For an hour, the snowstorm threatening Boston’s weekend disappeared as almost monday took the stage at a sold-out Brighton Music Hall on February 5. The indie-pop trio, consisting of members Dawson Daugherty, Luke Fabry, and Cole Clisby, is currently on their highly anticipated “DIVE” tour, bringing their signature surf-inspired sound to eager fans.
The three-piece band—consisting of a lead vocalist, a guitarist, and a bassist—was joined by a drummer for the night, though he wasn’t an official member. Together, they ignited the stage with a burst of energy that resonated throughout the venue. They entered against the backdrop of a sun tapestry decorated with their band’s name, setting the perfect tone for the night. As the opening chords of “dive” rang out, their surfside swagger and raw music instantly captivated the crowd, drawing them into the electrifying atmosphere they had so effortlessly created.
Midway through the first song, vocalist Daughtery amped up the energy, serving ninja-style kicks as he belted into the crowd. His infectious enthusiasm had the audience pumping their fists and singing along, as the upbeat vibe of the music filled the venue with a carefree fun that was impossible to resist. The band’s signature sound—a seamless blend of sun-soaked guitar riffs, infectious basslines, and punchy drum beats—radiated through the venue, creating a sonic atmosphere that felt electrifying and effortlessly cool. Each strum of Clisby’s guitar rang out crisp, while Fabry’s basslines provided a rhythmic pulse that seemed to vibrate through the floor.
Daugherty’s vocals carried a raw, untamed energy—sometimes smooth and melodic, other times bursting with a raspy urgency that made every lyric hit harder. The tight instrumentation and layered harmonies gave each song a dynamic ebb and flow, pulling the audience deeper into almost monday’s kaleidoscopic world of indie-pop bliss. As a powerful guitar riff blasted through the speakers, the band seamlessly transitioned into the next song on the setlist, “is it too late?” The infectious energy of the performance was evident as smiles and nods spread throughout the venue, infusing the room with unmistakable summer vibes that lit up the room.
The intimate setup of Brighton Music Hall made for the perfect backdrop for almost monday’s high-energy performance. With its close-knit layout and low stage, the venue erased the distance between the band and the audience, allowing the energy to flow freely throughout the room. The compact space amplified every beat, every lyric, and every movement, making the crowd feel like an integral part of the show rather than just spectators.
My favorite track, “can’t slow down,” came next, and the excitement was as fresh as the first time I heard it. The energy during this song was electrifying, with pulsating lights accentuating every beat and the band dancing on the edge of the stage, almost ready to tumble into the crowd. The contagious vibe had me so captivated that I felt like I was dancing along, camera in hand, determined to capture every moment of the spectacle.
Daugherty’s question—“Are you ready to sing a little bit?”—was met with an overwhelming roar of approval from the crowd, who were more than eager to join in. As the band launched into “cough drops,” the energy in the room reached a fever pitch, with voices blending into a collective chorus that echoed through the music hall.
In true, almost monday fashion, the band stunned the audience again throughout the night by playing an unreleased track hinting at the title “lost.” Although the song didn’t make the cut for DIVE (deluxe), their performance was a blast. The surprise debut electrified the venue—fans exchanged excited glances, and cheers erupted almost instantly.
More than once, Daughtery reminded fans how much almost monday appreciated them, but the sentiment hit even harder when he pulled out what appeared to be a Polaroid camera. Snapping a photo mid-set, he looked at the crowd and said, “We don’t ever want to forget you,” his voice carrying over the cheers of a crowd that undoubtedly felt the same way.
Throughout the night, each song carried its distinct charm—a catchy hook or a funky bassline—that immediately captured the audience’s attention. Every element of the set was meticulously crafted, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
As the night drew close, the crowd swayed and sang along to the final song, “life goes by.” The energy in the room was undeniable, with fans soaking in every last note. Even after the music faded, the excitement lingered as people gathered around the merch table, eager to meet the band and have them sign merchandise.
Having first seen almost monday electrify an arena-sized crowd while opening for AJR this summer, it’s been incredible to watch their evolution as headliners on the “DIVE” tour. While their infectious energy and sun-soaked sound remain constants, their confidence on stage has only grown. The band’s ability to command a room—whether in a Midwestern arena or the intimate walls of Brighton Music Hall—proves they’re more than just a rising indie act; they’re carving out a space of their own in the alternative scene.
Keep up with the band on Instagram and TikTok at @almostmonday
For tickets to the “DIVE” tour, visit https://almostmonday.com/live
