The Menzingers

Musica

Akron HO

August 11, 2023

by Michelle Waters

It was an electric night at the sold out show at Musica in Akron!

Mercy Union kicked off the evening with a set full of fantastic harmonies that really drove home the message “the show must go on.” They had a replacement bassist as their bassist played keys, tambourine, and acoustic while recovering from a procedure and a drummer who found out about the tour only two days before it started due to their drummer catching covid. Even with all the changes and challenges, they still brought their A game! Their set featured fan favorites and their newly released single, Be Honest.

Prince Daddy & the Hyena was up next and the crowd really started moving and getting into it. Their set was fast-paced and energetic with their unique blend of emotionally heavy lyrics and upbeat instrumentals. The band is no stranger to mental health struggles and their music certainly reflects that with songs such as “I Forgot to Take My Meds Today.”

Finally The Menzingers hit the stage, immediately launching into their new single, “There’s No Place in This World for Me” off their upcoming seventh album “Some Of It Was True.” The new album will be out digitally on Oct. 13th and physically on Jan. 26th on Epitaph Records. The set was a good mix of crowd favorites, new songs (including just released single “Hope is a Dangerous Little Thing” and yet to be released song “Lie”), and the rarely played live “Farewell Youth.” The set was dynamic from start to finish with the crowd singing along to almost every word while embracing each other to sway with the slow songs or jumping and dancing to the faster tunes. One of the best parts of any Menzingers set is the feeling of community in the crowd. The bond between the crowd and the band feels tangible as the lyrics paint stories that could have come straight from any of their own lives. As the band closed out the night with “The Obituaries”, the entire crowd came to life as they shouted along to the lyrics, knowing there is hope in the honesty that even if you fuck it up, you’ll be fine.

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