Head Automatica ignited nostalgia and energy during their return to touring as they made a stop at the House of Blues in Dallas, TX.
Before the headliner took over, the crowd was treated to an energetic opening act by Foxy Shazam. Their eight-song setlist included songs like “Unstoppable” and “Killin’ It” which served as a perfect appetizer for what was to come. The audience was captivated by the band’s charismatic frontman and their unique fusion of rock and theatricality that sounds like Queen And Meatloaf had a love child. The band’s set even had keyboardist Schuyler White throwing his keyboard off the stage into the crowd and using the barricade as a balancing spot to play “Holy Touch.” During “Ghost Animals/Bombs Away,” frontman Eric Nally asked if anyone had a cigarette in the crowd and a fan threw a whole pack of cigarettes up there for him. At the very end of “Axe,” Nally lit up two cigarettes, took a drag from them, and then proceeded to eat the lit cigarettes.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation grew, the unmistakable presence of Daryl Palumbo, the charismatic frontman of Head Automatica, ignited the room. He burst onto the stage, opening with “At the Speed of a Yellow Bullet.” It was an explosive start that instantly transported the audience back to the early 2000s when Head Automatica’s distinctive blend of post-hardcore and dance-rock was at its peak. The fans erupted with joy, singing along to every word.The setlist for the night was a carefully curated mix of Head Automatica’s classics and fan favorites with a new song thrown in there as well. “Brooklyn Is Burning” and “Lying Through Your Teeth” followed, with Palumbo’s vocals showcasing his signature blend of melodic hooks and raw intensity.
After “Lying Through Your Teeth,” Palumbo talked for a brief second, introducing the band so that later on he did not have to do that. One of the standout moments of the night was when they played “Graduation Day.” The heartfelt lyrics and Palumbo’s emotive delivery resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had likely grown up listening to this very song. During the song, he stopped a few times to pressure some people to put down their phones and be present and joy the night and moment.
“Dance Party Plus” and “Laughing at You” brought an infectious energy to the set, with the crowd dancing and singing along without inhibition. The band effortlessly transitioned from one song to another, each song evoking a different emotion and memory.
Closer to the end of the set, Palumbo stated that this was a new song, the first in a very long time. The song was titled “Last Bible.” This song was more electronic-driven than some of the other songs they have put out. It was very much an evolution of the sound of the band.
The anticipation for the encore was palpable, and Head Automatica did not disappoint. They returned to the stage to perform “Beating Heart Baby,” a song that remains an anthem for many. The crowd’s voices united as they sang along to every word, creating a magical moment of unity and nostalgia.
The night concluded with “Please, Please, Please (Young Hollywood),” leaving the audience buzzing with euphoria. It was a fitting end to a concert that had exceeded all expectations of a band that had only been playing one-off shows here and there.
In the end, Head Automatica’s first tour in 15 years was nothing short of amazing. Their performance at The Cambridge Room at House of Blues Dallas was a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together, evoke powerful emotions, and create memories that last a lifetime.
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