Philadelphia’s Union Transfer bore witness to an unforgettable night of chaos and catharsis as Better Lovers unleashed their brand of hardcore punk mayhem. The Buffalo, NY-based supergroup, formed in 2023 after the dissolution of Every Time I Die, celebrated the release of their debut album, Highly Irresponsible, with a performance that reaffirmed their place as titans of the heavy music scene.
Better Lovers brings together a powerhouse lineup: vocalist Greg Puciato (formerly of The Dillinger Escape Plan), guitarists Jordan Buckley and Will Putney, bassist Stephen Micciche, and drummer Clayton Holyoak. This collaboration between former members of Every Time I Die, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Fit For An Autopsy has quickly earned the group the “supergroup” label. Signed to SharpTone Records, they’ve released one album, an EP, and two singles since their formation, captivating fans of heavy and experimental music alike.
From the moment Better Lovers hit the stage, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary concert. The band erupted with the ferocity of a storm, launching their tracks with surgical precision and raw power. The interplay between Jordan Buckley and Will Putney on guitars created a sonic wall, with intricate riffs and crushing breakdowns that set the room ablaze.
Greg Puciato’s vocal performance was magnetic, shifting seamlessly from guttural roars to piercing melodic screams. His stage presence — equal parts chaotic and commanding — had the audience hanging on every note. Drummer Clayton Holyoak and bassist Stephen Micciche locked in tight, driving the energy to near-unmanageable heights.
The Union Transfer crowd was as much a part of the performance as the band itself. From the opening notes, bodies surged toward the stage, and crowd surfers were a near-constant presence. The pit churned with unrelenting energy, a perfect reflection of the music’s intensity. Despite the chaos, there was an undeniable sense of community — a shared release of pent-up energy that only live music can provide.
Better Lovers lived up to their supergroup status, proving that their pedigree is more than just a talking point. The chemistry among the members was undeniable, and the performance felt both polished and deeply visceral — a testament to their shared history and mutual respect as musicians.
Better Lovers’ show at Union Transfer wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience. Their ability to channel chaos into art, to create music that resonates on both a visceral and emotional level, is unmatched. With the release of Highly Irresponsible, the band has set the stage for what promises to be a storied career. For fans of hardcore and punk, Better Lovers is a must-see — and based on Philly’s performance, they’re only just getting started.
For fans of heavy music, catching Better Lovers live is not just recommended — it’s essential.
FULL SETLIST:
Lie Between the Lines
Sacrificial Participant
Your Misplaced Self
Become So Small
Superman Died Paralyzed
A White Horse Covered in Blood
Drowning in a Burning World
His Name Is Goose
The Flowering
Two Alive Amongst the Dead
At All Times
God Made Me an Animal
Love as an Act of Rebellion
If You’re Happy and You Know It
30 Under 13
GALLERY: Better Lovers at Union Transfer in Philadelphia (November 11, 2024)
