A warm welcome awaited The New Highway Hymnal for their final performance of their “Pizza Tour Y2K13.” As front man Hadden Stemp picked up his red Fender Jaguar in preparation for their performance at the legendary ‘The Pill’ night at Great Scott, find bassist Amelia Gormley plugged into her seemingly new Orange bass amplifier, check and Travis Hagan took a seat behind his drum set.
Within moments, the band started playing “Hey Kid (Gotta Run)” quicker than a blast from Hunter S. Thompson’s shotgun. Progressing through favorites like “More”, “Through Stained Glass” and “Whispers” everyone was surprised to realize the most unforgettable song of the night would be their brand new hit, “Pretty Riot.” The song was an upbeat “let-the-light-shine-down” performance from the trio that is usually constantly shrouded in darkness.
Their performance peaked around “Isolation”, another new hit that ended in a gigantic noise freak out. Hadden smashed his guitar into his amplifier, Travis banged on his drums like a primitive caveman, and Amelia dropped her bass and walked right offstage. Just as quickly as it began, it ended. For every long highway this band rides down, another venue they conquer. Great Scott tonight may have been its sweetest victim.
Photo Credit: Samira Winter