Chicago, Illinois - may 25, 2024

Bringing a blend of dream pop with hard-hitting flair, Chanel Beads was the perfect recipe to stir the spirits of Lincoln Hall. Performing their new album, 'Your Day Will Come,' the bandmates demonstrated how perfectly these tracks suit live performance.

As I approached the venue, I noticed a line wrapping around the corner of the building and slithering through the alleyway. Fans were buzzing and eagerly waiting as they inched closer and closer to the entrance. The energy only picked up once you got inside, with lots of friendly smiles and people mingling under minimal light. At first unsure how the photos would turn out because of the divergent lighting, I soon caught on that the strong silhouettes breathe personality and echo the raw emotion Chanel Beads delivered to the crowd. Casts of purple, orange, and blue hues created a glow on stage that reflects the dreamlike quality of their music.

Frontman Shane Lavers, along with bandmates Zachary Paul and Maya McGrory, a.k.a. 'Colle,' amped up as they prepared for what would be a ripping performance. Their adrenaline translated into a vivid stage presence, marked by intense vocals and musical expressions. The performance was full of undeniable angst. Throughout the set, fans watched as Shane unraveled his strong emotions through performing. Fans nodding along encouraged him to sing openly and fearlessly.

Songs from their new album 'Your Day Will Come' are somewhere in between brazen and delicate. In the song 'Urn,' instrumentalist Zachary Paul produced eclectic sounds from his violin, almost as if the strings were being twisted and bent in a perfect mess. This outlandish sound hits just right to the inquisitive ear and shows the unique edge to their music. The ambience cooled off with their dream pop single, 'Idea June,' featuring the velvety vocals of singer-songwriter Maya McGrory (Colle).

As Chanel Beads got further into their performance, the crowd also got deeper in volume. Beyond the sea of people, some were still squeezing through the doorways, peeking their heads through gaps in the crowd. The whole thing was pretty intimate. Amid sounds of applause and cheering, excitement lingered as Mount Kimbie set up to take the stage.