The Fillmore was buzzing with energy Sunday night as Dance Gavin Dance brought their unmistakable blend of post-hardcore, funk, and chaos to a packed crowd on their Return of the Robot tour. With support from rising stars The Home Team, the night delivered a dynamic mix of technical musicianship, soaring vocals, and unpredictable tempo shifts that only this lineup could provide. Blending controlled chaos with emotional catharsis, the Sacramento veterans reminded everyone why they remain one of the most unique forces in the scene.
The Home Team opened the night with an explosion of charisma and sound that quickly won over the early crowd. Their fusion of pop-punk hooks, R&B smoothness, and rock edge felt both fresh and familiar. Vocalist Brian Butcher had the crowd singing along by the second song, and the band’s tight performance complete with synchronized headbanging and slick stage presence showed why they’re quickly climbing the alt-rock ladder. “Hell” and “Somebody Else’s Face” hit especially hard live, and they closed out their set with a confident swagger that hinted at headliner potential in the near future.
Then came Dance Gavin Dance, opening with “Speed Demon” and immediately setting the tone for the night. The chemistry between Andrew Wells’ clean vocals and Jon Mess’ unrelenting screams is one of the most unique and captivating combinations in the genre. Will Swan’s guitar work felt effortless despite the complexity, ripping through riffs that bounced from metalcore heaviness to jazz-funk weirdness.
A deep-cut sequel in the “Robot with Human Hair” saga exploded live, merging nostalgia with a fresh, futuristic edge. Mess’s guttural growls tore through the verses with surgical precision, while Wells' vocals soared over Swan’s glitchy, tech-inspired riffs. It was layered, chaotic, melodic and impossible to turn away from. Fans didn’t miss a beat, screaming the lyrics back like it had been in the setlist for years.
Wasting no time, the band played almost non-stop, barely pausing between songs as they raced to fit in as much of their sprawling catalog as possible before the Sunday night curfew. The urgency only heightened the room’s energy, with each transition feeling tighter and more intense. Fans were also treated to two freshly released tracks from the upcoming album Pantheon, offering a thrilling preview of the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature unpredictability.
Just when it seemed like the show had ended, Dance Gavin Dance stormed back onstage for a blistering three-song encore. People were clinging to the barricade, drenched in sweat, and still screaming like they had anything left to give. Return of the Robot wasn’t just a tour; it was a celebration of everything that makes Dance Gavin Dance a band that defies labels, expectations, and sometimes even logic.
In short? The robots are back and they’ve never sounded more alive.
With opener Home Team
The Fillmore | Minneapolis, MN | June 1, 2025
Photographer: Sophia Bronwyn
