California Is For Lovers 2024: A Nostalgic Celebration Under the Sun
The Torch LA 08.31.24
Gallery & Review by Caitlin Schmidt
Shot for Hidden Beats
Hawthorne Heights' Is For Lovers Festival paid its second annual visit to sunny Southern California this past weekend, August 31st, bolstering a dream lineup for elder emo’s and new-age emo kids alike. The event was hosted by The Torch, an open-air extension of the historic LA Coliseum, offering an iconic location like no other.
Energy ran high as festival-goers lined up outside the gates, anticipating the blast from the past to come. Twelve bands were split between two stages, with nearly no overlap, making it possible for the fittest of die-hard fans to bounce back and forth without missing a beat.
On the Casey Calvert Stage, we had The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, A Static Lullaby, Cartel, Finch, Saosin, and our very hospitable festival co-founders, Hawthorne Heights. Over on the John Beatz Stage, we had Boycomma, New Aesthetic, This Wild Life, Stick To Your Guns, Bilmuri, and Anberlin. Though I may not have seen it all myself, I definitely saw several repeat fans at every set.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
My first set of the day over on the main stage was none other than The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, who delivered a high-energy performance, reigniting their early 2000s emo-pop energy with infectious enthusiasm. Frontman Ronnie Winter's passionate vocals and dynamic stage presence brought a powerful nostalgia to the crowd, as hits like “Damn Regret” and “Your Guardian Angel” resonated with both longtime fans and newer listeners. We were even treated to a cover of Blink-182’s “All The Small Things,” which did not disappoint. The band finished out their set with their iconic “Face Down,” an instant crowd-pleaser and full-blown sing-along. Their mix of energetic stage presence and unwavering talent created an unforgettable atmosphere, showcasing why they continue to be a cherished icon in the emo scene.
A Static Lullaby
This set wasn’t something I, nor most of us elder emos, thought we’d ever get. Their first performance since 2016, and to no one’s surprise, they crushed it. They hit the stage hard, kicking off the set with “Rattlesnake!,” immediately setting the tone for a fierce and electrifying atmosphere that was both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like "Lipgloss and Letdown" and "The Art of Sharing Lovers" showcased their signature blend of intensity and raw emotion. The set reached a memorable peak with an all-around badass cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” adding an unexpected twist. It was definitely one for the books. Their return was a powerful reminder of why they remain a standout in the genre. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we’re all hoping this sparks a tour.
Cartel
I hate to say that I was late to the game, because prior to this I’d never heard of Cartel. A HUGE loss on my part. Nevertheless, I became an instant fan of this pop-punk sensation. They kicked things off with the energetic “Let’s Go,” setting a lively tone that remained throughout their set. They kept the momentum going with songs like “Faster Ride” and “The Perfect Mistake,” highlighting their skill for crafting standout tracks, but it was “Say Anything (Else)” that truly stole the show for me. The chorus was absolutely infectious and left us all wanting more. Finding new (to you) music at a live show is an unbeatable experience, and I’m thrilled to have been in attendance. They’ve definitely come a long way since “Band in a Bubble.”
Finch
Finch never fails to impress with their live shows. Nate Barcalow's distinctive voice resonated through the air, sparking a wave of nostalgic passion. That was when the crowd surfing really kicked into high gear! The set was packed with fan favorites, including “Post Script” and “Stay With Me,” each track showcasing their skillful blend of powerful sound and emotional depth. A highlight for many, including myself, was “Letters to You,” which struck a deep chord with the crowd. But of course, nothing beats a close like “What It Is To Burn.” Finch’s performance was a compelling reminder of their enduring impact on the post-hardcore scene.
