Sound Script

Live at the Complex

Photos and Review by Sam Howard

Emo music is a genre that everyone in the world has heard of. From bands like Mayday Parade to Midwest sounds like Mom Jeans, there is just so much that this genre has to offer. In between those Emo Giants is the band Microwave, an alternative band that lives in the sweet spot between emo rock and Midwest emo music. Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their sophomore album, “Much Love,” Microwave hit the road with a crazy 4 band lineup, and on April 6th, they took the Rockwell at the Complex by storm. 

Starting off the night, Pure Hex took the stage for their 2nd time in Salt Lake City ever. This band from San Francisco, California started the show bringing this very dreamy, yet grungy sound that was immediately hypnotizing upon first listen. The band looked very comfortable performing on stage with a demanding stage presence and dramatic blue lighting. Vibes from the stage were immaculate, and the sounds could make anyone who was listening take flight. Though the crowd was still pouring into the venue, the ones that arrived early clearly did not regret it, and I may have even found my new music addiction. Pure Hex’s sound is almost as if Indie and Grunge came together in a rock music fusion. Their performance made it clear that they would be able to pull crowds at both The Kilby Block Party and Warped Tour, and they should be on both of those lineups someday. 

Up next for the night was a band called HUNNY. Based in Newbury Park, California, this Alternative/Pop-Rock band brought the perfect Summer vibes to the show. As soon as they took the stage, I immediately wanted to be driving to California with the windows rolled down and HUNNY’s music blasting. Their stage setup was really home-y as well, as an old VCR television played Saturday morning cartoons during each song of their set. With the release of their deluxe version of their newest album, “(a little more) SPIRIT!” HUNNY had so much to play in only a 30 minute window. They made the most of their time though, and looked like they were having a blast doing it. Their high energy presence on stage got the crowd jumping and dancing to each melody they played. This is another band that brings a perfect blend of Alternative and Indie-Pop sounds, and they would also draw a huge crowd at festivals like the Kilby Block Party.

Third on the lineup was an Emo Rock legend based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Anthony Green. Having credits with being in many bands, such as Circa Survive, Saosin, L.S. Dunes, and more, Anthony Green’s solo career is something that brought out a lot of fans to the Complex on a Monday night. Taking the stage with his band forming a half-circle on stage, you can tell immediately that Green loved playing the music that he makes. It was really fun to hear a lot of unreleased music as well. He really got the crowd to start headbanging with proper emo-rock rhythms and sounds. The stage presence alone was fantastic as well as his crowd interaction. Anthony Green is someone that I would love to see play a set at Warped Tour, or have his own headlining set at The Depot.

 Following up for the headlining set, Microwave took the stage to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their album “Much Love.” The stage was set up to look like a very cozy room in someone’s house, with a neon sign on the wall that said the title of the album, Much Love. Once they got on stage, they would go on to play their sophomore album in full, from beginning to end. Starting off their set with the opening track “Roaches” it was like an explosion of noise happening both from the stage and the crowd. Microwave immediately took command of the room, and the choke hold they had over the crowd was unbreakable. This band from Atlanta brought the Georgia heat to the Complex. 

Making their way through the album, the crowd was hyping up with mosh pits and crowd surfers. It was beginning to feel like a proper emo show. The vibes of the music ranged from fast-paced rock music to slow grunge sounding sections, and the crowd knew every word to every song. This set had the perfect balance of keeping things dramatic while still acknowledging the fans, and it was such a sweet celebration of one of Microwave’s best albums. 

Ending their set with their song “Circling the Drain,” the show came to an end with everyone questioning whether or not the show was real or not. Everything felt like a dream that nobody wanted to wake from. It was such a fantastic show, and I cannot wait for the next time Microwave comes to town.