by Connor Dixon
On October 26th, 2024 Underoath brought their They're Only Chasing Safety 20th Anniversary tour to Sacramento, California. Joining them on tour was the UK post-hardcore quartet Static Dress. Upon entering the Ace of Spades venue, the packed house made it evident that this was a sold-out show. This was night two of two for Underoath here in Sacramento. The second night here was added after night one sold out quickly during the initial ticket release.
Static Dress opened their set with a storm of raw energy and relentless intensity. Lead singer Olli Appleyard has a magnetic stage presence, jumping around stage and interacting with the crowd. Their anonymous guitarist known as "Contrast" is hard to miss wearing an all-white face mask and leather jacket playing heaving riffs.
The band's set included a good blend of songs from their 2021 album Prologue... and their most recent album Rouge Carpet Disaster. Static Dress also performed their popular new single "Crying". Aside from their terrific performance, something that stood out to me was the set details. On either side of the stage beat-up tube TVs displayed graphics and effects throughout the set. The band performed very well and I for one will be following Static Dress's work in the future.
As the adrenaline from the last set wore off Underoath's crew could be seen moving items onto the stage including lamps and a couch. The house lights went dark and Aaron Gillespie could be seen sitting on the couch illuminated only by lamplight. A snippet of "Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape" was performed before Lead Singer Spencer Chamberlain took the stage. The full band jumped head-first into "Young And Inspiring" igniting a wave of nostalgia and energy.
The setlist was built around playing "They’re Only Chasing Safety" in its entirety. I would point out specific fan-favorite songs but the crowd made clear that after 20 years every song on the album is now solidified as a fan favorite. Spencer Chamberlain’s vocals were raw and powerful, seamlessly switching between screams and clean melodies. Aaron Gillespie, on drums and backing vocals, was equally impressive, particularly on "Reinventing Your Exit" and "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White." His harmonies and passionate drumming added depth to the live experience.
The interplay between Tim McTague’s guitars and Grant Brandell's rhythm work filled the venue with harmonious melodies and crushing breakdowns, keeping the energy high throughout the night. In the middle of the set, Spencer invited fans onto the couch in the middle of the stage to enjoy a few songs. A father and son reeled with excitement as they approached the stage. This gave the show a more intimate feel as if the band and the audience were reliving a pivotal time together.
While the focus was on "They’re Only Chasing Safety," the band didn’t disappoint newer fans, ending the night with a few tracks from later albums. The encore, featuring "Writing on the Walls," was a visceral, crowd-pleasing end to an unforgettable night.
Underoath's "They’re Only Chasing Safety" 20th-anniversary tour brought a wave of nostalgia, energy, and emotional catharsis to fans who grew up with the album. The band showcased a perfect balance between honoring the past and giving fans a fresh live experience. The show felt like a celebration of not only the album but also the era of post-hardcore and screamo that shaped me and so many other fans. Underoath brought the same intensity, passion, and technical skill they’ve always been known for, making this anniversary tour a perfect tribute to "They’re Only Chasing Safety."
All above photos of Underoath and Static Dress taken by Connor Dixon.
Comments