Story of the Year stopped at Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia with co-headliners Senses Fail and special guests Armor For Sleep on the Scream Team Tour. It may have been cold outside waiting in line to get in, but this was a stacked lineup that warmed every Emo/Warped Tour/MySpace kids heart that night.
Armor For Sleep kicked things off right, as the seasoned band from New Jersey came out in full force. The last 2 times I caught them, they were headlining, so it was cool to see them opening. Even so, the songs they chose from 3 of their 5 albums were still heavy hitting, emotionally charged, and raw as the first time I heard them. They chose songs from “What To Do When You Are Dead,” “There Is No Memory,” and “Dream To make Believe.” And they closed their nostalgic set with the 1st song I ever heard, “Car Underwater” which still hits hard.
Even though there were periods where the band had disbanded then briefly came back, they’ve once again proved that their return is still deserving of the praise and cheer that defined an era of music; complete with their tour buddies Story of the Year and Senses Fail. With a blend of post hardcore, emo, and alternative rock, AFS is most definitely on repeat for a lot of fans, and the crowd this night showed them by singing along.
It was time for the main events; Story of the Year went on 2nd, as they’re alternating headlining on these tour dates. Story of the Year has been in my top 3 since I first heard them back in 2003, thanks to Page Avenue and Warped Tour. Like Senses Fails set, a circle pit immediately started as they opened with explosive song Gasoline (All Rage Still Only Numb) which is off of their new album coming out February 2026. They played songs off of “Page Avenue,” “In the Wake of Determination,” “Tear Me to Pieces,” and new album “A.R.S.O.N.” They all came out on scooters, did a lap on stage, and the crowd went wild.
They quickly became a favorite band for me, and I’m sure others feel the same. With heavy post hardcore and emo riffs, screaming, and heavy drums, they too have shaped the way we see this emo/punk/pop punk/alternative rock music scene. Their lyrics also show fans that they won’t give in to what others are trying to force them to be, and that they won’t cave. “We Don’t Care Anymore,” “War,” and “Our Time Is Now,” are perfect example of this, which were all part of their set. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the new album next year.
Senses Fail closed out the night with the same energy and performance that Story of the Year did, with loud cheers, crowd surfing, singing, and an immediate circle pit. They started with “Buried A Lie,” “Bonecrusher,” “Calling All Cars,” and “Lady In A Blue Dress.” After the 2nd song, singer Buddy introduced the band to the crowd, stating they’re from right across the river in New Jersey, and told the crowd it wasn’t hard to tell they’re from the area, which gathered some laughs. He then continued to show the crowd his hand tattoo showing the state of New Jersey, adding “That’s how you know you’re from a state because you’re dumb enough to get it tattooed on you.” Laughter ensued, as he then jokingly taunted the Philly crowd, stating that they’re basically from NJ too, even though they cheer for the Eagles, which warranted the all famous E.A.G.L.E.S. chant. Buddy then we on to say “You only get 1 more chance tonight, now, to yell that, then we move on.” The crowd obliged, yelled the chant, and they continued the incredible set.
Senses Fail also had some really cool moments, where Buddy took the entire mic stand, aimed it into the crowd, having the crowd sing back during certain moments. 2 that stood out for me were during “One Eight Seven,” where the crowd belted out the lyrics “Shot Through My Heart,” and “Calling All Cars,” as the crowd yelled “What Did You Expect From Me.” They played 16 songs off of 9 albums, the most being from “Let It Enfold You.” Their production and lighting was just as amazing, and I simply love how they engage with the crowd, singing with them, and waving their hands so the crowd continues to join in. Senses Fail is another great band to see live, and like Story of the Year whom I’ve covered in the past, I highly recommend you catch these guys live as well.