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Garage-Born Mayhem: It’s More Than a Show
Gig Review
Where Bands Play Loud, Fans Connect, and Community Thrives
As the sun eased below the treeline at Honey Acres Farm, the chatter of friends accompanied by soft ‘neighs’ from horses in the distance served as the introduction for the evening. There’s something in particular that stands out about the property, though, and it isn’t just the assortment of animals: it’s The Garage, a sticker-covered, traffic sign-donned, one-of-a-kind music venue. Inside, a makeshift soundbooth sits in the back, a shopping cart lingers near the pit, and the walls are plastered with mementos of previous performing bands, ranging from tags to stickers– each one a timestamp in local music history.
I am no stranger to The Garage, as it serves as a hub for the DIY scene; a safe haven for artists and listeners alike to connect within an intimate setting. The feeling of inclusivity was palpable as I entered the venue, greeted by owners Levi and Grace. While speaking, one of the topics was how crucial it is to support the local scene and the importance of doing so. This goal was clearly met for the evening, as a lineup featuring RenRiot, Local Orange, Toro, and Sophie’s Body made up the bill. While each band differs in sound, one characteristic remains the same: each has the heart of DIY.
More Than a New Band, They’re the Heartbeat of the Night
The night opened with RenRiot, a D.C. band formed in 2024. As soon as they kicked off with their demo, “Roomination,” the energy was set in motion– fast, loud, and gritty. Their sound instantly brought to mind bands such as Paramore, Balance and Composure, or Title Fight’s Hyperview era, with the blending of emotional vocals and guitars. By the end of their set, I knew RenRiot would become part of my daily rotation.
The drummer punctuated each song with precision, while the guitars reverberated off the metal walls. Lead singer Ren moved energetically while playing guitar, the movements reflecting the raw intensity of the music.
Nearing the end of the set, RenRiot invited the crowd into a sing-along, chanting, “and I must confess, I think I’m obsessed.” Then closed with a cover of Pierce the Veil’s “Besitos,” highlighting Ren’s angelic yet powerful voice, leaving the audience in awe.
