L.S. Dunes are a rare breed. Not only because of the band members’ collective backgrounds and the die-hard fans that come along with them, but also due to the raw, real and timeless energy that they bring to the stage. In 2023, new bands and artists don’t get their start in the same way that groups like Circa Survive, Thursday, Coheed and Cambria and My Chemical Romance did. Rather than playing hole in the wall clubs, VFWs, and house shows, most breakout acts build traction via social media, blowing up on TikTok before they even embark on their first tour and figuring out their stage presence while performing to thousands of fans a night. And while L.S. Dunes already had the guarantee of a fanbase when they first dropped their debut album, Past Lives last year, they still play like a band that is just cutting their teeth on the road, and it certainly felt special.
After Baltimore’s Pinkshift set the tone for the night, L.S. Dunes quickly came out swinging, opening their set with their explosive track, “Bombsquad”, and with the way the crowd immediately began to move and sing along, it was clear that we were in for a real treat. With only one album and a new single, “Benadryl Subreddit” under their belts, the band played literally every single song they’ve released so far – a short but sweet and chaotic twelve song set.
While the 900 cap Washington’s is a larger venue, L.S. Dunes managed to make it feel incredibly intimate, as well, with a barricade pushed up close to the stage, allowing fans access to crowd surf and sing along with vocalist Anthony Green throughout the night. Green even mentioned between songs that he dreams of playing venues like the beautiful Washington’s. Throughout the night, there wasn’t any over the top production, no flare or gimmicks – it felt like a good old fashioned punk show.
As someone who goes to more shows in a year than many people see in their lifetime, I know that my point of view can be a bit skewed. I sometimes catch myself feeling a bit jaded, or even taking good shows for granted, but the energy of L.S. Dunes first performance in Colorado reignited something in me and hopefully did the same for anyone else in the crowd who needed it. It reminded me why I fell in love with going to grimy, sweaty, chaotic punk and hardcore shows to begin with. The crowd was filled with strangers picking each other up when they fell in the pit, putting someone they’ve never met on their shoulders and helping them crowd surf, and throwing their arms around one another to sing along. And it was clear that the band, who have all been playing music for the better half of their lives, were simply stoked to be on stage. It felt like the type of show that the older fans in the crowd grew up going to, and the energy is something that the younger fans are sure to keep chasing long after the night came to an end. And if Anthony Green’s promise to return soon rings true, then hopefully we’ll all be able to experience it again sooner rather than later.
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Setlist:
Bombsquad
Like Forever
Blender
Grey Veins
Benadryl Subreddit
Antibodies
Permanent Rebellion
Grifter
It Takes Time
Past Lives
2022
Sleep Cult