Catch Your Breath last visited Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte in May of last year, supporting Imminence. Charlotte clearly loved what they heard because CYB is now back on their own headlining tour and easily sold out the modest venue. As if seeing them live wasn't enough, the support on this Broken Souls tour is insane—If Not For Me, The Funeral Portrait, and Archers.
As I walked up to the Neighborhood Theatre for the first time, I saw an already long line of excited fans adorned in their band merchandise, all eagerly waiting to get in and find their spots by the stage. Even on a chilly and overcast evening in February, they stood on that sidewalk patiently. As doors opened and we made our way inside, the energy began increasing; many lined the bar while others quickly went to the merchandise tables to get items early, including myself. Then, within ten minutes, the lights went down and the first act took the stage.
I spoke to Patrick and Hayden of If Not For Me before the show, and they were both excited to get on stage. Even after dealing with the loss of multiple merchandise shipments and being forced to make their own before for a few dates. The energy between fan and artist was one in the same that night, and as INFM climbed the steps, I felt the surge pass through me as well. The crowd was very responsive throughout their performance; when requested to clap, shine their phone lights, or even move around, they participated without hesitation. A few small pits opened up as well, which helped amp up the crowd even more. "Feel Me Now", "Say It To My Face", and "Blameless" had the crowd headbanging and screaming along with Patrick; it really made the moments feel like we weren't all strangers.
If Not For Me by @melmaemedia
I stepped away during the changeover, and when I returned, the stage was prepared for the Atlanta rock outfit, The Funeral Portrait. I was completely in the dark on their music and was not sure what to expect, but by the third song I was completely floored by their stage presence and overall performance. It was screaming from the heart and very emotional. As I gazed around the room, I saw countless people pouring their hearts out back to frontman Lee Jennings. I noticed during "Dark Thoughts", "Hearse for Two", "Chernobyl", and "Holy Water" that the crowd went all in with dancing, crowd surfing, and really raising the roof. If anyone in attendance wasn't a fan of them before, they certainly are now.
The Funeral Portait by @melmaemedia
TFP is a hard act to follow, but Archers did it with flying colors, bringing a heavier yet emotional atmosphere to their set. Their blend of melodic sing-alongs with heavy breakdowns was an excellent shift towards the headliner's own sound. The crowd participated when requested, did some crowd surfing, and opened a couple of pits when the songs crept into that territory. As the set came closer to its end, the crowd got louder and louder, especially in "Before You Go" and especially in "Bitter", where they screamed, "I sold my soul for a cigarette" when the band dropped out. It was wholesome and brought smiles to the members faces.
Archers by @melmaemedia
I've been listening to Catch Your Breath over the last year and was glad I got to see them in concert, especially for songs "Mirror", "Dial Tone" and "Shame on Me," which I have connected deeply to. Like me, the crowd sang their hearts out and united as one when those emotional songs came up. It was a beautiful moment of community and vulnerability among concertgoers. If you have the opportunity to see the Broken Souls Tour I strongly urge you to go and see a stellar lineup of artists and have an incredible time.
A huge thank to Hayden of INFM and Thriller Records for the opportunity.
Catch Your Breath by @melmaemedia
