The Meadows in Brooklyn, New York, came alive with eager anticipation earlier this month as fans gathered to see the iconic post-hardcore band Scary Kids Scaring Kids perform their self-titled album, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, live in its entirety. Known for their high-energy performances and emotionally charged music, the band delivered an unforgettable show that left the audience both exhilarated and deeply moved, reminding fans of the well-deserved space Scary Kids Scaring Kids has maintained in the industry over the last two decades.
The night began with an impressive lineup of four opening acts, a mixture of local and regionally touring artists, Oxymorons, Boys of Fall, Shallow Pools, and Odd Sweetheart. Ultimately, Oxymorons called out of the performance at The Meadows due to unforeseen circumstances, granting Scary Kids Scaring Kids extra time to perform their classics for long-time fans. Unfortunately, I was unable to witness the opening acts with my own two eyes, instead I waited outside the venue for my passes to be delivered to will call, however, their musical prowess seeped through the walls of The Meadows, allowing me to hear their set from a set of stairs I was sitting on across the street from the venue. I can only imagine the excitement inside as the crowd awaited the return of Scary Kids Scaring Kids. All the opening bands did an excellent job of warming up the crowd for the headliner, by the time I did enter the venue, fans were already dripping in sweat, ready to ensure relentless moshing for the rest of the night.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids (SKSK) was formed in 2002 in Gilbert, Arizona, by a group of high school friends. The original lineup consisted of Tyson Stevens (vocals), Chad Crawford (guitar), DJ Wilson (bass), Steve Kirby (guitar), and James Etheridge (drums). They quickly gained attention in the local music scene with their unique blend of post-hardcore, emo, and alternative rock. Their debut EP, After Dark, released in 2003, set the stage for their burgeoning career, showcasing their raw energy and emotionally resonant sound. Nowadays, the only remaining founding member is Chad Crawford, performing alongside Albert Schweitzer (vocals), Johnny Natoli (lead guitar), Colton Westerman (bass), Pouyan Afkary (keyboard), and Kash Jaeger (drums). While the band has practically an entirely new lineup, their sound is far from tarnished, still maintaining the classic 2000's hardcore grit that put them on the map.
In 2005, SKSK signed with Immortal Records and began working on their first full-length album. The City Sleeps in Flames was released in June 2005 and was met with critical acclaim. To this day, fans will still say it is one of their most beloved albums from the scene and hands-down their favorite from the band's discography, solidifying SKSK's impact on the industry early on in their career. The album features intense, emotionally driven lyrics and a powerful combination of melodic hooks and heavy instrumentation. Tracks like "The Only Medicine" and the title track "The City Sleeps in Flames" quickly became fan favorites, cementing their place in the post-hardcore scene.
Following the success of their debut, SKSK released their self-titled sophomore album, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, in August 2007. The album showcased the band's growth and maturity, featuring a more polished sound and complex songwriting. Standout tracks included "Faces," "The Deep End," and, my personal favorite, "Holding On." The album's success led to extensive touring, where SKSK built a dedicated fanbase through their adrenaline-infused live performances and emotional connections with the crowd.
In 2009, drummer James Etheridge left the band and was replaced by Justin Salter. Despite the lineup change, SKSK continued to tour and write new material. However, the band faced internal struggles and announced in 2010 that they would be disbanding after a farewell tour. Their final show took place on November 21, 2010, marking the end of an era for the band and their fans.
Following the breakup, the members of SKSK pursued various individual projects. Tragically, in 2014, former lead vocalist Tyson Stevens passed away in his sleep at the age of 29 from a suspected heroin overdose. His death was a significant blow to the band's members and fans, leaving a lasting impact on the post-hardcore community. As countless fans commented in the wake of his passing, SKSK was the first post-hardcore band many became attached to and Tyson had too short of a run as a knockout vocalist in the post-hardcore scene, but he will surely never be forgotten.
In 2019, the surviving members of SKSK announced a reunion tour to commemorate the 15th anniversary of The City Sleeps in Flames. They recruited Cover Reber, formerly of Saosin, to handle lead vocals. The reunion tour was a massive success, reigniting interest in the band and introducing their music to a new generation of fans. Shortly after their reunion tour, SKSK began working on new music and released the single "Loved Forever" in 2020, signaling a new chapter in their storied career. The song was presumably sung by rhythm guitarist Chad Crawford and struck a chord with long-time fans who felt the lyrics were dedicated to Tyson Stevens. Lines such as "And while the city sleeps in flames I’m still laying wide awake And even through my darkest hour Your blood runs forever / I hope you're finally free again Set sail towards the sun Wish I could tell you one last time That you're loved forever," still bring a tear to my eye anytime I hear the track on my playlist shuffles. Long live Tyson Stevens and may he continue to rest in peace.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids have proven their resilience and enduring appeal through their music and live performances. Their journey, marked by triumphs and tribulations, reflects their passion for their craft and their commitment to their fans. As they continue to create and perform, SKSK remains a vital and influential force in the post-hardcore scene.
