The Unstoppable Bilmuri Summer Slammer Tour
w/ John Harvie, Driveways, Bilmuri
On a night that felt like a celebration of genre fusion and raw emotion, Bilmuri, Driveways, and John Harvie lit up the stage in Philadelphia with performances that showcased the power of individuality, musical experimentation, and authentic connection with fans.
Opening the evening was Philadelphia native John Harvie, who wasted no time winning over the packed venue. Known for his energetic stage presence and radio-ready hooks, Harvie delivered a punchy set featuring tracks from his debut album Told Ya along with a handful of popular singles. His music, rooted in pop-punk but tinged with alternative edge, resonated with the local crowd, many of whom sang along to every word. His passion for performing was clear from the jump, and he played with the confidence of someone who was just as much a fan of the scene as he was a part of it.
Following Harvie was Driveways, a Massachusetts based trio that has steadily gained attention in the alternative and emo-punk scenes. Their set pulled heavily from their most recent album Tempest, released in 2024, but also incorporated fan favorites from previous records. Known for their lyrical depth and atmospheric blend of melodic hardcore and alternative rock, Driveways brought a thoughtful intensity to the stage. Their chemistry as a unit was undeniable, with tight instrumentation and emotional delivery that captivated both longtime fans and first-time listeners alike. The crowd’s engagement grew with each song, as the band shifted from heavier riffs to introspective ballads with ease.
Then came Bilmuri, a band that defies easy categorization and that is precisely what makes them such a spectacle. Fronted by Johnny Franck, formerly of the mid-2000s metalcore band Attack Attack!, Bilmuri began as a solo project marked by its eccentricity, humor, and refusal to conform to genre boundaries. In recent years, particularly since 2022, Franck has transformed Bilmuri into a full-fledged band, bringing on guitarist and vocalist Reece Maslin and multi-instrumentalist Gabi Rose, who handles vocals and saxophone duties.
Bilmuri took the stage with such high energy, launching into the first two tracks off their latest album AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS. Their performance immediately set the tone for a night that would feel as much like a fever dream as it did a rock concert. The band moved fluidly between songs from across their discography, though much of the set highlighted their newest work, which blends elements of post-hardcore, indie pop, punk, funk, and emo. One moment the audience was dancing to smooth saxophone lines layered over chugging guitar riffs, and the next, they were headbanging to cathartic, distortion-heavy anthems.
What truly set Bilmuri apart was the vocal dynamic shared among the three front-facing members. Johnny’s gritty, expressive voice served as the emotional core, while Reece added clean melodic lines and backing vocals that anchored the more experimental moments. Gabi’s ethereal voice offered a softer contrast, at times even leading entire songs. The interplay between these three vocalists created a textured sound that was both unpredictable and cohesive.
A standout moment of the night came during the encore, when the band brought out a surprise guest, Saxl Rose to join Gabi on a double-saxophone feature. The crowd erupted in cheers as the stage transformed into a sax-fueled celebration, adding yet another unexpected layer to a show already overflowing with character.
Bilmuri’s live show is not just about playing music. It is an experience. With humor, cinematic transitions, and genuine emotional expression, their performance felt like a genre defying journey that never took itself too seriously but still managed to hit all the right notes. Whether it was Johnny addressing the crowd with playful banter, Gabi delivering haunting harmonies, or Reece shredding through technically complex riffs, each member brought their own distinct energy while working in perfect sync.
By the end of the night, one thing was clear: if you have not seen Bilmuri live, you are missing out on something special. This show was more than just a concert, it was a reminder of why we show up for live music in the first place. The genre lines may have been blurred, but the connection between the artists and the audience was unmistakable.
In a music landscape where acts often strive to fit into specific molds, Bilmuri and their tourmates proved that embracing the weird, the heartfelt, and the unexpected can result in something far more impactful. Philadelphia was lucky to witness it firsthand.
And yes, hogs were indeed cranked at the end.
Photography by Wes Shepherd
