After the afternoon at the Utica Zoo, I headed over to the Saranac Brewery to catch the Hollywood Undead performance.
The show was part of their intriguingly named “One-offs in Strange Places” concert tour.
My last encounter with the band had been at Rock-n-Derby in 2016, held at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds in upstate New York.
Saranac Brewery
The outdoor venue, nestled beside Saranac Brewery, was adorned with numerous Utica Club beer advertisements. I was surprised to see the brand still around. It brought back memories of an old joke: drink Utica Club Light and “you see light.” In retrospect, if I hadn’t gotten Utica and Ithaca mixed up, I might’ve signed up for a brewery tour. Even though I’m not much of a drinker, it could’ve been a cool bonus to go along with the show.
I arrived shortly after the doors opened at 7 PM. Upon entering, I snagged two bottles of water and made my way to the stage area, securing a prime spot. Despite being early, options were limited. The merchandise booth was swarming with fans, leaving little else to occupy my time while I waited for the main event.
Fit for a King
The evening commenced with Fit for a King, a metalcore act that, while unfamiliar to me, clearly resonated with this audience. Their fanbase was evident, with numerous attendees sporting their merchandise and enthusiastically singing along to each track.
Fit for a King’s set consisted of eight songs, including the unreleased “Technium,” slated for release on July 26th. While the band’s energy was palpable and their connection with the audience undeniable, their musical offerings lacked distinguishing elements that might set them apart within the crowded metalcore landscape. This observation aligns with various online critiques that have described the band’s sound as somewhat generic.
Despite the polished execution, Fit for a King’s set failed to leave a lasting impression on me.
Hollywood Undead
The headliners, Hollywood Undead, took the stage with an electrifying performance of “California Dreamin’,” a fitting opener that pays homage to their Los Angeles roots. With an extensive catalog of hits, the band delivered a setlist that to me contained no fillers. I may be biased.
Hollywood Undead’s performance, for me, evokes comparisons to other high-energy rock acts such as Three Days Grace and Theory of a Deadman, offering a non-stop barrage of crowd-pleasing tracks. Their set spanned an impressive 19 songs, drawing from six different albums and showcasing the band’s musical evolution over the years.
The 90-minute performance was a testament to Hollywood Undead’s stamina and stage presence with Charlie Scene being a dominant presence as usual. While the entire setlist resonated with the audience, several moments stood out. “Comin’ In Hot” (clip below) where the band invited a young fan onstage to flip off the crowd throughout the song. Other standout performances included the emotionally charged “Bullet,” the raucous “Everywhere I Go,” and the anthemic “Undead,”.
This carefully curated performance not only satisfied longtime fans with a journey through the band’s discography but also served as an excellent introduction for newcomers to Hollywood Undead.
I wasn’t disappointed and looked forward to the ride home after 4 and a half hours on my feet.
Previous Attended Shows Playlists
- May 21, 2016: Rock ‘N Derby 2016
- July 7, 2011: Northern Lights, Clifton Park, NY