I've known Oakland California band Swmrs since I was introduced to 2016's Drive North. The new album Berkeley's on Fire sounded awesome and I knew I wanted to catch the live show.
Being between an enthusiastic audience screaming along with every word, and Swmrs' magnetic and dynamic frontman Cole Becker was an incredible rush. It's absolutely one of the best things, the treat, the thrill, the perk of doing this concert photographer thing. At the best times, you're in between a magical flow of energy between artist and audience, trying to capture it as best as you can with unpredictable lighting and action.
For this show, Swmrs only Canadian tour stop, they played a good mix of tunes from both of their full-length albums, giving the crowd more energy than most bands. That energy that I experienced while I was in the photo pit carried on and even from a spot about halfway back in the venue, the energy and magnetism of the performance was palpable. I think it goes without saying that I'd recommend you not miss these guys when they come through your town.
Here are my favourite tunes from their setlist.
"Trashbag Baby"
"Berkeley's on Fire"
"Too Much Coffee"
"Lose Lose Lose"
"Miley"
"Hannah"
"April in Houston"
"Figuring It Out"
"Palm Trees"