If ever a band lived up to their name, it’s Set It Off—and on Thursday night at SWX, they did exactly that.
From the moment doors opened, the excitement was undeniable. Fans wrapped around the block in eager anticipation, a familiar sight on this sold-out UK tour. Inside, the energy was electric, the air thick with expectation.
For over a decade, Cody Carson (vocals), Zach DeWall (guitar), and Maxx Danziger (drums) have honed their ability to captivate audiences, and tonight was no different. Recently unshackled from the constraints of the traditional music industry, the band has rediscovered a renewed sense of purpose. That fire was evident from the second they stormed the stage, launching straight into a blistering rendition of “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing [REBORN]”, setting the tone for an evening of unrelenting energy.
Carson, a born showman, prowled the edge of the stage with the intensity of a frontman who thrives in the moment. Set It Off are not just performers; they are conduits for connection, feeding off the crowd’s fervor while locking eyes with as many fans as possible, forging a near-psychic bond. By the time they tore into “Fake Ass Friends” and “The Haunting”, it was clear this was not just a concert—it was a collective experience. The synergy between the band and their fans was undeniable, as if Carson could have stepped back and let the crowd carry the show entirely.
The setlist was a masterclass in balance, seamlessly blending the band’s signature theatricality with their knack for raw, emotional storytelling. “Evil People” and “Creating Monsters” pulsed with defiant energy, while “Lonely Dance” and “Hypnotized” showcased the band’s ability to craft anthems that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Even older fan favorites like “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” and “N.M.E.” slotted in effortlessly alongside newer hits such as “Parasite” and “Win Win”, each met with deafening singalongs.
As the night raced toward its climax, Set It Off proved why their reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in alternative music is well-earned. The explosive “Killer in the Mirror” had the entire venue moving as one, before the emotionally charged “Why Worry” provided a moment of euphoric catharsis. And just when it seemed the energy couldn’t peak any higher, they closed with “Punching Bag”, leaving SWX in a state of pure exhilaration.
Set It Off’s success is rooted in their ability to connect—not with grandiose statements or overwrought metaphors, but with real, relatable emotions. They sing about life’s frustrations, anxieties, and triumphs in a way that feels both deeply personal and widely universal. Pair that with a stage presence that exudes raw passion and energy levels that would put professional athletes to shame, and it’s no surprise that every single date of this tour has sold out.
As the final notes faded and fans spilled out into the night, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just another show. It was a testament to the power of music as a unifying force. And in a world that often feels heavy, Set It Off delivered something truly valuable—a night of pure, unfiltered joy.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
