to the lineup with their grungy, alt-rock sound. Frontwoman Leah Wellbaum commanded the stage with a mix of laid-back cool and raw intensity, her guitar work ranging from fuzzy, sludgy riffs to intricate, melodic lines. The setlist showcased the band’s versatility, effortlessly shifting from heavy, distorted anthems to more nuanced, bluesy numbers. Touring bassist Annie Hoffman was absolutely mesmerizing, providing a thick, engaging bassline that she made look almost effortless. Slothrust’s performance was a perfect middle ground, offering a bridge between Missio’s electronic edge and Badflower’s emotive rock. The audience seemed to appreciate the variety, swaying along to the music and giving the band a warm reception. As one fan put it to their friend while heading to merch after the set: “That was such a fucking vibe.”

When Badflower finally took the stage, the energy in the room shifted to a new level. Opening with a song released just a few months proir, “Teacher Has A Gun,” they wasted no time in drawing the audience into their world of raw emotion and intense storytelling. Katz’s vocals were even more powerful live as they are on record as he poured every ounce of feeling into each word. The band’s chemistry was palpable, each member playing with an intensity that made it clear they were leaving everything out there for the crowd. Bassist Alex Espiritu claimed nearly half the stage as his own, jumping and kicking almost nonstop, while guitarist Joey Morrow had a more contained yet still dominating presence matched only with his sick riffs. Drummer Anthony Sonetti loomed over all the shenanigans perched atop an impressively tall riser, making sure the heavy beat was heard by all. Iconic tracks like “Heroin” and “The Jester” had the audience singing along at the top of their lungs, a communal release of emotion that was both cathartic and invigorating. And with Sonetti being from Pittsburgh and Espiritu living here, the yinzer connection was instant, with Katz even jumping in on the fun trying to add “Yinz” as much as possible.

Midway through their set, Katz, never one to be still for very long, made his way off the stage and into the crowd, making sure to get up close and personal with as many fans as he could. All this while still masterfully playing “Stalker.” By the end of the song, Katz even popped up on the balcony, along with an avocado for some reason? And despite the avocado getting tossed around a bit, it still impressively made its way bact to the stage where it was shared by Katz and Espiritu. Gotta keep that energy up for jumping around the stage somehow!

One of the highlights of their performance came during the encore with the song “30,” a track that perfectly encapsulates Badflower’s ability to combine biting social commentary with infectious hooks. The band’s energy was infectious, with Katz throwing himself into the performance, his raw passion mirrored by the fans who shouted back every word. The interplay between band members was tight, each musician contributing to the overall sonic landscape in a way that felt both intentional and organic. The lighting and stage design added an extra layer of drama to the performance, enhancing the emotional weight of the music without overshadowing it.

The No Place Like Home Tour showcased not only Badflower’s growth as a band but also their commitment to authenticity and connection. With stellar support from Missio and Slothrust, the night offered a well-rounded experience that took the audience on a journey through different facets of rock. Badflower’s ability to weave between moments of raw power and tender vulnerability made for a performance that was as dynamic as it was emotionally charged. It’s clear that this band is not just playing music – they’re sharing pieces of themselves, and in doing so, creating a space where fans can do the same.

September 13, 2024