Badflower's energy is uncomfortability in music form. The most authentic, most raw form of rock anyone can ask for. Josh Katz, their lead singer and frontman, performed alongside Joseph Morrow (lead guitar), Anthony Sonetti (drummer), and Alex Espiritu (bass guitar) in a post-valentine's day spectacular for fans across the spectrum.

Opening with Number One, off their newest album "No Place Like Home", it was stunning to see how flawlessly the band transitioned into and embraced their stage presence. It's second nature for them to perform, something they've mastered through years of touring, a polished art you can't look away from.

Their setlist varied between primarily "No Place Like Home", starring songs such as Snuff and Swinging Hammer, and "OK, I’M SICK"---their most known album---with songs such as Heroin and Promise Me. A mix of emotional angst and unadulterated rage, they covered every shade of their discography. Blaring lights, a heavy bass, Badflower is any live music enjoyer's pipedream. Politics, heartbreak, yearning, desire, hope, and despair, they'll make you feel it all.

During the set, Josh spoke about his doubts on creating another album despite the doubts regarding his vocal ability. Despite this, his bandmates encouraged---(moreso forced)---him to continue with his musical career. He felt averse to the idea, doubting his friend's concern for his well being, until he disclosed that they, in fact, knew Josh wouldn't be happy without singing and performance in his life. He expressed gratitude for his band, his family, and proceeded to deliver the performance of a lifetime.

Of course, Badflower was only a portion of the show, also starring Point North (Jon Lundin, Andy Hershey, and Sage Weeber), who followed suit in Badflower's natural stage performing ability. Their songs coursed an unreplicable energy through the crowd, with Jon's vocals shaking the venue. Intense and energetic, Below The Belt and 2 Liter Sprite were highlights of this opening band. It's hard not to fall down the Point North rabbit-hole after seeing them live, desperately hoping they'll return to Pittsburgh someday.

Olive Vox, the first band to take the stage that night, introduced an air of pop-rock and alt-rock, charming the audience with their young liveliness. Their roots seemed to have a dad-rock inspiration, which was perfect for transitioning the crowd into the show. All My Friends Are Dead was a highlight of theirs, and if Nirvana or Foo Fighters are on your radar, Olive Vox should be too.

Make sure to check out Badflower, Point North, and Olive Vox, especially if they're going to perform live near your city. You don't want to miss it.

Photos by Jake Yanosick