Leprous Graces Granada Theater
The concert at Granada Theater on September 30, 2024, was nothing short of incredible, with Fight the Fight, Earthside, and Leprous delivering unforgettable performances.
The night began with Fight the Fight, a band that wasted no time in bringing the energy. From the moment they took the stage, their presence was intense. The lighting mixture of reds and greens added a raw edge, almost making the stage seem to pulse in time with the music. The band’s movement and interaction with the audience kept the energy alive. Their frontman reached out to fans with high-fives and casual remarks, creating a sense of connection, even as the crowd's energy remained moderate.
Though the crowd was not at its most enthusiastic, Fight the Fight stayed committed to bringing the energy. Their sound, aggressive yet well-controlled, maintained a level of professionalism that ensured a solid start to the evening. By the time they played their closing track, they had laid the groundwork for the night ahead, leaving the crowd warmed up but far from the peak of energy to come.
The next opener was Earthside, whose performance was as much about the atmosphere they created as the music they played. Their instrumental-heavy set gave the audience the energy they needed. The standout personality was the keyboardist, whose antics-keytar slung over his shoulder as he mimed playing the guitar-added a quirky, humorous vibe to an otherwise intense performance. He sat on the side of the stage, then fell off- this was a moment of humor in an otherwise dense sonic experience, and the band carried on without missing a beat.
Their second song, completely instrumental, got the loudest cheer of their set, a testament to how immersive their sound was. Earthside is a band that leans into texture and atmosphere, and their ability to hold the crowd’s attention, even without traditional lyrical hooks, speaks volumes about their skill. The interaction between the drummer and the audience about his YouTube channel for drum playthroughs was a nice touch. By the end of their set, Earthside had managed to elevate the energy in the room, preparing the crowd for what was to come.
The anticipation for Leprous was finally over. The room, which had felt spacious during the openers, suddenly filled up. When the band finally emerged, the roar was deafening. I personally have only listened to a few of Leprous’ songs, but hearing their music live was a whole different experience, and I am excited to listen more in the future.
What set Leprous apart from the earlier acts was not just their sound but the visual and emotional depth they brought to the stage. They had elevated drums and atmospheric smoke that made it feel cinematic. The lighting was dramatic without being overbearing, casting huge shadows on the venue’s walls that made the entire performance feel immersive. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the entire experience.
The crowd moved in sync with the heavy backbeats and soaring guitar riffs. This wasn’t just headbanging; it was a collective experience, with the audience swaying as one. After the first few songs and people got more comfortable, the energy in the room hit its peak. The way Leprous balances technical precision with raw emotional delivery is nothing short of masterful. Every note, every light cue, and every movement on stage seemed perfectly timed to create a perfect show.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came when the lead singer humorously introduced their new keyboardist, teasing the crowd about where he was from. After the audience shouted guesses ranging from Norway to Texas, he jokingly ridiculed them for their answers: he was from London. It was these little moments of engaging with the audience that made the show feel personal.
From the raw energy of Fight the Fight to the intricate, immersive soundscapes of Earthside, and finally, the emotionally charged performance from Leprous, the night was a testament to the power of live music. Each band brought something unique to the table, making this concert a truly amazing experience.