There’s nothing quite like the feeling of excitement when you’re endlessly scrolling through Instagram and come across a last-minute show announcement from one of your favorite bands coming back to a tiny venue where you first got to see them live. That’s exactly what happened when I came across Senses Fail’s announcement to play at New Brookland Taven in Columbia, SC with Holding Absence and Parris Bridge on Sunday following the cancellation of Blue Ridge Rock Fest.
As soon as I walked into the New Brookland Tavern, the buzz of the crowd hit me like a wave. I could feel the excitement in the air and the anticipation for the show to start. The venue was small, but it was packed with people eager to see Parris Bridge, Holding Absence, and Senses Fail perform live.
First up was Parris Bridge, a local band that I had never heard of before. But as soon as they took the stage, I was impressed by their high energy and powerful sound. Their mix of alternative rock and punk was a great way to kick off the night and get the crowd moving.
Next up was Holding Absence, a Welsh post-hardcore band that I had been looking forward to seeing live for a long time. They did not disappoint. The lead vocalist, Lucas Woodland, had an incredible stage presence and his voice was even more impressive live. The band played a mix of songs from their debut album and the crowd sang along to every word.
Finally, it was time for Senses Fail to take the stage. As soon as they started playing, the crowd erupted into cheers and started singing along to every song. The band played a mix of old and new songs, including some of my personal favorites like “Can’t Be Saved” and “Buried a Lie”. The lead vocalist, Buddy Nielsen, was energetic and engaging, taking the time to interact with the crowd and share stories about the band’s history.
Overall, the concert was an incredible experience. The small venue created an intimate setting that allowed for a more personal and engaging performance. Each band brought their own unique sound and style, but all were united by the passion and energy they brought to the stage. It was a night I won’t forget anytime soon.
