In an era where vulnerability often collides with bravado, Badflower stands unapologetically at the forefront of the alternative rock scene, unafraid to venture into the uncomfortable. The quartet known for their revelatory alternative anthems are currently on their No Place Like Home Tour with special guests MISSIO and Slothrust and delivered an electrifying performance at NYC’s Irving Plaza Monday evening.
“MISSIO” meaning “mission” in Latin, has transformed from a side project for singer-songwriter Matthew Brue into a full-fledged musical endeavor. Alongside producer and instrumentalist David Butler, MISSIO crafts an alternative/electronic sound infused with beat-driven hip-hop undertones, marked by a spirit of experimentation. Based in Austin, Texas, they gained prominence in 2017 with the breakout single “Middle Fingers,” which soared into the top 10 at U.S. Alternative Radio and led to an appearance on CONAN, coinciding with the launch of their debut album Loner. That album featured hits “Everybody Gets High,” and “Twisted,” which the duo performed during their set. In February 2023, the duo began releasing a series of EPs and singles that would continue over the next 14 months to become their fifth studio album I Am Cinco, a monumental work consisting of 26 songs that dropped this year. The album is divided into five EPs or chapters, each containing between four and six tracks focusing on a different human emotion: I Am Sad, I Am High, I Am Awesome, I Am Angry and I Am Crazy. Fans were treated to five songs from the album during MISSIO’s performance, including “The Higher You Climb,” “Fuck It,” “Fall Into A Blackhole,” and “Good Vibrations.”
Led by the dynamic guitarist and singer-songwriter Leah Wellbaum, Brooklyn’s Slothrust delivered an electrifying performance that showcased their unique blend of rock prowess and punk spirit. The trio, formed from the remnants of Leah’s solo project Slothbox, consists of drummer Will Gorin and touring bassist Annie Hoffman, both of whom provide a tight and funky rhythm section that propels the band’s sound into exhilarating territories.
As the set progressed, it became apparent that Slothrust’s musicianship was no accident. While the initial hook of their songs grabs you, it’s the fearless execution and tenacity of their performance that leaves a lasting impression. Leah’s guitar work ranged from simple, eloquent strumming to hard-edged, aggressive solos that showcased her versatility as a musician. The combination of her songwriting skills and the powerful rhythm section created a sound that was as unsettling as it was captivating. Songs like “Parallel Timeline” and “The Pact” resonated with the crowd, while earlier hits like “Peach” and “Crockpot” reminded us of their growth over the years. Each track was delivered with a raw energy that exemplified the essence of rock ‘n roll.
Hailing from Los Angeles and now based in Nashville, Badflower —comprised of frontman Josh Katz, guitarist Joey Morrow, bassist Alex Espiritu, and drummer Anthony Sonetti—transform personal strife into anthemic soundscapes that resonate deeply with fans. Their music is a raw amalgamation of anxiety, sadness, and truth, presented in a way that is both cathartic and exhilarating.
The setlist was a testament to the band’s evolution, seamlessly blending tracks from their latest album, This Is How The World Ends, with fan favorites from their previous works. The crowd was immediately captivated by the raw energy of the band’s latest single “Teacher Has A Gun” and “Don’t Hate Me,” a track that encapsulates Badflower’s unique blend of searing honesty and magnetic sound.
The band continued to deliver a compelling mix of old and new, with powerful performances of “Johnny Wants To Fight” and “Adolescent Love” from 2021, alongside the searing intensity of “Promise Me” and “Ghost.” The crowd was treated to a showcase of their diverse sound, ranging from the energetic “The Jester” and haunting “Heroin” to the introspective “30” and the recently released “Detroit.”
The turning point of the evening came with “Stalker.” Here, the performance transcended mere entertainment and became a profound journey. The track, inspired by Eminem’s “Stan,” is full of dark lyrics and frenetic energy. Halfway through the track, Katz left the stage and immersed himself in the crowd, later finishing the song from the venue’s balcony. These moments weren’t just part of a performance but a connection, a shared experience that spoke volumes about the band’s ability to transport their audience to a different emotional plane.
The evening’s emotional peak arrived during “Machine Gun,” a track that highlights Badflower’s trademark ability to fuse catchy beats with brutally honest lyrics. As Katz delivered the final lines of the song, the venue fell into a profound silence, the kind that only music of such intensity can invoke. In that hushed moment, I felt a connection to the band and the crowd like never before—an intimate bond forged through their unflinching authenticity.
By the time the last note of closing track “Girlfriend” faded, it was clear: Badflower is a band that demands attention. Their fearless approach to addressing uncomfortable truths and their dedication to their craft make them a rare and compelling act.
Photos by Ann Storlie (@ast_lie)
Keep Up With MISSIO: Website // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube
Keep Up With Slothrust: Website // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube
Keep Up With Badflower: Website // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube
