MOVEMENTS MAKES THE BALTIMORE APPEARANCE
BY ANNA PORCELLALast August, California-based post-hardcore and emo darlings Movements returned with their third studio album, RUCKUS! Following up their extremely beloved debut album Feel Something and critically acclaimed sophomore album No Good Left to Give was certainly a daunting feat, with high expectations from fans and the scene alike. In a way such an album title suggests, RUCKUS! is an amalgamation of genres, from their traditional emo-leaning sound to pop-oriented rock; a fresh sound that marks an evolution for the band while remaining true to their roots. Marking the release of this album was not one, but two US legs of the Ruckus Tour in 2024. For the first night of the fall tour, Movements has returned to Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore, bringing along with them Queen of Jeans and Turnover.
Movements kicks off their set with album opener “You’re One of Us Now,” a song that begins with anthemic chants and explodes into rowdy instrumental, immediately proving RUCKUS! is an album that is meant to be played live. The four piece band, consisting of Patrick Miranda (vocals), Ira George (guitar), Spencer York (drums), and Austin Cressey (bass), each shines in their own way, whether it’s the bass driven “Killing Time” or guitar heavy “Afraid to Die,” with York and Miranda guiding them throughout.
Movements are known for their emotional lyrics, melancholic in a way that tugs at your heartstrings and reaches your soul. Despite the often heaviness of their words, the sold out crowd is full of energy. The band is equally upbeat, with Miranda encouraging a crowd surfing contest between two fans dressed in onesies (a frog and a gremlin - the frog won). Miranda’s vocals carry such emotion, whether it's the soft tones of “Tightrope” or the screams of “Fail You;” the crowd responds in turn with swaying or moshing.
Closing with the band’s most well known song, “Daylily,” a track recounting the struggles of depression and mental illness and the ups-and-downs of recovery. The song is adored by the scene, evident in the way the lyrics echoed through the entire crowd louder than they had all night. Hearing these words (“I think it's time you found another reason to stay for a while/You should stay for a while”) belted to the ceiling amongst a crowd of 1,500 like minded people is a moment that will stick with me for years to come.
Movements will continue their fall tour across the US and Canada through the rest of September.
