This past Saturday, The Tabernacle in Atlanta transformed into a vibrant retreat for indie rock fans, with Benches and Inhaler delivering an electrifying night of music and camaraderie.
Benches opened the night, their rapport was evident as the band had strong interactions on stage. Dressed in grunge-inspired streetwear, the band matched their aesthetic to the dramatic lighting that set the mood for each song. Each song focused on a different instrument, giving each member of the band a chance to showcase their talents and solidify their presence at the venue.
Benches's latest release, "Naive," provided a cathartic explosion for the crowd, the music perfectly fusing 20th century BritRock with 21st century Indie Pop. Their connection on stage resonated with the crowd, drawing enthusiastic cheers as they engaged with fans.
Inhaler took the stage next, walking on to the nostalgic tune of Henry Mancini's "Lujon." The crowd, primarily filled with young women sporting custom cowboy hats bedazzled with song titles, erupted as they opened with the upbeat anthem, "These Are the Days."
Frontman Elijah Hewson—son of U2’s Bono—immediately captivated the audience. Dressed in a mix of rockstar chic and Irish pride, including clover references, the band’s aesthetic mirrored their roots.
Fans had been camping out since early morning, eager to secure the best spot on the barricade, and The Tabernacle’s slanted floor ensured everyone had a great view. Inhaler’s setlist featured fan favorites along with two new tracks from their unreleased album, giving fans a sneak peek of the hard work going into the studio.
Toward the end, Elijah expressed gratitude, declaring, "I think this might be our favorite show we've done," and it was clear the feeling was mutual as the crowd passionately sang along to every word. Bobby, the bassist, commanded attention with his intense stage presence, leaning towards the barricade and making eye contact that felt personal and engaging. His captivating stare complemented the band’s high-energy performance, where every member connected with fans across the venue, including those in the upper balcony.
The encore, featuring beloved hits like "If You’re Gonna Break My Heart" and "My Honest Face," left the crowd buzzing, just one example of their ability to hype up the audience. As the night came to an end, it was evident that both Benches and Inhaler created not just a concert, but a shared experience filled with music, connection, and a sense of community.
The friendly atmosphere, aided by accommodating staff and enthusiastic fans, made for a night that will surely stay in the memories of all who attended.
Benches will continue to tour with Inhaler throughout the following dates:
10/22 House of Blues | Cleavland, OH
10/23 The Bluestone | Columbus, OH
10/25 The Fillmore | Detroit, MI
10/26 The Last Shed | Chicago, IL
10/27 The Fillmore | Minneapolis, MN
10/29 Ogden Theatre | Denver, CO
10/31 The Van Buren | Phoenix, AZ
11/01 Hollywood Palladium | Los Angeles, CA
11/02 Anahaim House of Blues | Los Angeles, CA
11/04 Soma | San Diego, CA
11/06 Fox Theatre | Oakland, CA
11/08 Roseland Theatre | Portland, OR
11/09 Showbox Sodo | Seattle, WA
11/10 Orpheum | Vancouver, Canada
