The Band CAMINO
Article by Brittany Ormiston
The tour theme: darkness. A copious amount of glow in the dark paint was splattered all over the drum platform. As the band members stepped into the black light, both guitars lit up like the Milky Way and displayed customized designs. The tour symbol was etched into the lime green guitar directly below the bridge. Time to scream in the dark with The Band CAMINO. “You’re the reason that I am afraid of the dark // Wide awake, I see shadows of you in my arms,” sang Spencer Stewart (vocals, guitar, keys). Based on the emotional high of this first track, concertgoers knew this was going to be the band’s best tour yet.
During ‘Never A Good Time,’ Jeffery Jordan (vocals, guitar, keys) uttered the lyrics “but here's the moment where we fade to black” and instantly the stage went dark. Seconds later, magenta and lime green lasers streaked through the air as smoke billowed onto the stage throughout the chorus. This tour The Band CAMINO played tracks from their newest album The Dark for the first time. ‘Three Month Hangover’ was one song in particular the crowd was nowhere near prepared for. The band did not play this track at every show so when the guitar intro started they were in utter shock. Jeffery was lead vocals, and let’s just say his microphone was leveled up for him to be heard nice and clear. Members of the crowd held up three fingers during the chorus, and bounced in sync with the drum loop. Garrison Burgess (drums) made playing the drums look so easy with his impeccable rhythm and technique.
It was Spencer’s time to shine during ‘See You Later.’ His high vocals during the chorus were achieved with such admirable ease. Jeffery shared the backstory of this track, and mentioned it was written on the tour bus and started off as a joke. Clearly along the way it turned into album material, and now fans have it on repeat. The band let the crowd finish off the song before transitioning into the more intimate part of the evening. The Band CAMINO decided to do things a bit differently this tour by including an acoustic portion on the setlist. With Jeffery on guitar and Spencer on piano, they went back to their roots and where it all began. Jeffery was overcome with emotion, and could not stop smiling during ‘Less Than I Do.’ The bright lights illuminated the room as Spencer performed the last chorus of ‘The Black and White’ with the crowd singing right along with him. Their voices carried through the venue, and were so loud Spencer was seen shaking his head as he backed away from the piano. Jeffery returned to the stage with a tequila shot for each of them. “Chicago, this is to you,” said Jeffery as he raised his cup.
The Band CAMINO picked up the pace once again, and made a point to play several iconic tracks from their EP tryhard. Experiencing ‘Haunted’ was an out-of-body experience with the intense drumming, spooky vibes, emotional investment, and a bridge that lifted you off of your feet. What an adrenaline rush. ‘See Through’ is always a fan favorite, and Jeffery was everyone’s spirit animal. “I’ll be outside I been cooped up // Bloodshot eyes need a ride will you pick up,” sang Jeffery as he vigorously stomped across the stage (only real fans know what this dance move is). The crowd screamed the lyrics as loud as their voices would allow, the bass was pounding in everyone’s chests, and the lighting was incredibly fast-paced.
As the end of the set neared, it sank in how far The Band CAMINO has come over the years. From playing in bars for 30 people to performing in Aragon Ballroom for 4,000 people, the band and those in attendance will never forget this night. “This has been a bucket venue for us for a long time. Thank you guys for showing the fuck up,” stated Jeffery. The band met center stage and bowed together before saying goodbye to the crowd. After witnessing the Chicago show and the Screaming In The Dark Tour, everyone is on the same page without a doubt; The Band CAMINO will always be home.
Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL on October 8, 2023
Photos by Everly Ormiston
