#vainglvry

The energetic band opened with ‘Cake By The Ocean’, one of their first hits and probably their most streamed single to-date. It might be considered a little bit of a throwback, but the crowd was enthusiastic and sang along every word. Their transition into ‘Body Moves’, another slam-dunk from the band and every bit as raunchy as we’d expect from this rag-tag group, seemed effortless. Singer Chris Kelley’s killer vocals and charismatic stage-presence are enough to make you swoon. Meanwhile, bassist Onyx Phoenix’s amazing groove line in the cover of the Sir Rod Stewart classic had everyone’s hips swaying and singing along as Kelley changed pronouns in the melody to fit the LGBT crowd--’her heart’s beating like a drum is she gonna get this girl??’. Judging by the screams from the audience, it was well received.

Of course, what everyone really gathered to see was their latest smash-hit ‘Be Mean’. This come on the coat-tails of a sexy, dirty, plain nasty debut of the single at the 2018 American Music Awards, so the expectations for leather, whips, and handcuffs were high. Afterparty did not disappoint, as usual. Band members flaunted risque outfits in the San Francisco summer heat (Mimi, it had to be really hot in all that leather, are you good?), and the vocalist took the time and place to perform shirtless. 

The highlight, however, had to be the surprise release of what has massive potential to be a huge summer bop, ‘Kissing Strangers’. After ‘Be Mean’ came to a close, Kelley took to the mic again, leading into the new song with a heartfelt message.

“Thank you all--we greatly appreciate this opportunity to be here and show our support for the LGBT community. To anyone out there who is struggling with their identity, we want you to know that you are loved and that this journey happens on our own time. Don’t feel rushed to do anything you’re not ready for, or don’t feel safe for. We love you. This final song is a new one, and we’re so excited to perform it for you because it has a very special meaning to me. Since I was a teenager, I’ve recognized these feelings inside me, an attraction to other men. But I kept them buried, I thought if I didn’t acknowledge it, they would disappear. As I got older, I quietly became used to it, acknowledged and privately expressed this desire for male and female partners. Now I stand here today at twenty-four years old, finally ready to say that I am proudly a bisexual man. And tonight we’re not here to be sad, we’re here to celebrate who we are and keep an open heart and open mind. So let’s fucking get this going. I’m coming out and so is our third album, this is ‘Kissing Strangers’!”

Many fans and non-fans have taken to Twitter, buzzing about the coming-out announcement, as well as the announcement that their third studio album would be released some time this year. The excitement with this band never ends, and we hope it stays that way for years to come.

Congratulations Chris Kelley, we are happy for you. And congratulations Afterparty, if these singles are any hint as to what to expect from the album, we only have question: Where can we pre-order?