25 Years of Noise

w/ Greyhaven, Broadside, Real Friends, Silverstein

The night at Archer Music Hall on May 11, 2025, buzzed with anticipation as Silverstein’s 25 Years of Noise tour made its stop in Allentown, PA.

Greyhaven opened the night, their aggressive blend of post-hardcore and pop-punk influences immediately grabbing the crowd’s attention. The dark, thunderous riffs and driving beats served as the perfect backdrop for their heavy sound. The lead singer moved with intensity, throwing his energy into every note, and it was clear from the start that the crowd was in for an unforgettable ride. Their performance was a punch to the chest—raw, powerful, and unapologetically loud.

Broadside followed, shifting the tone with a softer, more melodic sound. The contrast was striking, as the audience leaned in, captivated by the band's emotional vulnerability. Lead vocalist Ollie Baxxter's voice resonated with clarity, especially during their more introspective tracks. The band’s chemistry was undeniable—every movement felt organic, like they had been playing together for years. A moment of calm and connection in the midst of the chaos.

Real Friends’ set was a journey of emotional highs and lows, tackling mental health head-on. Their lyrics hit hard, resonating with the crowd in a deeply personal way. Lead singer Dan Lambton, ever the empath, stepped into the crowd, crowd surfing as the audience sang every word back at him. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a shared experience, a testament to the power of music to connect people.

Then came Silverstein, whose set was a journey through their storied career. The band opened with new tracks from Antibloom, moving through their catalog with ease and emotion. Hits like "Massachusetts" and "Smile in Your Sleep" ignited the crowd, who sang along to every word. The set spanned their career, with songs from different albums showcasing their evolution. After the final song, the band went off stage, but the crowd demanded more. The encore arrived, a three-song journey that began with an intimate acoustic version of My Heroine, where the audience joined in, creating a moment of solidarity and nostalgia. The energy surged back with the last two songs, "Smashed Into Pieces" and "Bleeds No More," which brought the crowd to a fever pitch.

Photography by Wes Shepherd