The Exceptional “Night Heat” Tour
By Faith Logue
Graphic: Katie Christensen
Dallon Weekes and Ryan Seaman created the infamous supergroup I Don’t Know How But They Found Me in 2017, since selling out countless shows to large crowds of adoring fans. I had the pleasure of being able to travel to see them on their Night Heat Tour on May 10 in Rochester, NY. Just like all the previous times I’ve seen them, the show was nothing short of amazing. I joined the line at 11:00 in the morning to get a good spot, and ended up at barricade directly in front of lead singer and guitarist Dallon Weekes. I really enjoyed the entire night, and I can truly say that the Night Heat Tour is something everyone needs to experience.
The show started at 8:00, with the opener Superet, whom I loved to watch perform. Their sound is similar to one of a 70’s alternative band, with synths and groovy guitar highlighting the songs. They were even dressed like they teleported to modern day from the 70’s, and their aesthetic was incredible. They were very energetic, and the frontman, Matt Blitzer, interacted with the crowd nonstop. I even high-fived him at the end of their set. Another moment that really stood out was when they had the whole crowd chant, “Superet, don’t forget,” which will ensure that I definitely will not forget them.
And then, the moment had finally arrived— the crowd was bursting with excitement as Weekes and Seaman of iDKHOW strutted on stage in their sparkly jackets, Weekes’ blue and Seaman’s red. I was so excited, I could barely contain it. The first song on their set was “Modern Day Cain.” I had never heard the song live before, so you could only imagine how excited I was to finally hear it. It sounded just like the studio version that I’ve known and loved; maybe even a bit better!
Their full set was about an hour long, complete with three covers, fan favorites from Weekes’ old band, The Brobecks, and their own originals. They covered “Debra” by Beck, “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys, and of course, their ever-so predictable cover of “Iggy Pop” by Hot IQs. I witnessed people in the crowd behind me crying and screaming with joy because of how amazing the show was. My favorite song of the night had to be “Visitation of the Ghost,” because during that performance— which the band lengthens past the running time of the studio recording— Weekes enters the crowd and taunts a sense of control over us. He tells us when to repeat after him and when to be quiet, which is something that I have never seen a performer do so flawlessly before. During the song, they had skeleton-like creatures that stood by the barricade, and it was just my luck one was right behind me. I can’t lie and say I wasn’t creeped out, but I was also intrigued by that extra element of the performance. By the end of the night, I ended up getting a guitar pick thrown to me by the band, which is now sitting in the back of my phone case. I will cherish that pick forever.
In conclusion, if the self-proclaimed ‘bamd’ is coming to a town near you anytime soon, please go see the Night Heat Tour. I can guarantee that you will have a great time, wherever you are in the crowd. Also, in spirit of I Don’t Know How But They Found Me’s “Nobody Likes The Opening Band,” make sure to support Superet (don’t forget!)