No Sunday Scaries Here: almost monday Turns Hartford’s Webster Underground Into a Basement Beach Party
Hartford, Connecticut - September 27, 2026
On a crisp late September Sunday night, as the autumn chill began to settle over Connecticut, San Diego’s almost monday brought a whole extra season’s worth of heat to the Webster Underground in Hartford. On the latest leg of their headlining tour, the alt-pop trio transformed the packed basement room into an electric, sun-drenched coastal escape, proving that endless summer isn't a physical location, but rather a shared attitude.
The vibe inside the Webster Underground was palpable long before the band hit the stage. Tucked beneath the venue's iconic main room, the cavernous space provided an intimate, sweat-glistening canvas perfectly suited for almost monday’s infectious, groove-heavy catalog. When lead vocalist Dawson Daugherty, guitarist Cole Clisby, and bassist Luke Fabry emerged under the wash of warm stage lights, the sold-out crowd exploded. Daugherty, radiating his signature effortless swagger, wasted zero time commanding the floor. Opening with high-velocity grooves, the band launched directly into an explosive sequence that had the floor bouncing from wall to wall.
The setlist operated as a masterclass in pacing, striking a tight balance between older fan-favorites and fresh anthems from their debut album, DIVE. Early in the night, the twin punch of "jupiter" and "cough drops" set a soaring standard. Clisby’s slick, funk-infused guitar riffs cut through the mix with razor-sharp clarity, while Fabry’s thumping basslines held down a deep, irresistible groove. Mid-set highlight "sunburn" showcased the trio's ability to blend nostalgic 1990s indie-rock textures with modern pop hooks, prompting the crowd to sing back every single lyric until they drowned out the house PA during the chorus. Tracks like "skinny dip" and "leaving is easy" delivered pure euphoria as Daugherty traversed every inch of the stage, leaping off monitors and leaning directly into the front row to share the mic with ecstatic fans. By the time they reached "can't slow down," their smash Alternative Airplay hit served as a high-octane celebratory anthem that sent shockwaves through the Webster's concrete floorboards.
From a performance standpoint, every element fell right into place. Daugherty's live vocals remained flawlessly crisp throughout the set, retaining impressive power even while he danced nonstop across the platform. The band's stage presence was highlighted by constant crowd interaction, high mobility, and an authentic joy radiating off the stage. The sound and mix delivered heavy, punchy bass alongside razor-sharp guitar tones that were balanced effectively for the tight subterranean venue. Most notably, the sold-out, wall-to-wall dance party maintained non-stop energy and singalongs from start to finish.
What truly makes almost monday such a force live is their genuine, unforced camaraderie. Daugherty, Clisby, and Fabry do not just share a stage; they share a kinetic chemistry built on years of jamming together in West Coast garages. That laid-back, sun-bleached charm resonated deeply with the Hartford crowd. Between songs, Daugherty expressed heartfelt gratitude for the packed house, joking about bringing California weather to the Northeast just in time for Sunday night. Rather than routine stage banter, the interaction felt like an open invitation into their inner circle. Live music is at its absolute best when a band completely forgets about polish and just plays with raw, unadulterated passion, and that is exactly what almost monday delivered.
By the time the band closed out their final encore, leaving the crowd drenched in sweat and chanting for more, one thing was unmistakably clear: almost monday is rapidly outgrowing intimate club spaces. Their sound is expansive, anthemic, and built for stadiums, yet they treat smaller rooms like the Webster Underground like the grandest arena in the world. If Sunday night in Hartford was any indication, the movement behind them is only just getting started, firmly establishing this trio as one of the brightest pop-rock acts on the circuit today.
Photos by @dann.photos on Instagram
