Movements caused quite the ruckus during the April 9th Richmond, Virginia stop of their Ruckus! Tour at the National, a 1920s Vaudeville theater turned concert venue.
Ruckus! is the band’s most recent full length album which was released August 18th, 2023. It is Movements’ third full length album following behind No Good Left to Give (2020) and Feel Something (2017). This is the second leg of their Ruckus! Tour, covering cities missed on the first leg that took place this past September and October.
The night started off with Paerish, an alternative rock band based in Paris, France. While this tour is the band’s first time in the U.S., it was clear that they are no strangers to the stage. They delivered a solid set full of punchy, melodic songs, mainly highlighting their 2023 release You’re in both dreams (and you’re scared).
Next to take the stage was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Webbed Wing, a project from Superheaven members Taylor Madison and Jake Clarke. The band has been consistently releasing music for the past few years and made sure to play a variety of different songs including “Further”, one of the two singles released so far for their upcoming album Vol. III. “This song’s for real rock and rollers,” Madison exclaimed before diving into another grungy anthem that had the crowd moving. Webbed Wing was fun to watch and really succeeded in building anticipation for what was to come.
Direct support, Tigers Jaw, was up next. Anyone who has dabbled in pop punk over the years has at least heard the name and the band certainly does live up to the years of love and hype. After forming in 2005 and going through different iterations, Tigers Jaw seems to be at yet another peak. During Movements’ set, singer Patrick Miranda made a point to say that he had been listening to Tigers Jaw since he was in high school and being able to tour with them had been a dream. It was evident that Tigers Jaw had shared a similar sentiment and thankfulness as they played their unforgettable set. From the moment they stepped on stage to the moment they walked off, the crowd was ecstatic. There were moments – songs like “June” and “Plane Vs. Tank Vs. Submarine” – where the fans were singing along so loud, singers Benjamin Walsh and Brianna Collins had to step back and soak it in. By the time they were done, the crowd had most definitely been successfully warmed up and ready for Movements.
The buzz and excitement leading up to Movements’ performance was palpable. The room had filled up completely, even the upper balcony was only littered with a few empty seats. It was evident that many attendees had spent the last few years loving Movements and growing with them as people and music lovers alike.
Starting off with “Lead Pipe”, a single from Ruckus!, Movements immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. Every single person in the room was singing along and when singer Patrick Miranda spoke, the crowd erupted into cheers and excited shouts before the band moved on to the next song. Even though Ruckus! was a change of sound for the band-moving into a more pop driven place than previous albums, songs like “Killing Time” and
“I Hope You Choke!” were met with unmatched energy. Miranda’s vocals were impressively strong and clean while drummer Spencer York, guitarist Ira George, and bassist Austin Cressey delivered their respective parts with matched energy and professionalism.
In between songs, Miranda candidly explained to the crowd that he had been feeling sick for the past few days, but still wanted to play the show and do his best for the fans. He asked the crowd to sing just a little louder for him and they truly listened. Probably due to Miranda’s sickness, the band changed up their set for seemingly the first time this tour, playing songs like “Seneca” and switching around the setlist placement of other songs. Miranda even shouted out their lighting designer, Olivia, for being able to create a stunning light show to match the new setlist with only a few hours notice. Where needed, the crowd filled in for Miranda and sang along to every single word. There was a constant stream of crowd surfers and even a mosh pit for the slow songs like “Submerge”.
During Feel Something hits “Colorblind” and “Full Circle” and “Deep Red”, the crowd shined. Being in the scene made it nearly impossible to miss the love surrounding Movements’ first studio album and even all these years later, the songs resonate with live audiences in a way that may never get old.
The band ended their set with their usual, yet extremely perfect and special closer “Daylily”. A song that means a lot to fans of Movements creates an atmosphere full of melodic singing along and undeniably, at least a few hundred people shedding a few tears with happy smiles on their faces.
The Ruckus! Tour is not one to miss. Movements continues to be a powerhouse live band and definitely put on a show to remember for years to come.
Be sure to attend a show of this tour if it is in your city. Dates below.
March 28th: Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre
March 29th: Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
March 30th: Fresno, CA – Tioga Sequoia Brew
April 1st: Tucson, AZ – Rialto
April 3rd: Fort Worth, TX – Tanahill’s
April 4th: San Antonio, TX – Vibes Event Center
April 5th: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
April 6th: St. Louis, MO – Red Flag
April 8th: Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
April 9th: Richmond, VA – The National
April 10th: Baltimore, MD – Ram’s Head
April 12th: Huntington, NY – The Paramount
April 13th: Boston, MA – Roadrunner
April 14th: Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
April 16th: Rochester, NY – Water Street Music
April 17th: Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
