Words & Photos by Marco Denzer
Chevelle is currently in the midst of their Summer Tour 2024 and as part of that, scheduled a show at The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ on Saturday, August 3. The powerhouse trio features brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler on guitar/vocals and drums respectively, along with bassist Kemble Walter.
L.A. based heavy rockers Return to Dust, featuring guitarist guitarist/vocalist Matty Bielawski, bassist/vocalist Graham Stanush, lead guitarist Sebastian Gonzalez and drummer London Hudson, kicked things off relatively early to accommodate the three bands on the night’s lineup. Return to Dust came out swinging and wasted no time in getting down to business. They played their setlist with plenty of energy and undeniable good vibes, appearing extremely comfortable and in control as they played each one of their songs with raw energy and power.
Aside from demonstrating obvious instrumental and compositional chops, listening to Matty and Graham
alternate lead vocals and sing harmonies was impressive and very enjoyable. It added variety and balance to their overall sound, and demonstrated that these guys are a unit to reckon with. It’s clear we’ll be hearing much more from them in the future.
Tigercub, the Brighton, U.K. based trio featuring guitarist/vocalist Jamie Stephen Hall, drummer James Allix, and bassist Jimi Wheelwright was next on the lineup and obviously, judging by the enthusiastic reception they received from the crowd, these guys are no strangers to U.S. crowds. With a solid discography consisting of three albums and multiple EPs to their name, including their latest release “The Perfume of Decay”, the band has plenty material to draw from and easily selected a setlist to play. Their connection with the public was quite evident and they clearly enjoyed the welcoming reception they got. As a result, due in part to the mutual appreciation and good vibes they were met with, their set was very good and entertaining.
Sadly, although Tigercub delivered tunes like “Show Me My Maker”, “Swoon”, and “Perfume of Decay” with much energy, enthusiasm and passion, their nine-song setlist felt a bit too brief. It definitely left one longing and waiting for a future headlining tour of their own.
By the time headliners Chevelle walked on stage the venue was completely filled to capacity and the anticipation in the room was palpable. It was plain to see that many people in the audience were long time fans of the band and they, along with the rest of the audience, were delighted to have secured tickets to the sold out show. The trio didn’t hesitate in starting their set with a one, two three combination that included “Young Wicked”, “Self Destructor’, and “Roswell’s Spell” and the crowd responded with a loud collective roar of approval.
Additionally, led by Pete’s charismatic frontman’s performance, vocals, and guitar riffs, the band pressed on to ultimately play an impressive nineteen song setlist that offered a glimpse into their extensive body of work. Chevelle, based on a career and repertoire that spans well over twenty years, conceived and delivered an outstanding ninety-minute show for their fans at The Wellmont Theater… and they loved every minute of it.
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TheWaster.com | Montclair
8.06.24
