The only good thing that came out of my 2016 Tinder fling was the introduction to Highly Suspect. Since then, I’ve become a lifelong fan and have had the pleasure of seeing them live four times already. However, this time, I had the opportunity to experience and capture their energy in an entirely different way—with a camera on the other side of the barrier.
On January 26, 2025, I set out on a two-hour drive to Louisville, Kentucky, to see Highly Suspect perform at the Old Forester Paristown Hall in support of their new album, As Above, So Below, released in July 2024.
On the way to the venue, I had a small setback that caused me to miss the first half of the opening act, Family Dinner. I wasn’t familiar with them before the show, but, I will say, this band knows how to have fun. They had the crowd engaged, dancing, and fully immersed in their set. Their stage presence, quirkiness, and witty banter immediately captivated me. Their sound felt like a fresh yet familiar blend of nostalgic grunge, punk, and pop. Family Dinner is one of those bands you won’t easily forget, and I’d love to see their name attached to major tours very soon.
Hailing from South Wales, James and the Cold Gun hit the stage, and I was an instant fan. High-energy and punchy from the start, their songs had catchy choruses that I’m still singing to myself. James and the Cold Gun embodies rock ’n’ roll at its purest. One thing I didn’t expect—but certainly wouldn’t be the last of the night—were the mosh pits that opened up in the crowd. As a photographer who mainly shoots hardcore and metal-core bands, a mosh pit breaking out at a Highly Suspect headlining show wasn’t on my radar, but the crowd certainly delivered.
After James and the Cold Gun left the stage, all that remained was the anticipation for Highly Suspect. Every time I’ve seen them live, it’s been a different experience—and sometimes even a different sound. They aren’t afraid to evolve and experiment. Each of their five albums is a distinct work of art, blending and exploring various genres. Their latest release, As Above, So Below, brings back their enchanting bluesy rock sound reminiscent of, my personal favorite, Mister Asylum while delivering an emotional, almost cinematic narrative.
Finally, the music stopped, the lights dimmed, and the crowd roared as Highly Suspect took the stage. The energy shifted instantly. The five members erupted into a dance as an electronic beat pulsed through the venue, setting the tone for what was to come. They kicked off the show with one of my favorites, “Bath Salts,” from their first album Mister Asylum, and, of course, the crowd knew every line.
Mosh pits were no strangers to the crowd, popping off during high-energy tracks like “Claudeland” and “Pink Lullaby.” Highly Suspect knows how to rip a killer guitar solo, and “Suicide Machine” was no exception; It was rock’n’ roll at its finest. I love that song on the latest album, but hearing it live? That just hit different. There’s something about feeling the energy, watching the crowd react, and being in that moment made the song sound even better than the studio version.
One thing I’ve always noticed about Highly Suspect fans is their diversity. The crowd spans all ages and backgrounds-they’re not confined to a single stereotype. It is MCID, after all. Despite their differences, they’re all alike in their devotion to the band, screaming every lyric in unison as if the songs were something they’ve known for a lifetime. As the night went on, the crowd remained electric as older hits like “Lydia” and “Mom” played alongside newer releases like “Summertime Voodoo” and “Mexico.”
I’ve been to more shows than I can count, but Highly Suspect will always rank among the best live bands out there. If you ever get the chance, put on some headphones, drown out the outside noise, and lose yourself in As Above, So Below, or their entire discography. You’re in for something raw and real. Better yet, catch a show the next time they’re in your area. You’ll see why I think they’re one of the best live bands out there.
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