Mirror’s Edge North America Tour
Northlane, Invent Animate, Thornhill, Windwaker
July 21st, 2024
The Granada Theater, Lawrence, Kansas
It’s been a very long time since I’ve been to a concert with bands that I’d never seen live before at a venue I’ve never been to, in a city I’ve never visited. I’ve been waiting nearly 8 years for the chance to see Northlane live in concert, and I would have walked barefoot from Omaha to make sure I didn’t miss tonight’s show.
Northlane’s The Mirror’s Edge tour, their first headlining North America since 2019, finally made its much-anticipated stop in Lawrence, Kansas. The Australian invasion saw the band bringing with them an electrifying lineup that included Invent Animate, Thornhill, and Windwaker. The Granada Theater, known for its intimate setting and stellar acoustics, was the perfect venue for this metalcore extravaganza.
The evening kicked off with Windwaker, and from the very first note, it was clear the band was there to set the tone for an unforgettable night. Their energy was infectious, and they quickly had the crowd engaged with their dynamic stage presence. Tracks like “Superstitious Fantasy” and “Beautiful” showcased their unique blend of melodic hooks and heavy riffs, warming up the audience for the acts to follow.
Next up was Thornhill, whose performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The band brought a darker, more atmospheric vibe to the stage, captivating the audience with their intricate guitar work and emotive vocals. Highlights of their set included “Casanova” and “Arkangel,” both of which demonstrated the band’s ability to seamlessly blend aggression with melody. Thornhill’s set was a sonic journey, with each song building on the last, leaving the crowd in awe by the time they finished.
As the night progressed, Invent Animate took the stage, and their performance was a masterclass in technical proficiency and raw emotion. The band’s precision was evident in every song, from the blistering “Cloud Cascade” to the hauntingly beautiful “Heavener.” Their intricate rhythms and powerful vocals resonated deeply with the audience, creating an immersive experience that had fans hanging on every note. Invent Animate’s set was a testament to their growth and evolution as a band, and they left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
The anticipation for Northlane was palpable as the headliners took the stage. Known for their genre-defying sound and innovative approach, Northlane delivered a performance that was both visually and sonically stunning. The band’s setlist was a well-curated mix of fan favorites, including a medley of older songs that includes “Worldeater”, “Dispossession”, and “Solar”, “Dante” and “Kraft”, cuts from their latest EP, Mirror’s Edge, and explosive renditions of “Clockwork” and “Echo Chamber.” Vocalist Marcus Bridge commanded the stage with his powerful presence, while the rest of the band delivered a flawless performance that had the crowd moving from start to finish. The energy in the room was electric, and Northlane’s performance was the perfect culmination of an incredible night of music.
Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a diverse and engaging lineup that kept the audience enthralled from beginning to end. The Granada Theater proved to be an ideal venue for such an event, providing an intimate setting that allowed fans to connect with the music on a deeper level. For those in attendance, it was a night to remember and a testament to the vibrant and evolving metalcore scene.
