Live Review: The Maine, Flor – The Bellwether, Los Angeles, CA
On November 11th, The Maine illuminated Los Angeles’ newest venue The Bellwether, delivering an electrifying performance that seamlessly blended nostalgia with the vibrancy of their latest music. This sold-out show, part of their ongoing tour, “The Sweet Sixteen Tour,” was a testament to their enduring popularity and evolving sound.
Flor, who will be supporting The Maine on the entire tour, kicked off with “Hold On” from their debut album, Come Out, You’re Hiding, immediately captivating the audience. Their 30-minute set was a journey through their discography, blending the energetic “Dancing Around” with heartfelt love songs. Zach Grace, Flor‘s lead singer, shared personal anecdotes and continuously engaged the crowd with his charismatic presence in-between songs. The band’s performance was a mix of nostalgia and new beginnings, highlighted by their latest single, “Same Color as the Sun,” and their rendition of Post Malone‘s “Chemicals.” The set concluded with “imho” and “Gotta Do Something,” leaving the crowd energized and ready for the main act.
Listen to Flor’s “Same Color as the Sun” below
The Maine, stepping into the spotlight against a shimmering silver backdrop, opened their 90-minute set with “dose no. 2,” a track from their latest self-titled album. The energy was electric, with lead singer John O’Callaghan’s announcement, “We came here to get weird,” perfectly capturing the essence of the night. The band navigated through their extensive discography, from the vibrant “I Must Be Dreaming” to the introspective “Diet Soda Society,” where the crowd’s enthusiastic sing-along filled the venue.
The Maine‘s continued interactions with the audience were a highlight of the evening. Their performance of “Right Girl” turned into a dynamic exchange between the band and their fans during the verse. This connection deepened as the band performed “Loved You Little,” with O’Callaghan urging the crowd to join in the chorus, creating a unified moment of celebration.
The band’s versatility shone through in their setlist, showcasing their ability to wander between energetic anthems to more contemplative pieces. The poignant “(Un) Lost” and the euphoric “Loved You Little” demonstrated their range, while “how to exit a room” and “Like We Did (Windows Down)” captured the crowd’s spirit, encouraging an all-out party atmosphere.
As the night progressed, the band’s playful banter with the crowd and impromptu moments added to the show’s overall charm. O’Callaghan’s humorous interaction, whether joking about drugs or acknowledging a fan’s new haircut, brought a sense of closeness and community to the performance.
The Maine‘s uninterrupted performance at The Bellwether was a testament to their lasting appeal, and their deep connection with their fans. Seamlessly transitioning from the acoustic melodies of “Saving Grace” and “Whoever She Is” to the anthemic “Everything I Ask For” and “Sticky,” the band showcased their evolution from pop-punk sensations to matured musicians.
Concluding the night with “Another Night On Mars,” The Maine did more than just playing their music; they created an experience for every attendee. Sixteen years into their career, The Maine demonstrated they are not just a band, but a movement – evolving, engaging, and enthralling with each passing year.
Watch The Maine’s “thoughts i have while lying in bed” music video below
For more on The Maine and to check out other dates of their tour, visit their official website.