The one word to describe The Dangerous Summer’s Reach For the Sun tour date in New York City is energy. The band took the stage at the 300-person capacity The Studio at Webster Hall at 9pm, tuning guitars briefly and adjusting microphones momentarily before jumping into the opening rift of “Where I Want To Be.” A low rumble of the crowd jumping and singing along underscored AJ’s crystal vocals. As the record spun on through the night out of the speakers, the audience revved up its energy; stage left became a line of jumping fans through “Weathered” and by “The Permanent Rain” had developed into a pseudo mosh pit of thrown bodies that seeped into center stage.

The Dangerous Summer played a rapid fire set list, pausing between tracks only to throw back half a bottle of water and say, “You’re so fucking awesome.” AJ and the entire band fed off of the audience’s rambunctious enthusiasm, barely above the masses on a stage with no barricade. Guitarist Cody Payne provided raw mainline melodies that carried the songs, just as he had on the record.

The room calmed for a focused rendition of “Northern Lights” and AJ’s voice engulfing the small, low-ceiling room under blue lights. Tyler Minsberg, drummer, let loose on his kit for “This Is War” licensing the fans to resume their cardio-workout dance. Minsberg was reportedly nervous for this particular show because he was missing certain pieces of his set and because the one place not to err is New York. This is a drummer who more than performs under pressure. 

The last minute of “Never Feel Alone” erupted into full-fledge moshing—TDS fans calling out “Am I wrong?” underneath AJ’s solid, honest voice. The band treated the crowd to three more tracks: one brand new one and two from their old EP. The new track is similar sonically to some of Reach For the Sun but also characteristic of that album in that it doesn’t sound repetitive.

The crowd dispersed from the muggy cellar, ears ringing with lyrics and rifts brought to life on stage. The Dangerous Summer fans are very serious about their live music, and rightfully so. The studio Reach For the Sun waiting for you at home seems hollow after a show like this.

*This review was composed by Emily Coch