From Ashes to New Bring The Blackout Tour Pt.2 to Connecticut’s Iconic Toad’s Place
Photography By Mia Palazzo
May 4, 2024 - Alternative rock band From Ashes to New sells out Connecticut’s most iconic music venue, Toad’s Place with The Blackout Tour pt.2. This tour features some of the biggest upcoming post-rock/rap artists, elijah, Phix, Ekoh, and the well-known alternative hard rock band Point North.
The first artist on the bill, elijah has only been in the scene since 2022, and with very minimal information on the internet, as much as I’d love to tell you about him, I don’t know much. What I do know about him is that he is an artist to look out for in the alternative rock scene, with a broadening intensity and knack for crafting haunting melodies, elijah’s music is captivating and emotionally charged. He offers a fresh take on familiar themes, infusing his music with genuine music and authenticity. I would highly recommend catching one of the remaining shows of this tour, or if you missed your date, check out some of his newest releases, “HOSTAGE” and “Enemies”.
Elijah: Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Snapchat | Youtube
The next artist on the bill is one you might have heard from through his rise in fame on TikTok, named Phix, this Texas native rapper has over 2.1 million followers on the platform and 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Though he has been around since 2016, he rose to fame with his 2020 single “Voodoo”, this song accelerated him into the start of a very successful career in music and social media.
Live, Phix was nothing short of spectacular. With his unique twist, he combines rock-inspired riffs, hip-hop beats and bars, and soulful melodies making his live performance exceptional, and unique. His impressive 9-song set opened with “Sold”, and contained some of his biggest songs, “War” and “Save Me”, and even featured his latest release, “Doomed” featuring a guest appearance from Ekoh, before ending off the set with “Underneath”. Another big highlight of Phix’s performance is his 11-year-old drummer, Bronx, who displayed his exceptional skills with a mid-set drum solo.
Phix: Instagram | Facebook | X | Youtube
Next up on the bill was Ekoh, known for his unique approach to hip-hop music and highly energetic live shows. Blending hip-hop with alt-rock and everything in between, Ekoh has something for almost everyone. His music embraces real-life struggles, such as frustration, anger, heartache, and occasionally the good times. Making his music perfectly relatable for everyone, and this has gained him a very loyal following. Having performed with bands and artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Kottonmouth Kings, Tech N9ne, and more, Ekoh knows how to put on a live performance.
Ekoh’s setlist consisted of some of his biggest songs, opening with his 2024 single “GOOD THINGS'', and continuing with “Ted Talk”, a song off his 2020 album The De2our, this song had the entire crowd singing and rapping along. Moving through the set, Ekoh played some well-known hits, “Numb”, “Good Things”, and “End Game”, which featured lots of vocal assistance from his DJ Kode Break and the majority of the crowd. What I find impressive about Ekoh’s live performance is that his crowd engagement is authentic, he’s not there to perform. But to share an experience with everyone in the crowd. He listens to their cheers and chants, and feeds off of their energy, creating a great atmosphere. After a few more songs, the set ended with “Freeverse 3”, which was the most engaging song of the night, as the entire crowd threw their vans on stage, letting Ekoh sign them and throw them back as he engaged in the flow of the song. It was the perfect end to the set.
Ekoh: Instagram | Facebook | X | Youtube
Point North's performance was a captivating display of their evolving sound and electrifying stage presence. The band, known for their catchy melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, delivered a setlist that left the audience energized and wanting more. Opening with the anthemic "Brand New Vision," Point North immediately commanded attention with their infectious energy and tight musicianship. Lead vocalist Jon Lundin's powerful vocals soared over the driving guitars and pulsating rhythms, setting the tone for an exhilarating evening.
Throughout the night, Point North showcased a blend of fan-favorite tracks and new material. Songs like "Nice Now" and "Into the Dark" from their latest album, "The Grief and the Good Times," resonated deeply with the crowd. Each song was delivered with passion and precision, highlighting the band's growth as songwriters and performers. One of the standout moments of the evening was the performance of "Beating Dead Horses," a poignant track that showcased Lundin's emotive vocals and the band's ability to craft dynamic arrangements.
The audience responded enthusiastically, singing along to every word and feeding off the band's infectious energy. Point North's interaction with the audience was also notable, with Lundin engaging in genuine banter between songs, even having a fan tie his show mid-song. The band's camaraderie on stage was evident, creating a sense of unity that permeated the entire venue. Ending with “Safe and Sound”, Point North's performance at Toad's Place was a testament to their talent and commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience.
Point North: Instagram | Facebook | X | Youtube
Opening with "Panic," From Ashes to New set the tone for a night filled with intensity and adrenaline. Vocalists Matt Brandyberry and Danny Case commanded the stage with their dynamic vocal delivery, seamlessly blending rap verses with powerful choruses. Throughout the set, From Ashes to New delivered a diverse array of songs from their catalog, each one showcasing their unique sound and lyrical depth. Tracks like "Bulletproof" and "Crazy" resonated with the audience, who eagerly sang along to every word.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the performance of "Scars That I'm Hiding," a haunting ballad that showcased Brandyberry's emotive vocals and the band's ability to evoke raw emotion. The audience swayed in unison, captivated by the song's introspective lyrics. From Ashes to New also delighted fans with high-energy tracks like "My Name," "Through It All," and "Broken," delivering adrenaline-pumping beats and infectious hooks that had the crowd jumping and moshing.
The band's stage presence was electrifying, with guitarist Lance Dowdle and drummer Mat Madiro adding layers of intensity to each song. With a setlist that catered to fans of rap-rock and alternative metal, From Ashes to New left New Haven buzzing with excitement and anticipation for their next show.
