The Early November and Hellogoodbye throw a 20th anniversary party at Mr. Smalls

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It may have been the last gasp of winter in Pittsburgh, but local band Punchline was happy to warm up the venue on Thursday evening. Though their career has won fans across the country, there's nothing like a hometown crowd, and Mr. Smalls Theatre was packed in time for the opening notes. Fans sang along and danced throughout the set. The band thanked the crowd for their support, with fan support helping the fully independent Punchline fund their latest album. Their extra 10 minutes on stage wasn't nearly enough, so the band hung around after the set to say hello.

The Early November began their set not with a bang, but with a quiet solo. Vocalist/guitarist Ace Enders took to the stage and opened the show with “Ever So Sweet,” which quickly became a singalong for the crowd. Though this was the 20th anniversary tour celebration of the band's album, “The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path,” the set was not a strict playthrough. Instead, The Early November played as many pre-2006 songs as they could, bringing high energy, stellar vocals, and musical nostalgia in the best way. 

Mid-set, and to the audience's delight, the second verse of “Fluxy” featured a surprise appearance by The Spill Canvas vocalist Nick Thomas. The Early November performed their set with relentless energy before slowing down for a few acoustic tunes before finishing with their 2013 fan-favorite “Tell Me Why.” 

Finally, celebrating their debut album's 20th anniversary with a complete playthrough, co-headliners Hellogoodbye took the stage with string lights draped across the stage and pastel balloons bouncing around the crowd. The first song began with a jam while band members warmed up before launching into the first song. The show was a non-stop party, with the crowd dancing and jumping to every beat drop. Hellogoodbye has clearly hit their stride in this tour, seamlessly swapping instruments and obviously enjoying the show as much as the audience. They may have had to re-learn the setlist, but their hard work was worth it. Fans stayed up late on a weeknight to enjoy long-time favorite bands in the company of friends.

​Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre