Ghostform, Astrology Girl, and LENNY BRD Keep the Emo Spirit Alive
Photo credit: Sara Zori (@saratakesphotosofthings)
If you ever had an emo phase, chances are you would've felt right at home at the Palomino on October 10. Between Ghostform's heavy breakdowns and Astrology Girl's nod to My Chemical Romance, the evening was a reminder that emo was never really just a phase.
For a band that's only played a handful of shows, Calgary newcomers LENNY BRD are already making an impression. the band received an enthusiastic response from the crowd, who demanded an encore before letting them leave the stage. “We only have so many songs, and this is our first encore!” the band jokingly admitted. It's a charming problem to have so early in their career, and a good indication that LENNY BRD are ones to keep an eye on.
Taking the stage next were Ghostform, featuring members of Blue Youth and Merv xx Gotti, formerly of Samurai Champs. Fresh off the release of their EP Songs to Cry To earlier this year, playing their first Calgary live date, the band opened with single “Sleeves” before treating the audience to a taste of unreleased material. Leaning into heavier breakdowns and moments of screamo, their set recalled the golden era of 2000s emo and post-hardcore, somewhere between Taking Back Sunday and the melodic sensibilities of Jimmy Eat World. If the new material is any indication, Ghostform aren't afraid to push further into the heavier side of their sound.
Closing out the evening were Astrology Girl, who had a few surprises up their sleeves. Alongside a blend of My Chemical Romance's “Our Lady of Sorrows,” the band welcomed Tevin Straub of Still There to the stage for their new song “So Long, Partner,” which also featured a charming glockenspiel performance from Straub. It was a fittingly playful conclusion to a night that showcased the camaraderie and creative overlap within Calgary and Saskatchewan’s independent music community. See behind the lens of Sara Zori who was there to catch all the action:
