Review and photos by Lena Rayne. Edited by Brandon Castaneda.
Quarters of Change headlined at Last Concert Café in Houston, Tx on October 7th, 2024 with support from The Hails & Bipolar Joyride on their Portraits Tour II!
“The album is made up of individualized fragments that provide different perspectives and create their own little vignettes,” shares frontman Ben Roter. “I think of each fragment as a portrait, reflecting a separate emotion or moment. Overall, it dives into themes of addiction, isolation and exploration.”
On an unseasonably warm October evening, the Last Concert Café became the heartbeat of Houston as Quarters of Change brought their Portraits Tour II to the stage, supported by The Hails and Bipolar Joyride. The all-ages show, bathed in the glow of stage lights, was a rich musical experience that captured the dynamic and unpredictable soundscape of the alt-rock scene.
The evening began with Bipolar Joyride, a local Houston band known for their chaotic, genre-bending sound. Their set felt like a rollercoaster ride, filled with fast-paced changes that kept the audience on their toes.
The energy in the room grew as The Hails took the stage next. Hailing from Miami, they brought a polished, groovy vibe to the night, blending modern indie rock with hints of 80’s nostalgia. Their infectious energy made them an act to watch, as they primed the crowd for the headliners.
When Quarters of Change finally took the stage at 8:30 PM, it was clear the audience was more than ready. The New York City-based quartet launched into “Depression II,” immediately setting the tone with their unique blend of alternative hooks and space rock grooves. Ben Roter’s gritty yet melodic vocals, paired with the band’s explosive sound, created a striking contrast that echoed throughout the intimate venue.
The setlist featured a balanced mix of tracks from their latest album Portraits and crowd favorites from earlier releases. “What I Wanted” was a standout, with its hypnotic hook and grunge-infused sound. The raw energy on display during “Do or Die” was equally magnetic, with the band showcasing their tight, face-to-face style of playing—a signature move that has earned them a dedicated following. The seamless blend of old and new influences was felt throughout the night, from the 70’s swag of their funkier tracks to the nineties-style alternative grit that fueled songs like “T Love” and “Hollywood Baby.”
The chemistry between the band members was contagious. From Jasper Harris’s crunchy guitar riffs to Attila Anrather’s tight drumming, the performance felt cohesive yet experimental, as they channeled inspirations as diverse as The 1975, Tool, and Failure. The highlight of the night came during the encore when the band played their hit “Kiwi.”
The Portraits Tour II showed why Quarters of Change is quickly becoming an exciting band to watch in the modern alt-rock scene. Their raw emotion, paired with innovative soundscapes, left a lasting impression on the crowd at Last Concert Café. For anyone seeking a deeply human and honest live performance, this tour is not to be missed.
Setlist:
- Depression II
- What I Wanted
- Tightrope
- Blue Copper
- Do or Die
- Chloe
- Hollywood Baby
- Cherry Tree
- Too Many Thoughts
- Keep My Blood
- Heaven Bound
- Turn It Away
- T Love
Encore:
- Kiwi
- Rift
With the atmosphere of Houston’s iconic Last Concert Café and the captivating presence of all three bands, this show was a night to remember. Whether you’re a fan of alt-rock, indie, or just looking for a great live experience, catching the Portraits Tour II should be a priority.
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