Hello and Goodbye to Armor for Sleep's Nostalgic Night Out
Varsity Theatre Minneapolis MN USA
After a four-hour drive and a quick bite at Hell’s Kitchen, the night was finally here—a chance to experience Armor for Sleep live, alongside Hellogoodbye and Boys Night Out. The atmosphere was electric, with an undercurrent of nostalgia as these bands paid homage to their roots from 20 years ago.
The evening kicked off with Hellogoodbye, and it was a delight to see sign language interpreters ensuring that everyone could enjoy the performance. From the moment they hit the stage, it was clear that the band still possessed the quirky charm they've had since "Here In Your Arms" first captured our hearts. Their set was an instrumental masterclass in balance, allowing the keys to shine alongside perfectly blended guitar and drums. A highlight was the unexpected rendition of "Here In Your Arms" in Spanish, complete with a light-hearted Donald Trump joke that was more tasteful than expected. While I don’t think they fit right in the lineup as the short opening act I think the setlist could’ve been a little more refined for the flow of the show. A few more bigger hits and ending with something soft but hard hitting like “Dear Jamie.” This would reset the energy level letting the next band pick it back up fresh and hit the old school fans hard. I do want to mention the amazing funky vibes of the song “You’ve Got an Expensive Heart” hit well in Minneapolis. It definitely feels like a song Prince would’ve approved of in his city!
The energy shifted as Boys Night Out took the stage. Their harder sound amped up the crowd, particularly the male audience members. The mosh pit action escalated quickly, though it did get a bit wild when one enthusiastic fan in a blue ribbon jersey nearly toppled several groups. Nevertheless, the fervor was infectious, and the audience gave their all to the band's final song.
Finally, Armor for Sleep graced the stage, bringing a polished sound that showcased why they were the headliner. Their set was a satisfying blend of harder and softer tracks, enhanced by impressive vinyl banner backdrops and dynamic lighting. It was a fitting climax to a night that expertly balanced nostalgia and energy.
While the lineup flowed well together chronologically and stylistically, one couldn't help but feel that Hellogoodbye deserved more prominence in the promotions. Their widespread appeal could have drawn even more fans had they been highlighted more in the marketing efforts. I overheard several people at the show mention they didn’t even know Hellogoodbye was on the tour and got even more excited for the night. Others I spoke with before the show didn’t even know Hellogoodbye was on a tour.
Overall, the concert was a fantastic journey through time with a lineup that catered to a wide range of musical tastes. It was a night of memories, both old and new, and a testament to the enduring appeal of these bands.