MADINA LAKE, GREYWIND, BAD LUCK. live at THE GARAGE, LONDON.
words + photography by Nicola O'ConnellWith the resurgence of rock bands reuniting, Madina Lake was one that I really could not miss out on. & upon seeing their support acts were Greywind & Bad Luck. I knew I’d be in for a fantastic gig. First on for the night was Bad Luck. Hailing from New York City, the band of two brothers Dominick and Joseph Fox with their two friends Charlie Caruso and Michael Sichel, make up the pop-punk band that would kick off the evening.
The guys started their set with ’Wish We Still Talked’, ‘Love Song’ and ‘Noise in Your Head’, all from their most recent album titled ‘Take What You Need’ released late November of 2023.
Other songs on the setlist were ‘Top Drawer’, ‘Cold Bones’, ‘Matching Tattoos’, ‘Willoughby’ and ‘Impressive Depressive’. I only briefly listened to their music before getting to see them live but what I initially heard I was excited for. Seeing them in person had me impressed. And now I fear this could be the millennial in me (shut up) but I cannot help but be drawn toward music lately that sparks a nostalgic feeling in me and Bad Luck. are hitting me left, right and centre with that whilst keeping it current. I’m invested. I’ve slapped the Follow button on Bad Luck.’s Spotify because they’re cracking.
Up next was Greywind, an alt-rock emo band from Ireland. The main band/duo is comprised of siblings Steph and Paul O’Sullivan. Having released their latest EP in March of 2024 titled ‘Antidote’, they slot stunningly onto this line-up between Bad Luck. & Madina Lake. Starting their set off with ‘You’re My Medicine’ they really get into swing with getting the crowd hyped. Followed by ‘Swing and Sway’. ‘Car Spin’ and ‘Glimmer’, Greywind prove to be nothing but consistent with the level of energy they bring to the stage. Singer Steph has a fantastic stage presence and is honestly a concert photographers delight with how expressive she is. ‘Here’s Your Deathwish’, ‘Antidote’ and ‘Afterthoughts’ were also on the bands setlist of the night. These guys are a fantastic watch and I really enjoyed their set. Their music is great and seeing as they’ve been announced for Slam Dunk Festival this year I really hope I get to see them again there too.
Finally Madina Lake hit the stage and as someone who grew up listening to these guys I was so excited to finally see them. I’m definitely enjoying getting to see bands I spent my teenage years listening to who left & are now returning. Madina Lake are a band that never even left my radar, I have them on several Spotify playlists (even a gym one). What’s even more incredible is getting to see the crowd full of the fans who clearly knew them the first time around too. My favourite type of crowds are the rock scene, especially us elder emos. They make for a fun crowd.
The setlist was brilliant with songs like ‘Here I Stand’, ‘One Last Kiss’, ‘Love Is War’ and ‘House Of Cards’. They even done a cover of Limp Bizkit’s ‘Nookie’. There were moments during the gig where giant inflatable balls were bouncing over the crowd. Singer Nathan Leone was back and forth the stage with tonnes of energy, also climbing across bare footed onto the barriers many times throughout the evening. The entire band have returned with a vengeance and it feels as though they never even went away. To finish the night the guys played ‘Me vs. the World’ but obviously they returned to the stage for an encore with ‘Welcome To Oblivion’. Overall it was just an incredible night with a superb line-up of bands. It was my first gig of the year and I’m proud to say it was this one.
Madina Lake will be joining band Anberlin on their “20 Years of ‘Never Take Friendship Personal’ Tour” from the 24th March to the 6th April through America. If you want to catch these guys fresh on their return, I can hands down say that you won’t be disappointed.
