Highly Suspect easily packed the standing room of Bogart’s in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fans across many ages, demographics, and music tastes collected in eager anticipation as giant roses were moved across the stage after Dead Poet Society’s opening act. The band members enter the dimly lit stage quite casually, comfortable in front of the crowd. Warm toned lights rise as lead singer Johnny Stevens gives us photographers a little moment before launching into the addictive beat of “Bath Salts”.
Highly Suspect knows how to play live. They’re not just running through their tracks with little blurbs here and there - they extend a song with a melodic jam that blends seamlessly between verses, allowing the moment to linger just a little longer. It’s quite impactful when the audience goes quiet to listen to the instrumental gap between the well-known lyrics, drawn in to just experience and enjoy the unique rendition of a song. The band obviously wants to see an interactive crowd, immediately commanding crowdsurfing, moshing, and dancing. The crowdsurfers were enticed with Johnny handing off a few yellow roses, and Cincinnati proved they were ready to move.
While the entire 16 song set was filled with powerful vocals, danceable groovy beats, and that bluesy alt-rock sound Highly Suspect creates so perfectly - the encore brought an extra round of unexpected moments. First up, covering “The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret” by Queens of the Stone Age with bassist Rich Meyer swapping roles with Johnny. Then, drummer Ryan Meyer crowdsurfed during “Claudeland” while drum tech Blake covered his position. Second to last, Dead Poet Society’s bassist Dylan Brenner came out to play on the iconic “My Name Is Human”. Finishing out the night strong was “Pink Lullabye”.
GALLERY
