Saint Motel is currently touring for their new EP, The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. A highly sought-after act by fans, they have traveled across the country from coast to coast, showcasing their creativity in the form of a visual and auditory experience of a lifetime.

Starting the night was KOLARS–––a husband and wife duo whose energy immediately excited the crowd at Royale. Their performance included a variety of unforgettable moments, from tap-dancing on drums, to incredible vocals, to call-and-response audience engagement. KOLARS’ confident combination of bold costumes and personality shone through and made an impact on the venue. The energy in the room was almost tangible as they finished their set, and the calm before the storm ensued.

Only a short while after, the stage lights dimmed and the sold out crowd let out a collective scream, as everyone knew it was time to begin the night’s journey. Saint Motel started the show with an introduction from a narrator, who shared a story crafted by the band. Lead vocalist A/J Jackson Jr. played the protagonist, and all eyes were fixed on him as he entered the photo pit, interacting with the fans at the barricade as he found his way to the stage. This immersive experience was consistent throughout the show, as the band shared little conversations and interactions with the audience between songs, all tied back to the story.

In addition to the actual stage performance, other components of the show included a YouTube playlist of “visualizers” for each of the songs off their latest EP. It’s rare to find a band or artist that creates such a fully interactive and visually-immersive experience for their music, which puts Saint Motel at the top of this year’s “must-see” list.

See below for photos from the show (in order: Saint Motel and KOLARS):