Images: The Swellers, Last Call, Tuesday After School, Armoride, The Letter You February 16, 2012 at The Knight Hall

Unfortunately for everyone except people who hate things that are great, it’s been a long time since The Swellers have come to Vegas. Add to that the fact that their February 17th show at The Knight Hall with locals Last Call, Tuesday After School, Amoride and The Letter You was their first headlining gig in town, and you can understand the palpable anticipation in the room while the foursome were setting up.

The band started things off with “Runaway,” the opening track from their latest album Good for Me. The crowd was subdued at first, but after being chided by vocalist/guitarist Nick Diener for being “boring,” the small but passionate crowd proved him wrong by pushing up front and singing every word right back at him.  Being that it is their latest and arguably most well-known album yet, tracks from Good for Me were the most represented and garnered the biggest response, particularly set closer and lead single “The Best I Ever Had.” The anthemic “Fire Away” from 2009’s Ups and Downsizing and my personal favorite “Bottles” from 2007’s pre-Fueled by Ramen record My Everest were other huge crowd pleasers.

For being on their way home from a 17-date tour with You Me at Six, the band displayed some impressive stage energy (Anto might have spent more time in the air than anywhere else with his relentless leaping) and the smiles on the band members’ faces revealed that they were clearly enjoying playing this smaller DIY show, possibly having as much fun as the audience had watching them.

-Emily Matview

Photos by Emily Matview | https://www.flickr.com/photos/holdfastnow/

and Tyler Newton | http://500px.com/spottedlens