On January 31, at The Haute Spot in Cedar Park, Texas, we had the pleasure of having Saosin and Until I Wake for the evening. The whole venue showed ecstatic energy for both groups, with merchandise from both parties being sold left and right as fans got their game faces on for the shows about to start.
Tonight, I had the pleasure to cover Until I Wake, a band based out of Buffalo, New York. Consisting of band members Justin Smith (Vocalist), Ryan Ridley (Bassist), August Geitner (Guitar), and Niko Karras (Guitar), and Alex Curtain (Drums). The band formed in 2019 under original vocalist Cody Jamison. They’ve done incredible tracks ranging from “Self Medicated” to their self titled EP released in 2021 to “Inside My Head” and “Octane” released in 2023.
Around 8 p.m., Until I Wake took the stage for their portion of the set. Band members huddled up and started to get the energy going for the start of their performance. Drummer Alex Curtain wasn’t present for tonight’s performance, but had stand-in drummer Myles Clayborne running the kit for the evening. One thing that I enjoyed about the performance from the band overall is that they have very high momentum and versatility in stage presence, they definitely made the show very energized and had the crowd going, especially when they played “Catacombs“ from their new album “Renovate.“
Speculations about the band’s upcoming performances have gained attention online after the band’s set in Buffalo, New York, earlier this tour. Former vocalist Cody Jamison performed a duet with Smith, raising a lot of questions amongst fans about Jamison’s return to the band. During the mid-performance, Justin Smith announced to the fans that he was officially stepping down from the band to focus on personal life and, of course, being a father. He announced that Cody Jamison would be returning as vocalist to the band and that the performance in Cedar Park would be Smith’s last show for a while to focus on himself.
Cody Jamison stepped out onto the stage and both vocalists performed as the iconic duo, just like how it was for the Buffalo headline show. It really felt like a special moment for both vocalists, with outstanding respect evident amongst both. The band’s high-octane stage appearance was on full display when they played the last, and most favored song from their setlist, “Inside My Head.” It was a special treat for anyone who was in attendance at the Cedar Park show out in the Haute Spot and definitely a memorable night for anyone who is a huge Until I Wake fan. Witnessing both these class act singers commanding the stage to warmly welcome Cody Jamison back as main vocals of the band, and bid farewell to Justin Smith’s powerful tonality, is a moment that’ll become monumental in the band’s storied history.
For anyone new to Until I Wake and their work, if you’re a fan of heavy music that fuels mosh pits and artists who deliver dynamic performances—both in talent and stage presence—I highly recommend giving the Buffalo band a listen and checking out a show. They will not disappoint.
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