I sure do go to a lot of concerts. And while I do my best to find something I enjoyed with each one, there will always be certain shows that stick out more than others, for different reasons. My favorite reason may be why, nearly two months after the show and long after the photos will adorn any attention to my Instagram page, I'm still compelled to tell you about One Step Closer's homecoming show at Doug's Boardroom near their hometown of Wilkes-Barre, PA in later June. There's nothing like that feeling that the show you're witnessing is not just a glimpse into your current On Repeat playlist on Spotify, but a vision into what emo's future will be. In curating one of the most memorable shows I've been to this year, the young hardcore act have done just that.
Two of OSC's fellow hometown acts opened the bill with If Kansas Had Trees opening the night in the emptied-out cornhole tournament space that would soon turn into a mosh pit. It would later be revealed that the band's guitarist/vocalist Maddux Testa would be playing bass for the night's headliner, but before handling those duties, he assisted bassist vocalist Joey Nardone in setting the mood for the evening with a great sound that traverses emo's many different corners. Up next was a band far more aligned with One Step Closer's sound in Choice to Make, a hardcore band that immediately spawned the night's first mosh pit's and stage divers, as many of the locals who assembled early were clearly there to support the local most department. The band's set featured a guest appearance from One Step Closer vocalist Ryan Savitski, who saved his voice in favor of playing guitar on one of the band's short-but sweet songs. The beginning of the night was meant to be a highlight of who else in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area was ready to take strides that One Step Closer have, and the band did a great job showcasing the depth of talent in the local pool.
To the uninitiated, moody emo quartet Arm's Length likely seemed a touch out of place on a bill like this, but anyone who has seen the band live will tell you that the band's resonant, passionate choruses lend themselves perfectly to the energies of a hardcore crowd. It helps that the band's instant-classic debut full-length Never Before Seen, Never Again Found has been out for almost two years now, and has made its way into a lot of Spotify algorithms. The evidence was all over their set, as new songs like "Up In Smoke" and older classics like "Garamond" were nestled into the biggest singles of Never Before Seen to create a cacophony of broken-hearted choruses. Amidst the chaos, however, were the constant smiles of everyone on stage, as the band continue to be floored by responses they've been receiving throughout the country. This show marked the 4th time I've seen Arm's Length in about a year, and every time I see them, the crowd is singing along louder than before. Something tells me they won't be the only band from this show to enjoy that same success.
Overcoming what sounded like a nightmare trip to Pennsylvania that saw their 4-hour estimated drive nearly double, Koyo was seen finally getting to the venue with mere minutes to spare. The Long Island hardcore/emo darlings have built quite the resume of respected bands who've taken them on the road (including Knocked Loose, fellow Long Islanders Bayside, Thursday, and Silverstein--all within the last two years), and it appears that some of that hard-earned wisdom of older acts has been passed down. The band was set up with no issue, and before long, the mosh pits and stage dives were abundant. Vocalist Joey Chiaramonte has established himself as a perfect frontperson in this community, constantly urging those who hadn't packed into the crowd to do so, while always having his head on a swivel to ensure he, his band, and those who were watching them, were safe. Koyo was set to re-start their triple-headlining tour with OSC and Anxious after this show, and they appeared to be chomping at the bit to get back on the road. Since releasing their first full-length Would You Miss It? last year, Koyo find themselves on a similar path to the headliner for the night, with a slew of great songs and enough momentum to carry them as far as they choose.
As I think back on this night, one of the crowning achievements of One Step Closer's young career to date, I'm drawn back to the chaos of the evening. If you didn't catch when I said this earlier, the show was being held in an indoor cornhole tournament facility (go ahead, read it again) with a rented stage set up inside. The parking lot seemed to be a minefield for tickets and tow trucks, as members of OSC were onstage between each set urging those who parked in certain areas to move their cars, lest they get towed. The house lights stayed on nearly all night, until it was time for All You Embrace opening track "Color You" to begin. It was hot--not unbearable, but hot enough that there was a nice film of condensation on the floor and stage, causing slips and slides all over the place. The rate of stage divers being caught properly was far from 100%. At some points, it was less of a show you attend, and more of a show you survive. Then there was the whole Koyo getting there late thing. Hell, Choice to Make had a member get into the show with a dress shirt, tie, and slacks on right as the band was set to play, but said "fuck it, I'm not changing" and played the set wearing clothes from his other job. But from the first words Ryan Savitski spoke into the microphone before the band played a note -- a nice overture about how much that night, that town, and the people assembled meant to the band -- it was clear that this is exactly how One Step Closer wants you to experience their music. Savitski was a freight train onstage, moving between his stations with boundless energy and passion. Guitarists Colman O' Brien and Ross Thompson were seldom standing still, and those who were participating in the stage diving were thown into their most fervent frenzy. Featuring a setlist that saw a good chunk of All You Embrace, the show became a war cry that One Step Closer have created something that they're proud of, and the cities and towns that spawned the band seem damn proud, too. As I made my way tot he back of the crowd to catch my breath and wipe the sweat off my face with an already sweat-drenched t shirt, I already knew I'd seen a show that would stick with me for a while. To see three bands who are so clearly ascending to emo stardom play together is all too rare. As One Step Closer rang out their set with the two lead singles from All You Embrace (the blistering "Leap Years" and pensive "Giant's Despair"), acknowledging their friends and family who all were at the show, the energy in the room reached its peak, one that I don't think will be topped at another show this year.
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