There is a feeling that pulsates through me after I see a band live for the first time — as if there are fireworks of excitement exploding throughout my body. I especially feel this way if that band is one that I have admired for quite some time and I am really excited about what they are doing. I intensely felt the fireworks after I saw TRUSS, a phenomenal hard rock band from Cleveland, play their brand new album, FLUORESCENCE, live for the very first time. It’s really special to be able to experience an album release show, and TRUSS put on a remarkable one.
Last Saturday, TRUSS played at the Grog Shop in Cleveland to celebrate the release of FLUORESCENCE. The openers for this show were two local bands: Cherry! and The Rosies. When it was time for the doors to open, fans quickly filed in and took time to interact with one another, buy merch, and find a spot near the stage. By the time Cherry! took the stage, the venue was nearly packed. Throughout Cherry!’s impressive opening set, a good portion of the crowd sang along to the words and they even had a fan join them on stage to help sing the bridge of a song. Next, The Rosies took the stage and the venue had filled up even more. The Rosies were very entertaining to watch and put on a thrilling performance overall. The crowd started a mosh pit halfway through the set and maintained it for a few songs, making the venue feel like it was filling up with contagious energy. By the time The Rosies concluded their set, the venue was absolutely packed. Fans stood shoulder to shoulder, eager for TRUSS to take the stage.
When TRUSS took the stage, cheers were already roaring throughout the venue. TRUSS started their set with “Headlock,” the first track on FLUORESCENCE. As vocalist Hannah Crandall began singing the first verse, the entire crowd started singing the words right back to her in unison. Hannah was absolutely captivating to watch, singing with urgency in her voice, never missing a note or a beat, while simultaneously being interactive with the entire crowd and dancing during breakdowns in each song.
By the time TRUSS started to play the third song of the set, “HEAVY”, there was a mosh pit that started in the crowd, and it consistently continued throughout the remainder of the show. Guitarist Eric Kennedy delivered a monumental performance throughout — his energy was absolutely infectious as he was shredding every solo he played while interacting with the crowd. Eric even let the fans in the first row periodically play on the strings of his guitar, creating a playful environment. Drummer Holden Szalek drove the energy of the performance, delivering deep and punchy beats song after song.
TRUSS played the eight tracks off of FLUORESCENCE and “All the Bugs” from RESET MY HEAD, their debut album. Hannah looked out in the crowd and said, “We have one more song for you guys tonight,” and she proceeded to invite a member of Grånt, another local band from the Cleveland area, up to the stage to perform “One Step Closer” by Linkin Park. The energy was completely off the charts as not one person in the crowd was silent during this song. As “One Step Closer” concluded, the entire crowd started chanting, “TRUSS! TRUSS! TRUSS!”, catching Hannah, Eric, and Holden off guard. TRUSS decided to extend their set by playing two more songs, “Reset My Head” and “Mayhem,” from RESET MY HEAD.
From beginning to end, TRUSS played an exhilarating show to celebrate the release of their brand new album. If you haven’t gone to a TRUSS show, you absolutely need to. Not only is their music phenomenal, but their stage presence and performance will definitely leave an impression. Maybe you will leave with fireworks of excitement like how I did.
Follow TRUSS on Instagram and Tiktok, and check out FLUORESCENCE wherever you get your music.
All photos appear courtesy of Bekah Eiswald for Honorable Mention Magazine.
