Indianapolis- It was hot on Sunday, but that did not deter people from standing in line, awaiting the gates to open at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park for Rockstar Energy's Taste of Chaos tour. As fans gathered on the lawn, getting their beers and french fries, and finding a place to stand, only one word can some up the anticipation for the Taste of Chaos' Indianapolis show- Nostalgia. 

The crowd was made up of people young and old. Some were younger kids with parents who listened to these bands growing up and some were parents of these new grown ups who listened as well. The stage was large and the setting sun lit the back of it, giving a beautiful vibe to start the evening.

The Early November kicked off the show with energetic fun. Each member grooved into their music and the crowd followed suit. The band sounded amazing as the music echoed across the lawn toward downtown Indy. 

Saosin followed by upping the energy quotient. Anthony Green commanded the stage, switching beautifully between clean and grunge vocals. 

The band's harsher sounds did not quite fit the rest of the line up, but shook it up in a very good way. The crowd received the band well, continually screaming and singing along as they could.

Up next was Taking Back Sunday. The crowd had been anticipating this band to take the stage. And while the energy and nostalgia did not disappoint, the sound fell short in quality compared to past performances. The vocals and music levels did not seem to balance. However, the crowd did not seem to care as they danced vigorously along to the music. One couple was screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs and moving hard. By the time the band ended their set with "Makedamnsure", the entire crowd was on their feet. 

By the time Dashboard Confessional took the stage, the sun had completely set. An LCD screen flashed lights across the stage, silhouetting the drummer as he started the first song. Each member slowly waltzed onto the stage in an effective, dramatic entrance. The stage lights flashed bright once lead singer Chris Carrabba took the stage.  

The lights and LCD screen combo made it hard to see at times, but overall, the aesthetic was pleasing. Dashboard sounded amazing, opening with the hit "Vindicated". They took the crowd on an emotionally charged rollercoaster throughout their incredible set. As it got later into the night, some of the crowd took off early- missing an enjoyable encore. The band seemed to end their set with "Stolen", then surprised everyone by coming back onstage and truly ending the night with "Hands Down". 

The overall response to the show was overwhelmingly positive. People were brought to tears by seeing the bands that influenced them growing up. While there may have been an audible misstep during Taking Back Sunday's set, no one can deny the pure joy from seeing them perform. The Taste of Chaos tour is one to put in the books and write on your calendar. Go see this tour and experience this amazing line up. This is a tour you do not want to miss. See for yourself by viewing the galleries from the show below!

All photos by Nicky Parry. Follow her and us on Instagram: @nickyparryphoto, @killthemusictv. 

The Early November

Saosin

Taking Back Sunday

Dashboard Confessional