Brand New Returns to the Stage with a New Sound and Old Favorites

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. A Comeback to Remember
4. Reflecting on Past Controversies
5. Musical Evolution and Future Directions
6. Looking Ahead: Resurrection or Just a Moment?
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• First Public Performance: Brand New played their first public reunion show in Dallas, Texas, after years of hiatus, marking a significant comeback for the band.
• Setlist Highlights: The group included memorable hits and the live debuts of two songs, “Waste" and "Batter Up," from their last album, Science Fiction (2017).
• Controversial Past: Frontman Jesse Lacey’s history of accusations led to the band’s inactivity, raising questions about their future and the nature of their return.

Introduction

As the lights dimmed and a sudden surge of energy pulsed through The Bomb Factory in Dallas, fans were greeted by a familiar sound, immediately evoking nostalgia. It had been nearly eight years since Brand New played their last show, a hiatus that followed serious controversies surrounding lead singer Jesse Lacey. Yet here they were in March 2025, confirming their status as one of the most beloved and polarizing emo bands of their generation. Their comeback show not only marked a return to the stage but served as a focal point for many fans reflecting on the band's journey.

In a landscape of music where bands often stumble through their past, Brand New’s reunion prompted a mix of excitement and scrutiny. This article explores the band's setlist, the implications of their comeback in light of their past controversies, and the interactions with a devoted fanbase hungry for both old favorites and new revelations.

A Comeback to Remember

The band announced their return earlier in March by launching a new website, setting the stage for their performance, which took place on March 26, 2025. This initial reunion performance followed an intimate, secret gig in Nashville’s Eastside Bowl, hinting that a larger-scale tour might be on the horizon. The Dallas concert itself was held at The Bomb Factory, the same venue that hosted the band’s farewell show on October 29, 2017.

Setlist Breakdown

Brand New treated attendees to a carefully curated setlist that comprised both deep cuts and fan favorites.

• Opening Tracks: The show commenced with a triple threat of crowd-pleasers, the energetic “The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows”, “I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light”, and “The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot”, setting an electrifying tone for the evening.
• New Additions: Notably, they included live debuts of “Waste” and “Batter Up,” both from their acclaimed album Science Fiction, released in 2017. The band performed these songs with a degree of raw vulnerability that resonated with both longtime loyalists and newer followers.
• Ultimate Closer: The set concluded with the poignant “Jesus Christ,” a favorite from their 2006 album The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me.

Audience Reactions

Fans expressed their feelings on social media after the concert, with many remarking on the emotional depth displayed during the performance. One attendee noted how they could feel the "artistry being showcased at a much deeper, more meaningful level," suggesting that the band's time away had led to a new perspective on their music.

Reflecting on Past Controversies

Describing Lacey’s allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor in 2017 is delicate. The fallout from the accusations saw Brand New cancel a UK tour and witnessed their music stripped from platforms like Spotify. During this period, Lacey publicly apologized for his actions, acknowledging the pain he caused: “I want to say that I am absolutely sorry... I was selfish, narcissistic, and insensitive in my past.”

As Brand New returns to the spotlight, the band and its members find themselves in a complex dynamic of redemption and scrutiny. Their audience is left grappling with reconciling the artist’s past issues with their enduring love for the music.

A Complicated Legacy

Formed in 2000, Brand New initially captured the audience's attention with their emo sound and poignant lyrics, evolving over the years into a more complex alternative rock group. With hit albums like Your Favorite Weapon, Deja Entendu, and Daisy, the band became synonymous with the emo genre, influencing a generation of music fans. However, their last album, Science Fiction, hinted at a foreboding farewell, with merchandise branding that suggested they were closing a chapter on their story.

Musical Evolution and Future Directions

Critics and fans alike have noted how Brand New’s sound has matured over time, a factor that can be seen in the haunting lyrics and complex arrangements present in their later work. So how will the band navigate both its past controversies and its musical evolution moving forward?

Continued Fan Engagement

Several fans remain hopeful for future tours and new material, with speculation rife about what Brand New may have in store now that they are back together. As one fan remarked, the band's return might offer a chance for healing—not just for Lacey and the music community but also for fans themselves who feel a profound connection to the band’s narrative.

Looking Ahead: Resurrection or Just a Moment?

The future remains uncertain as Brand New has not explicitly indicated plans beyond the three shows announced. Will this reunion lead to a lengthy tour, or is it a fleeting moment in time meant to satisfy nostalgia? Questions loom over how they will address their legacy and their interaction with the growing demand for accountability in the music industry.

The complex interplay between artistry and responsibility continues to evolve. Brand New's return could lead to meaningful discussions within the community about the potential for personal growth alongside artistic endeavors.

FAQ

1. Why did Brand New hiatus in 2017?

Brand New went on hiatus following sexual misconduct allegations against lead singer Jesse Lacey. The allegations were serious enough that the band decided to cancel their UK tour and take a break from public engagements.

2. What songs debuted at the reunion show?

During the reunion show, Brand New performed live debuts of two songs: "Waste" and "Batter Up," both of which are from their last album, Science Fiction.

3. What was the audience's reaction to the concert?

Audience reactions were primarily positive, with many fans expressing a stronger emotional connection to the band's music during the concert compared to previous performances. Fans highlighted the deeper and more meaningful level of artistry displayed.

4. What is the current status of Brand New's music?

Brand New has not announced further music projects or tours beyond their current reunion shows. However, the band has hinted at potential future engagements, leaving fans hopeful for more music.

5. How has Brand New evolved musically over the years?

Brand New began with a more straightforward emo sound in the early 2000s but gradually transitioned into a more complex, introspective alternative rock style by the time they released Science Fiction in 2017.

6. How are fans engaging with Brand New's music post-reunion?

Following the reunion, many fans have taken to social media to share their experiences and feelings about the concert and the band's return, sparking discussions about the band's legacy and future direction.

Brand New's comeback illustrates the complicated nature of pop culture figures navigating their personal histories while trying to reclaim their place in the hearts of fans. Their live return suggests there is still an appetite for their music, even as difficult truths linger at the edge of their narrative.