As the lights dimmed and the first chords of "Prelude," the first track on Scary Kids Scaring Kids and the perfect entrance to Scary Kids' performance, rang out, the crowd erupted into mosh pits without hesitation. Scary Kids Scaring Kids took the stage with a commanding presence, immediately drawing everyone into their intense world. The band opened with a burst of energy, performing "Degenerates" with a persistent pace that would set the tone for the rest of the night.
The setlist was expected to be predictable, with the tour being a celebration of the band's seminal album Scary Kids Scaring Kids, however, there were additional surprises woven into the tracklist of the evening to keep fans in the center of the mosh pits, screaming along to every word. The band reinvented all 16 songs from the original studio recording live, marking their return in the music scene after a long journey with a short hiatus.
Released on August 28, 2007, Scary Kids Scaring Kids by SKSK is still one of my top favorite albums of all time from the post-hardcore scene and hearing it performed live was definitely an experience I will never forget. I might've missed out on hearing Tyson's leads take center stage in 2007, but the current lineup of SKSK surely did not disappoint. Even almost 17 years later, this album holds a special place in my head and heart, a release that I continue to call a "comfort album." Scary Kids Scaring Kids stands as a testament to the group's evolution and artistic growth at the time, showcasing their ability to effortlessly blend melodic elements with aggressive undertones, creating a sound that is both captivating and intense. Some of the best tracks from the album include:
"Degenerates"
This track bursts in with high energy, driven by aggressive guitar riffs and intense vocals. The lyrics delve into themes of disillusionment and rebellion, capturing the angst and frustration of youth.
"Holding On"
A standout track, "Holding On" balances melodic verses with powerful vocals, making it a staple in the scene. The emotional weight of the lyrics is palpable, dealing with themes of perseverance and emotional struggle.
"The Deep End"
This song showcases the band's ability to blend melodic elements with heavy instrumentation. The catchy chorus and dynamic shifts between softer and harder sections create a compelling listening experience that'll make this song a repeat in your digital streaming rotation.
"Faces"
"Faces" is a more introspective track, featuring intricate guitar work and reflective lyrics. The song's slower tempo and melodic focus provide a contrast to the more aggressive tracks on the album.
"Snake Devil"
This track is a high-energy rocker with aggressive guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming. The lyrics delve into themes of betrayal and revenge, adding to the album's thematic depth.
While this tour series was in honor of the self-titled album that was ultimately a breakthrough for SKSK, the band performed practically two setlists the other evening at The Meadows. After performing all 16 songs off Scary Kids Scaring Kids, the band returned to the stage after a short five minute intermission to play another ten songs that ranged across their entire discography.
A personal highlight of the night came during the final song of the setlist "My Darkest Hour," which, to this day, is still the #1 track for Scary Kids Scaring Kids across all platforms. Produced on their debut album, the song sits with over 10,000,000 listens on Spotify alone. The live rendition was powerful and poignant, with the band's energy palpable as they played. Lead singer Albert Schweitzer entered the mosh pit to sing the song alongside fans who have been apart of their journey since the start. The crowd's reaction was overwhelming, with many visibly moved by the performance as a whole, highlighting the music's lasting impact on SKSK fans. The final notes echoed through the venue as the crowd erupted in cheers, marking the end of an unforgettable evening.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids are back and ready to conquer the industry all over again! Their performance at The Meadows was a masterclass in post-hardcore music, blending raw emotion, technical prowess, and an engaging stage presence to create a truly memorable experience. The band's ability to connect with their audience on such a profound level speaks to their talent and dedication. As they continue to tour and release new music, Scary Kids Scaring Kids remain a powerful force in the post-hardcore scene, consistently delivering performances that leave a lasting impact on their fans. Scary Kids Scaring Kids' revival has healed the inner angsty teenager within many of us, the band teased new music and promised to return to New York again soon at The Meadows, so we can be sure SKSK's return is not seizing anytime soon and we are excited for what's to come!
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