REVIEW: FIDLAR Ignites Chicago's Aragon Ballroom with Electrifying Performance
FIDLAR, THE RENOWNED LA SKATE PUNK BAND — recently joined forces with Oliver Tree for his headlining Alone In A Crowd tour, making a stop at Chicago’s iconic Aragon Ballroom on Saturday, January 13. The venue, steeped in history and known for hosting legendary performances, set the stage for an electrifying night of music.
Composed of members Zac Carper, Brandon Schwartzel and Max Keuhn, the band wasted no time in igniting the atmosphere with their energetic set, kicking things off with the explosive crowd favorite “Sand on the Beach” off their latest That’s Life (2023) EP.
FIDLAR fans seized the opportunity to immerse themselves in the band's signature, aggressive punk sound. The surf-rock roots of FIDLAR are palpable in “Sand on the Beach,” a track that channels the carefree spirit of Southern California. The song's sound is driven by a blend of attitude and adrenaline, creating an infectious energy that resonates with fans.
Photography Credit: Hallie Newnam
As a band that has consistently delivered intensifying shows, FIDLAR has become synonymous with capturing the essence of youth, recklessness and the relentless pursuit of a good time. Carper’s screaming vocals permeated throughout the venue, creating an intense and electrifying atmosphere that left attendees shedding their inhibitions at the door.
Throwing it back to their 2015 sophomore album, Too, the band performed “40oz. On Repeat” that had the crowd singing along to the lyrics, “Because everybody’s got somebody, everybody but me / Why can’t anybody just tell me that I'm somebody’s?”
A FIDLAR show is an experience tailor-made for those seeking an outlet to unleash their inner energy and let loose. The band’s raw and unapologetic approach to punk rock has garnered them a dedicated fan base drawn to the unbridled chaos and high-spirited energy of their performances.
FIDLAR’s sonic prowess and high-energy performances are perhaps best exemplified in their performance of “On Drugs.” This song encapsulates the band’s signature style, blending shredding guitars and a relentless energy which makes the song a sonic rollercoaster, characterized by intense guitar riffs that showcase FIDLAR’s mastery of their instruments. The aggressive and dynamic instrumentation mirrors the band’s live performances, where the stage becomes a platform for unbridled expression.
Photography Credit: Hallie Newnam
Within the California surf punk soundscape of their recent releases such as “On Drugs,” “Sand on the Beach,” “FSU” and “That’s Life,” FIDLAR manages to capture the essence of their geographical roots. The laid-back yet rebellious spirit of Southern California permeates the ballroom, creating a musical landscape that mirrors the sun-soaked beaches and the vibrant culture of the region that makes for an immersive experience for listeners.
On the heels of two recent new single releases – “Move On” and “Nudge,” – both tracks mark the band’s first pieces of original new music since the release of their recent stripped-down EP unplug and their comeback EP That’s Life in 2023. Initially released in September, “Nudge” is a song that transforms a simple opening staccato into an unruly stampede of distortion dedicated to the friends in life that need a push in the right direction to get their shit together.
For fans of FIDLAR, attending one of their shows is more than just witnessing a live performance – it’s an invitation to rage, to revel in the adrenaline-fueled sonic onslaught that defines the band’s distinctive style. The Aragon Ballroom, with its storied history, provided the perfect backdrop for FIDLAR to deliver a memorable performance, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who braved the intensity of the night.
As FIDLAR continues to captivate audiences with their unapologetic punk ethos, each show becomes a testament to the band’s ability to create an immersive experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of a live performance. In the heart of Chicago, within the hallowed walls of the Aragon Ballroom, FIDLAR and their fans came together to celebrate the unbridled spirit of punk rock – a night etched in the memories of those who dared to embrace the chaos and mosh pits.
