With the ease of content creation, internet accessibility, and the ever- shrinking cost of equipment to record music, it has become paramount that you bring more than just good songs to the table. Sleep Theory understands that necessity. The proof is in this tour, which also happens to be the first of their own design as headliner. Supporting acts at this stop at the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas including Nevertel, Oxymorrons, and Stray View, all of which bring something unique to this shared stage.
Normally, when you head to a concert nowadays, there is an act or two that you listen to in anticipation of whomever you are there to see. The openers are meant to whet your whistle in a way. It is very rare that you head into a show and you forget that you are there to see someone else. Each opening artist makes you feel like they are the reason you are there. Stray View did just that. Blending elements of metal, rock, alternative, and electronic, with lyrics fitting personal exploration, the gentlemen of Stray View made an entire venue of new fans. Personally, I would check out their latest single, “Vivid,” for a crisp taste of what they have in store for you.
When I am heading to shows, I try to not listen to openers until I see them in person. I love the feeling of listening to someone for the first time – especially live – and getting a taste for them in true authenticity. This has lead to me finding some of the best bands and artists I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Oxymorrons is a pristine example of that. When I say their energy was atomic, that is to say they could have powered the entire world with their stage presence for years. With a sound that is comparable to a love child of Rage Against The Machines, Bruno Mars, and Wu-Tang, there was no predictability and a level of spontaneity that had me bouncing from start to finish. The personality they brought (both on and off) the stage was top tier. I can’t wait to see what else these gents bring us, and I strongly recommend listing to “Look Alive(Netic)” and “Justice.”
For 10-plus years now, Nevertel has been making an interesting composition of music, using elements of EDM, hip-hop, rock, and metal. On stage, their commanding presence was immediately felt. Opening with “Losing Faith,” they were prepared to make sure you stayed on your feet the entire night. Their seamless transitions from beautiful vocals to hard-hitting rap lyrics is one of the things that truly make them stand out. Evidence of that could be heard throughout the entire set – from the opening drum solo to the moments guitarist and rapper Raul Lopez hopped off stage and joined/ encouraged the massive mosh pit on the center of the floor. It’s one thing for the performers to tell you to mosh, its another entirely for them to join you. Finishing strong, they ended their set with the latest release, “Criminal,” leaving everyone foaming at that mouth, waiting for more.
They wouldn’t be waiting long at all. Less than 15 minutes after Nevertel left the stage, the guys of Sleep Theory exploded onto the stage. Kudos to their rode crew for how smooth this (and every other) transition was.
“Fallout” kicked off their set, showcasing the incredible energy and atmosphere we were in for during this entire 20-song set. Covering all but one song off their tour-inspiring album, Afterglow, as well as a few others, we were treated to a show that I can only describe as the best concert experience I have ever had the privilege to attend. Frontman Cullen Moore had a stage presence that the most seasoned veterans live music would kill for. Bassist/vocalist Paolo Vergara was constantly running around the stage with purpose, yet never missed a note. Guitarist/unclean vocalist Daniel Pruitt made use feel every single emotion with the perfect guttural sound we love, and all of this kept in perfect rhythm by Ben Pruitt on drums.
I think what made this the most incredible show was just how personal it felt. At every opportunity, Moore was looking directly at the crowd. Eye contact on every single word makes you feel like they are truly singing with you, not for you. We got to share in the experience of these rockstars having their first bra thrown on stage, and Moore proceeding to put it on his head before hanging it on Pruitts mic stand, ultimately throwing it back the girl. No, I didn’t get a photo of that, and yes, I wish I would have. We were even treated to cover of “Break the Silence,” with Nevertel joining them. Icing on the cake? Moore jumping out and crowd-surfing to finish out the show, singing arguably their most popular song “Static,” while blasting confetti cannons. Talk about an explosive way to stay etched in your fans’ minds.
Sleep Theory is currently on tour through the end of June. Make sure to catch a date near you. There is absolutely no way you will be disappoint with these guys!
STRAY VIEW | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
OXYMORRONS | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
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