The Story So Far, Mom Jeans., Microwave, & Joyce Manor Visit RINO

Photos: Oliver Thieme

Walnut Creek, CA’s The Story So Far, currently touring across the United States with three openers: Microwave, Mom Jeans., and Joyce Manor, made an early stop in Denver, last Wednesday, visiting the RINO District to blow up the Mission Ballroom. It was a emo-meets pop-punk night that had everyone in the room jumping and crashing, joyously excited to be together again (as each show nowadays seems to be, after so much isolation over the past almost three years).

As each opener played, and the crowd grew more and more eager for the headliner, their communal energy was gifted to each band. And those bands gave excitement and love right back.

I guarantee Microwave gained many new fans that night

It was obvious not many people knew who Microwave was, but I guarantee they gained many new fans that night. While their presence may have been a little less explosive by comparison to the other bands, they were still mighty – in the punk rock sense – and engrossed the attention of the crowd with ease. Their consistent energy seemed to impress the growing audience throughout their set.

So many great, angsty Mom Jeans. punk rock songs

Next came Mom Jeans. – the underdog headliners of this mini punk rock circus, if you ask me. I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true – most of the people at the venue were wearing Mom Jeans. merch, took over the long merch lines, and filled up the entire mosh pit. While they didn’t talk much during their set, they were played all the songs they could fit within their timeframe. So many songs – so many great, angsty punk rock songs.

The Joyce Manor set was a super high point

The final opener, Joyce Manor, stepped onstage in front of the increasingly agitated, joyous crowd to add a final warm up before The Story So Far would come on. While not many people were wearing Joyce Manor merch, everyone seemed to know them, and knew their songs well. With similar energy to the other openers, their set was a super high point, and it looked like they were having a blast the entire time on stage.

Everyone needs to see The Story So Far

These three bands were absolutely perfect openers for The Story So Far, because when they came out onstage, it was clear everyone was ready for their power punk onslaught. Not only were they high-energy, they were also solid and practiced, with great presence and sound. The lighting was timed and tuned perfectly with their music, and the band never missed a beat.

Of course, it’s clear that The Story So Far is a band everyone should go see if they get the opportunity to, but I would say the same is true for the three openers as well. They may have all fit into the same genre, but each set had a completely different vibe and experience, all of which were super cool.

Photos: Oliver Thieme