Concert Review: almost monday Brings the California Coast to Austin’s Parish

almost monday shined bright in Austin, Texas at Parish on Feb. 15. With rocking tracks from its latest album, DIVE, the band had the venue dancing through the night.

Written by Claire Hookstra

Photos by Olivia Cagle 

almost monday broke into the indie scene in 2020 with its single “broken people.” Just four years later, the San Diego trio embarked on its first headline world tour in November 2024 with its debut album, DIVE. Capturing the sunny essence of the California coast in its surf-rock discography, almost monday’s set was more of a groovy dance party than a typical concert.  

The night started at exactly 8:30 p.m. with 20-year-old opener Adrian Lyles taking the Parish stage. The “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” star warmed the room with crowd singalongs and synchronized waves to original songs like “King of Everything” and “Formalize Me.” Enthusiastically working the stage, Lyles, arms covered stylishly in vibrant bracelets, held the eager crowd in rapt attention. Playing both electric guitar and keys, Lyles poured his heart out on stage, making his mark with a 35-minute set. 

Parish was packed with eager teenagers and ready-to-rock dads alike as the lights dimmed promptly at 9:30 p.m. The opening notes of “dive,” the title track of the trio’s latest album, swelled through the overhead speakers as guitarist Cole Clisby and bassist Luke Fabry approached the stage. The lights flashed fluorescent purple and blue as lead singer Dawson Daugherty stormed the stage in a Yeah Yeah Yeah’s t-shirt, crocheted beanie, and eclectic Y2K sunglasses. His gnarly vocals boomed through the mic as the crowd erupted in whoops and screams. Jumping in unison with the energetic singer, the crowd let loose as the track’s groovy beat filled the room. A seamless transition into “is it too late?” kept the crowd’s stamina going, as Daugherty debuted his spirited dance moves for the first of many times that evening. Twirling across the stage from left to right, Daugherty pumped up the crowd for an evening of good vibrations.

Dawning a turquoise electric guitar, the singer kept the crowd’s attention with the start of the third song, “can’t slow down,” as Clisby and Fabry stayed intently focused on their instruments. Touring drummer Rafael Vidal rambunctiously hit his drums, singing backup vocals for the danceable hit. The crowd grew louder than ever as strobe lights illuminated the packed room. Daugherty grinned widely and gave a seemingly satisfactory thumbs up to the crowd’s dancing abilities. The 2022 and 2023 singles “cough drops” and “only wanna dance” continued to energize the crowd while Daugherty’s ballerina-like spins and miming gestures captivated the audience. 

“You guys are kinda lit bro… what?” he playfully addressed the crowd, receiving roaring applause before diving into fast-paced “never enough.” The crowd’s infectious energy fueled the band as they eagerly responded to the classic “repeat after me” game, slowly learning the song’s harmony to sing along with the musicians. In a swell of syncopated “oohs,” the audience became almost monday’s backup singers for the chorus of the laid-back track “tidal wave.” Quickly after, Daugherty let out an excited “Everybody jump!” as the band and crowd danced in unison, causing the venue to shake to the pounding beat of “jupiter.” Fabry guided the track’s rhythm with a bass line that transformed Parish from a warehouse venue to the beaches of Santa Monica. Every crowd interaction started by the singer that night was successful, proving the indie band’s talent for captivating an audience. 

Blue light cast over the crowd as the energy mellowed out for “holiday,” the setlist’s first track from the deluxe version of DIVE. The easygoing coastal vibes continued for “coast to coast” and “sweet feelings” as the audience gently swayed back and forth to the sweet guitar riffs. Picking up the pace, the 2020 hit “broken people” had die-hard and new fans alike singing and waving their hands along to the uplifting chorus: “‘Cause we’re all just broken people / And we don’t know why / But we’re keeping it together / ‘Cause we gotta try.” As smiles filled the room, Daugherty announced a “special birthday in the house” and had the room sing “Happy Birthday” to the group’s tour manager, George. Immediately following, the trio indulged in yet another ode to its home state of California with “sequoia,” “I might not be as rich as a lawyer / But you can lean on me like a sequoia,” sang Daugherty in the chorus.  

With very seldom crowd acknowledgment from Fabry and Clisby, Daugherty playfully yelled, “Let’s pump it up!” as Clisby shredded the opening guitar riff of “you look so good.” The syncopated chorus of the beachy tune, “You / Look / So / Good,” was a hit with the crowd as they mimicked the singer’s motions that matched the tune’s lyrics. Suddenly, halfway through the next song, “she likes sports,” the singer surprisingly obtained a mini basketball which fit perfectly in the basketball hoops on the wall opposite the stage. Sizing up the hoop, Daugherty launched the ball directly over the audience, missing the hoop by just a hair. People then took turns trying to shoot a hoop with the ball as the energetic track played out. 

A few “Come on Austin!” and “Let’s rock!” comments from Daugherty characterized the end of the show before the trio reached their ultimate feel-good ballad, “sun keeps on shining.” The serotonin-filled indie bop led into the closing track of DIVE, “life goes by.” With one last chance to jam out before leaving the stage, the indie rockers gave it their all, with all four bouncing their surfer-like curls on stage and smiling at the crowd in awe. Dancing like there was no tomorrow, the audience matched the eager energy of the trio and smiled right back at them. Thanking the crowd for such a great night, the band left the stage while Vidal stayed behind to throw out printed setlists to a sea of outstretched audience hands. 

almost monday served the crowd groovy bass lines with bright lyrics to warm up a chilly Saturday night in Austin, Texas. With Daugherty’s commanding stage presence and the impeccable talents of Clisby, Fabry, and Vidal, the Californian band brought a precious piece of the West Coast to the South. almost monday’s world tour is only about halfway over, and one can only wait to see what it “dives” into next.