Concert Review: Astronoid Commands the Stage at the Orpheum in Tampa, Florida

Inside the four walls of the Orpheum in Tampa, Florida, the stage is set. Fans trickle in from the long line snaking around the building outside. Once located in historic Ybor City, the Orpheum has been enjoying its new location since 2020, welcoming an array of amazing bands and artists. Though many came to see the amazing band Eidola on their Eviscerate/Mend Tour, I can assure you that many left with a new band and new music to explore after Astronoid wowed the crowd with their performance. With their high energy, killer sound, and strong vocals, this Massachusetts-based band captivated the Orpheum, not warming up the room but owning it.

Brett Boland, Casey Aylward, and Daniel Schwartz, of Astronoid, have been creating music since 2012, with their first EP release, Stargazer, in 2013. From there they have successfully released four studio albums. Air, their debut album, in 2016; Astronoid, in 2019; followed by Radiant Bloom in 2022. After taking a bit of a break to focus on life, they returned with their latest album, Stargod, via 3DOT Recording this past November. Initially drawing from the blackgaze and post-rock sound heard on their earliest albums, they have continued to evolve over the years into the sound you hear today on Stargod. This album blends emotionally layered vocals with powerful guitar works, hinting at pop-punk tones at times, all complemented by rich, textured synths that add depth to their sound. Most importantly, this album reflects the band's genuine love for music. Astronoid has toured with the likes of blink-182, Moon Tooth, Infinity Shred, and Saosin, among others, leaving them no strangers to the stage.

It's just past 7:30 as the house lights dim. Fans continue to file in as others have staked their claim in the front row. Brett, Casey, and Daniel take to the stage and to their respective instruments along with Dylan Charles on drums and Phil Lord on bass. With a brief pause and look out into the crowd, Astronoid unleashes "Embark," their first song of the set, energizing the crowd. Their sound permeates the room as intrigued fans make their way closer to the stage. Brett's powerful vocals and emotionally driven lyrics have the audience locked in as he plays a Gibson Flying V electric guitar. Casey, wielding an arsenal of electric guitars, among them a white Fender Stratocaster, crushes the fretboard. Behind a Sequential Take 5 and a Nord Wave 2, keyboardist Daniel adds a dynamic layer to their sound. While Dylan and Phil lay down a solid foundation with their drum and bass work anchoring the band's sound.

Astronoid moves seamlessly through their set. Mixing early tracks like "I Dream in Line" and "Eyes" with songs from their most recent release, which include "Love Weapon" and "Depressed Mode." Their energy and sound are infectious, gaining new fans with every note they play. By the time Astronoid performs their last song, "Third Shot," the crowd is fully captivated and immersed in the moment. The audience chants, "Encore!"—a rare but exciting response as their final notes ring out. Having been to my fair share of shows, I haven't seen a supporting band command that kind of reaction in a long time. And for that I can only say, Astronoid truly delivered something special here at the Orpheum, and I am excited to see where the future takes them.