Columbus, Ohio’s own Johnny Franck—better known as Bilmuri and former Attack Attack! guitarist, clean vocalist, circa 2007-2010–rocked his hometown (which is specifically Columbus’ suburb Westerville) at KEMBA Live! on Friday, Sept. 18.
It was a full circle moment for Franck: the first concert he ever attended was Modest Mouse at the same venue in 2004, he mentioned to the sold out crowd.
“A lot of bands say their hometowns don’t support them much,” Franck said. “But, we’ve never felt that way here in Columbus!”
Since the release of Bilmuri’s second major label album, Kinda Hard (Columbia Records), earlier this year—with 13 albums released independently prior, since 2016—the singer-songwriter, musician and producer continues to gain popularity and be spotlighted—topping charts and receiving frequent rock radio station airplay.
It’s not only studio work that has brought buzz around Bilmuri, but also the full band’s live shows; as was proved with a physically nonstop performance and well-received songs: “Hard2Tell,” “More Than Hate,” “Always Let You Down,” “The Worst Part Of You,” and “Where To Find Me” (which featured opening artist Novelists’ vocalist Camille); along with many other songs, to round out a 75 minute set.
The backing band was solid and seasoned—as was displayed with a brief instrumental before “Livin’ Laughin’ Lovin’.”
Saxophonist, flutist (live flute during “FluorideInTheHardSeltzerWater”), vocalist Gabi Rose (discovered by Franck via TikTok) was remarkable throughout the set; she seamlessly blended smooth jazz with hard rock and metalcore breakdowns… like a perfect “opposites attract” oxymoron marriage of sorts. Think bands such as Issues, early Woe Is Me, VRSTY, the “clean” parts of I Prevail.
Overall, a spectacularly solid sounding, nonstop, energetic set and production with little banter—aside from Franck naturally addressing the crowd Midwesternly as “dude” here and here—and a couple fun bursts of bubbles, a bit of pyro, a flaming sword and Franck’s flawless, distinct, smooth vocal styles blending pop, punk, metal and even a bit of R&B and country.
Chicago southside punk pop mainstays Knuckle Puck took the stage with upbeat energy and a setlist that favored the band’s 2017 album Shapeshifter and debut album Copacetic.
Co-vocalists Joe Taylor and Nick Casasanto delivered a strong combo punch—especially during newer songs, “Nice To Know Ya” and “On All Cylinders.”
Before performing “No Good,” Taylor expressed gratitude while reflecting on 16 years as a band: “We started this band in Joe’s bedroom, just wanting to play small basement shows,” he laughed, “and look at where we are now!”
French five piece Novelists opened the night with a mix of both hard hitting metalcore and mellow mainstream hard rock, with vocalist Camille Contreras easily transitioning back and forth to vocally match each genre.
Overall, the sound was equal parts light and heavy with brief standout guitar solos in a couple songs.
The Kinda Hard Second Crank 22-date North America tour, with many sold out and low ticket shows, concludes early October on the West Coast.
“‘Cause Hell was real, we felt it in Ohio.”
Tour Dates
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