Images: A Loss for Words, Handguns, Major League, The Sheds, Stickup Kid October 21, 2013 at the Eagle Aerie Hall

The Lost Boys Tour made a stop in Henderson last week and Stickup Kid got things started early with an uptempo set that really showcased how much they’ve grown as a band over the past couple of years. Hot off a tour of Japan, they played highlights from their latest record Future Fire, “The Depths of Me” and “Lost,” but their best song of the night (and a personal favorite of mine), was “Lighthouse.” I’m a big fan of Stickup Kid, and I can’t think of a better way to have started out the night.

Next up was Vegas regulars The Sheds. Hailing from nearby So-Cal, they play here quite regularly, with each show outdoing the last. Even the security guard guarding the door from nobody was rocking in his chair to songs from I’ll Be Fine like “Writer’s Block” and “Tunnel Vision.” They also mixed in some tunes from Self/Doubt including my personal favorite, “Ignorance is Bliss” which featured guest vocals from Nick Trask of Major League.

This was my first encounter with New Jersey’s Major League, and judging by the throng of kids who ran toward the band as soon as “Walk Away” started up, I wasn’t the only one excited about finally seeing them perform. Known for the soaring hooks and headstrong lyrics, their songs really resonated well inside that small venue. Aided in part by the singing crowd, ML went on to play tunes from both their latest release Hard Feelings and their previous works like The Truth Is…. I hope these guys come around more. They have an undeniable connection with their fans that really comes through in small shows like this and turns the room into a party.

Handguns kept that party going with a set similar to what we saw on Warped Tour in July, but as always, it felt and sounded way better in the more intimate setting. I’m a big fan of their EPs so I’m glad they played “I Hope He Kills You” early on and backed that up with “Scream Goodbye” and “Best Excuse,” the obvious crowd favorite. Their set felt like it zipped by, leading into A Loss for Words nightcap.

All the way from Massachusetts came A Loss for Words, with their repertoire of catchy songs for everyone to eat up. They’ve always been a solid band, but it’s seemed to me that they deserve to be bigger than they are, so I was happy to see so many kids thrilled to see them. Personally, I was happy to hear tracks from their new record Before It Caves, mixing “Distances” with classics like “Raining Excuses” and “Pirouettes.” They ended out a great set with “Wrightsville Beach” and I went home a happy man.

Unfortunately I had to head out before local headliner The Runaway Lives’ set – but I’m sure I’ll catch them around town soon.

-Felipe Garcia

Photos by Hunter Wallace | https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunter_wallace/