Highly Suspect: Ice Cold Tour w/ Dead Poet Society

The Castle Theatre - Bloomington, Illinois | February 28th, 2023

Written and Photographed by: Brandi Lyn

---

 Highly Suspect and Dead Poet Society (w/ Surprise appearance after the show)

The Midnight Demon Club

Opening the door to The Castle Theatre in Bloomington Illinois, fans of Highly Suspect and Dead Poet Society began to file in. With a completely sold-out show, the venue fills from top to bottom.

Highly Suspect announced their 29-day tour with Dead Poet Society — Starting in early February and ending in late April. Playing a wide range of songs from each album like their 2015 album Mister Asylum, their 2016 album The Boy Who Died Wolf, their 2019 album MCID, and their 2022 album The Midnight Demon Club.

Highly Suspect is an American rock band from Massachusetts — Later relocating to New York. The band was founded by brothers Rich and Ryan Meyer — Consisting of Singer and Guitarist Johnny Stevens, Keyboardist and Guitarist Mark Schwartz, and Guitarist Matt Kofos as well as Rich on the Bass and Ryan on the Drums.

The band started out playing covers at bars around Massachusetts. After relocating to New York they recorded their first EP in 2012 called The Worst Humans. In 2015 they released their first studio album Mister Asylum. With their song ‘Lydia’ hitting rock stations, people began to take notice. ‘Lydia’ was nominated for Loudwires Best Rock Song along with Highly Suspect's Mister Asylum being nominated for Best Rock Album for the Grammy Awards.

For their second studio album The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Highly Suspect released ‘My Name Is Human’ which hit Billboards US Mainstream Rock Song chart - along with ‘Little One’ peaking at number 2.

Their song ‘16’ hit number 1 on Rock Radio. ‘16’ goes into detail about the true story of singer Johnny Stevens at the age of 16. The song is about the love and heartbreak of a man falling in love for the first time, the joy of finding out his girlfriend is pregnant, then finding out the child isn’t his. The song contained no guitars and is described as being “completely guitar free”.

In 2022 they released their newest album The Midnight Demon Club.

“The Midnight Demon Club is about becoming the best version of yourself after tragedy, so it’s a second chance on life with a happier mindset. The Midnight Demon Club is all about having fun and keeping it moving. Because as we all know, this life is way too short.” - Johnny Stevens

Dead Poet Society

Dead Poet Society is an American rock band that formed in Boston, Massachusettes in 2013 while studying at Berklee College of Music. The band consists of Singer Jack Underkofler, Guitarist Jack Collins, Bassist Dylan Brenner, and Drummer Will Goodroad.

Dead Poet Society released three EPs, Weapons in 2013 (with only 4 songs), Axiom in 2015 (with 7 songs), and Dempsey in 2016 (with 6 songs). Finally releasing their first full album called -!- in 2021 with 16 songs. The album included their singles ‘intoodeep’ and ‘CoDA’ — With ‘CoDA’  charting at number 18 on the Active Rock billboard charts.

Hitting the stage at The Castle Theatre in Bloomington Illinois, Dead Poet Society started the show with their 2015 song ‘Sound and Silence’ from their earliest EP Axiom. Mainly playing songs from their newest album  -!- with their songs ‘burymewhole’ , ‘American Blood’, ‘SALT’, ‘intoodeep’, and ‘.CoDA.’. They also played music from their older EPs like their 2016 song ‘Lo Air’ from their Dempsey EP and singles like their 2017 song ‘Bacalar’ and their 2019 song ‘.swvrm.’.

Their next song ‘burymewhole’, just like a lot of their other songs, is about self-destruction and addiction.

“No I don't think you realize

Just what you do to me

I can't help but over analyze

As you crush me and bury me” - burymewhole

“How you fucking feeling now?” Jack yelled through the microphone and the fans cheered, ready to hear more. “Then let’s keep it fucking goin’. This song here is called ‘swvrm’.

The song expresses a lot of introspective feelings of self-negativity and being trapped in a negative state while the swift guitar slides accompanied by an atmospheric buzz giving that paranoid feeling.

“It's not myself that I love

I never gave a fuck

My thoughts a trigger finger

Lighting me, lighting me” - swvrm

Despite the lyrics, the fast-paced instrumentals and Jack's chaotic energy had the crowd going crazy — jumping around and head-banging along with the beat. Jack made his way off stage and towards the crowd. Pulling himself on top of the barricade and balancing as he walked down it in front of the crowd.

Their next song ‘intoodeep’ is in the same realm of the lyrical theme. This one is about the struggles of dealing with addiction and the pressures of society. The lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape from a negative situation that leads to negative thoughts and emotions.

“I'm so high

This life's like heroin

Got me on my hands and knees

There's no light

Inside, I'm paralyzed

Fuck it 'cause I'm incomplete” - intoodeep

Jack stopped to thank the crowd before playing their last song.

“Those who listen to us on Spotify and come to our shows and everything, we fucking love you guys. Thank you so much.”

The crowd cheered and he continued, “And everyone who's a new fan - fucking welcome. Here you are. We love you too.”

Ending their set with their song ‘CoDA’ —which stands for “Codependents Anonymous,” (a 12-step program for people who are struggling with codependency).

The lyrics give insight into a toxic relationship. While one feels the other is slipping away but can’t come to terms with it and neither will leave, essentially being trapped in a cycle.

“You feel so lovely, when you touch, but I can't do this anymore.

Your nails on my back feel that summer sadness Baby it's too late to talk.

I feel like we're drifting apart.

Talk shit babe say it like you wanna leave

You love me like cocaine, yeah.

Don't lie get it right, need me every night

You love me like cocaine” - ‘CoDa’

Highly Suspect

One by one the band made their way to the stage as the crowd cheered in excitement. Waving to the crowd as each member took their place at their instruments. Johnny took to the front of the stage and waved to the crowd and then bowed as a way of being thankful.

Before starting off with their first song, Johnny went up to each band member, giving them all a high-five or a hug. “We’re Highly Suspect”, Johnny says and then began strumming the cords to their song ‘Bath Salts’.

Highly Suspect showed up with an 18-song set. Mainly playing songs from their third record Mister Asylum (2015), with songs like ‘Bath Salts’, ‘Mom’, ‘Bloodfather’, ‘23’, ‘Lost’, ‘Lydia’, and ‘Claudeland’ — As well as their 2016 Album The Boy Who Cried Wolf, playing ‘Look Alive, Stay Alive’, ‘Serotonin’, ‘Hello My Name is Human’, and ‘For Billy’. Playing only a few songs from their 2019 Album MCID, ‘Canals’ and ‘Arizona’, and songs from their newest record The Midnight Demon Club (2022), ‘Ice Cold’, ‘Natural Born Killer’, ‘Midnight Demon Club’, and ‘Pink Lullaby’.

Their next song ‘Mom’ started off with a slow melodic guitar riff that led into a 90’s grunge sound with its gritty distorted tone. Once the drums hit, people began swaying left to right — letting the music immerse them. The lyrics were just as raw. Singing about the abandonment of his mother and not wanting or needing her love.

“Hey, Mama

It's me, your oldest son.

You kissed me on the head and left me out for dead when I was only one.

I won't take up too much time

I just wanted to tell you I'm alive and doing fine. I'm not looking for your money or even a hug.

I've never known your love

Never known your love

And I don't want your love

I don't need your love” - Mom

Before their next song ‘Bloodfeather’, Johnny switched out his guitar for a new one. The rhythmic sound of the guitar had people enthralled. As the beat began to pick up, the band started jumping up and down and the crowd followed along with. Hitting the bridge of the song fans began to clap with the beat.

Fans chant along the lyrics, “Fuck the world, my love is real” as Johnny flips off the sky.

For their song ‘23’, Jack Underkofler of Dead Poets Society joined Highly Suspect onstage. ‘23’ is one of their harder rock songs with a heavy beat and high energy.

“Give it up for Jack from Dead Poets Society”, Johnny said once the song ended. “As a matter of fact, give it up for Dead Poet Society. One of the best bands in the god damn world. I’m so honored to be on tour with them.”

The distorted guitars and heavy bass played, leaving a gritty distorted sound effect along the speakers as they began to play their next song ‘Canals’. The song portrays a raw and meaningful message about the world and how it’s divided and a scary place.

“I don't fucking care

If you fucking care

'Cause I'm gonna live forever

So you better be prepared.

I still wanna love.

Love with all my heart.

Even though the world

Is slowly tearing me apart.

Yeah, it's tearing us apart.” - ‘Canals’

During the bridge of the song, Johnny came down from the stage and to the crowd. Walking down the front row of people as he sings “It’s tearing us apart”. Hugging fans and showing the crowd love.

“Get your peace signs in the air motherfuckers. This is about respect and equality and love,” he shouts as he holds up the peace sign to the crowd.“What’s up my brothers and my sisters and my in-between.”

Continuing with the lyrics he sings, “I still love you.”

Johnny jumped back on stage and threw up the peace sign again, “Peace signs up”, he says and the venue filled with people holding their hands up, showing their respect.

Changing the tone with their next song ‘Ice Cold’, the song gives off a dance-y pop-rock sound with its bouncy tempo. Dancing around the stage Johnny says, “This one’s a little dancier, don’t be afraid to move your hips everybody, it’s all good.”

Highly Suspect is known for its Genre-Bending musical style. Never shy to test new sounds. Shifting from Hard Rock to a Dance-y Pop to an Indie style — but mostly known for their Rock sound. Johnny stated that he “doesn’t ever want to be confined to one genre”.

The enthralling intro to ‘Natural Born Killer’ began to play along the speakers. Fans began to cheer as they recognized the tune. Shouting along with Johnny “I’m a Natural Born Killer.”

Releasing the song as the Album's lead single, ‘Natural Born Killers’ hit number 1 on “Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay Charts”.

In an Interview with Loudwire, Johnny goes on to say, "I’m always fighting for my place out here in this world. And there are two mindsets one could have - rollover and mope about the hard shit or just be a motherfucking life beast and smash all your challenges at hand. And if you’re really a badass, have fun doing it. That’s the flow. That’s the essence of being a Natural Born Killer."

As ‘Midnight Demon Club’  began to play, the sound of crickets play over the speakers. Giving the venue the feeling of being in nature sitting around a campfire. As the slow enthralling melody of the guitar began to play, fans started cheering.

Hitting the final verse the tune changes abruptly. Going from its high pop-like chorus to a slower base beat of the drums to silence. Switching its tempo to a faster pace. As fans sang along, “My Demons come out at night”, the riff changes back to its high-energy pop sound. Giving a short guitar solo before switching sound again to an eerie and ominous guitar sound over a hip-hop trap beat.

The band switched out from their instruments and left the stage, leaving Rich alone with just him and his acoustic guitar. “You guys enjoying the show far?” Rich asked and the crowd cheered. “I gotta say, it’s been a real pleasure, you guys are fucking great.” A sea of cellphone lights started swaying back and forth as the soft instrumentals of Rich’s acoustic guitar began playing. Performing his solo song ‘Arizona’.

The band made their way back to the stage, plugging in their guitars and taking their places on the stage. Getting ready for their next song ‘Serotonia’.

A slow guitar intro from Johnny had fans yelling in excitement. In the back you see Mark smoking a joint, passing it to Matt who then shares it with Johnny and then the rest of the band. Fans cheered as a cloud of smoke appeared.

Sounding vastly different LIVE than from the Album Version. The song gives off more of a slow moody ambiance with its bluesy jam sound from the guitars and beat of the drum.

An eerie sound of the guitar started playing as their next song ‘My Name is Human’ began.

The song, just like many of their other tracks, is about struggling to find your place in the world and not being accepted or knowing how to connect with others around. This song particularly encapsulates the essence of being human — different and flawed. “Gotta remember that nobody is better than anyone else, here.”

The song also hints at religion and how it can be a controlling influence.

“Get up off your knees, girl

Stand face-to-face with your God

And find out what you are

Hello, my name is human

And I came down from the stars” - My Name Is Human

Fans cheered as they recognized the intro to their next song, ‘Lydia’. The song was their first release from their first Studio Album, Mister Asylum. It became well-known among rock lovers. Despite the lyrics that allude to heartache and drug addiction, the instrumentals give off smooth soulful energy, but with a gritty guitar added for texture.

The band stops in the middle of their set to show their appreciation for the crowd and their crew.

“— It’s just a beautiful night, so I’m happy to be here. Do you guys wanna sing the rest of this song together?” Johnny asked, and the crowd cheered.

He picked up the guitar that he had set down before stopping the show, adjusting it around his shoulder as he looked across the crowd of cheering fans. “Y’all don’t need me, Watchu waitin’ for?” He said as he began singing the next line. “What’s worse is all the coke-“ He began, letting the crowd continue the verse.

As the beat of the drums built up, leading to the final bridge of the song, Johnny shouts, “Here comes the big one,” and the crowd sings the next line of lyrics, “I can't fucking breathe, much less believe the truth.”

As they finished up the song, Johnny put down his guitar and grabbed the mic off the mic stand. “You guys have been a fan-fucking-tabulous crowd this evening.” He says, “How we feeling right now? Still alive?” He asked, and the crowd cheered. “No fights.” He said, throwing his thumb up to the audience. “Do you know how awesome that is? It’s really cool.“

Johnny continued on to thank the security as well as the bartenders before starting their next song, ‘Claudeland’.

‘Claudeland’ is a more highly energetic, fast-paced song. Sounding like a 50’s teen dance movie. Matt and Rich jammed on each side of the stage while Ryan rocked out on the drums and Johnny shook his butt towards the crowd. Giving every ounce of energy that they had. Slowing down the pace with a smoother flow and steadier beat, fans began to cheer.

As they ended their set, they set down their instruments and waved goodbye to the crowd. They made their way off the stage. Waiting a couple of minutes before coming back onstage one by one.

“Do you guys want us to play a couple more songs?” Rich asked, and the crowd screamed for more. He continued by introducing Spike Hagood as he made his way to the stage.

“What’s up?” Spike said as he plugged in his guitar.

In the distance, someone in the crowd shouts, “fuck yeah”. Mistakenly, Spike heard something different. “Did you say fuck you?” He laughed, “What’s up? Fuck you!” He joked, and the crowd laughed.

“Well, the way I see it is, fuck everyone.” Johnny says, and the band began playing their song “Look Alive, Stay AliveAs the beat of the drums built up, Johnny took his beer can and sprayed it across the crowd — “Sit down, shut up, and let me buy you a drink,” he screamed the lyrics. The song, being a more fast-paced beat, had the crowd jumping around and yelling back the lyrics.

As the instrumentals for ‘Look Alive, Stay Alive’ faded out, Spike left the stage. Their next song ‘Pink Lullaby’ began and Jeffery Wells (also known as “Lord” or “Animal”) joined the band onstage.

‘Pink Lullaby’ is anything but a lullaby. Changing to a different tune than the rest of the songs — with a more Death Metal sound and added screamo switching back and forth from Johnny and Jeffery. Mosh pit lovers made their presence known during this song. With its repetitive chorus of “shut up” and “move”, the crowd went crazy. Jumping up and down, screaming along to the lyrics.

As the song ended, Jeffery made his way off stage while Johnny bows in front of the crowd.

“Everybody have a wonderful night,” Johnny says.

Matt takes his guitar from around his shoulder and began smashing it on the stage — Snapping the neck of the guitar off. Throwing the broken piece onto the ground and then waving at the crowd as they cheered.

“Thank you so much, everybody, we fucking love you guys. Each and every one of you all.” Rich said as the crowd continued to cheer.

Ryan jumped down from the stage and to the barricade, handing out his setlist along with two of his drumsticks. Giving fans high-fives as he walked down. Johnny signed his and the rest of the band took theirs and handed it to a fan in the crowd. One by one waving goodbye and leaving the stage.

Silly Goose

As fans made their way towards the exit they could hear music being played outside. A band named Silly Goose was jamming out in the parking lot of the venue.

Silly Goose is a Rap Rock band from Atlanta that is known for performing inside chain restaurants and coffee shops. The band has also been seen following along on tours of big named bands such as Badflower, Spiritbox, and Highly Suspect. Playing in the parking lots of venues after each show with only their truck, trailer, and instruments and ambition to play live music. Catching the eyes of curious fans leaving the venue.

Silly Goose has decided to follow along with Highly Suspect on their Ice Cold Winter Tour. Opening up their trailer exposing their instruments. Their own stage on wheels. With the Drummer Alan Benikhis, Guitarist Benny Ruitz, and Bassist Tyler Vonderheide all huddled in their trailer rocking out. Frontman Jackson Foster stood on top of their trailer — along with their photographer Kaddy McAuliffe,  while performing one of their original songs.

In an interview with X5 Podcast, Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect goes on to talk about Silly Goose, stating they are the “most Punk Rock” group he’s seen in a while.

"They come to every show, they get in the parking lot when our fans leave and they throw down for three or four songs, get the fuck out of there before the cops show up.” - Johnny Stevens on X5 Podcast