Better Lovers bring their tour to NYC: recap, photos

On November 17th, Warsaw in Brooklyn became the epicenter of heavy music as Better Lovers headlined their first tour, joined by Full of Hell, Spy, and Cloakroom. The diverse lineup delivered a thrilling range of genres—something I think more shows should embrace. However, the excitement was marred by reports of nearly $15,000 worth of phones being stolen, including mine, which was swiped straight from my back pocket. This string of thefts has been plaguing venues across Brooklyn in recent weeks, serving as a stark reminder for fans to stay vigilant. It’s wise to secure valuables in zippered pockets, tie items to your fingers, or even use cable zip ties to keep your belongings on you.

Despite this, the night’s centerpiece was the all-powerful Better Lovers, featuring an all-star lineup: Jordan Buckley, Clayton “Goose” Holyoak, and Steve “Mitch” Micciche (formerly of Every Time I Die), Greg Puciato (of The Dillinger Escape Plan), and acclaimed metal producer Will Putney. The band emerged from the ashes of their previous projects—Every Time I Die’s dramatic 2021 split and Dillinger’s iconic farewell in 2017—and crafted a sound that blends chaotic hardcore with emotional depth. Considering all the projects Greg Puciato has going on, I’m happy he’s putting priority into Better Lovers, as they truly seem to have a lot to offer.

Tracks like “Superman Died Paralyzed” and “A White Horse Covered in Blood” showcased their ferocious technicality and crushing breakdowns. The crowd at Warsaw was ignited, with fans diving into the mosh pit, proving that standing still at a metal show is simply not an option.

If you haven’t checked out their latest album, Highly Irresponsible, it should be “high” on your list. The album may feel a little all over the place, but that’s part of its charm in a world where AI-generated music is becoming the norm. Better Lovers offer something fresh—a unique blend of Soundgarden meets Motörhead meets a decapitated clown.

Full of Hell delivered an unrelenting performance, showcasing their signature grindcore chaos with tracks like “Crawling Back to God.” Their frontman’s guttural shrieks and goblin-like intensity made for a visceral experience. Every moment felt like an explosion of noise, leaving the audience in awe—and perhaps a little afraid.

Spy brought high-octane energy to the stage, with their frontman ready to swing, punch, and put on a massive show. Performing tracks like “Running Out of Space,” they tapped into the confrontational spirit of modern hardcore punk. Their electrifying pace and interaction with the crowd added to the night’s intensity.

Opening the night, Cloakroom offered a welcome contrast with their shoegaze-heavy rock. Tracks like “Story of the Egg” enveloped the crowd in melancholic melodies, setting the stage for the sonic onslaught that followed.

Warsaw’s intimate yet larger-than-life atmosphere amplified the performances, though the sound quality left something to be desired. Still, the venue’s charm lies in its location and unique offerings—chief among them, their legendary pierogies. For $9, you can snag a plate (though sadly without sour cream or applesauce), making it a surprisingly good deal compared to the half-filled $9 popcorn boxes at the bar.

Despite the thrilling performances, the thefts served as a sobering reminder to safeguard your belongings. The night highlighted the resilience and evolution of heavy music, with each band pushing boundaries in their own way. In the future, perhaps Brooklyn’s live music scene could embrace even greater diversity—imagine adding rap or reggaeton to the mix, attracting entirely new fan bases.

Fans left Warsaw exhilarated by the music, though with an added note of caution for future events: If you’re not rocking zippered pockets, you might be leaving more than sweat behind in the pit.

Check out photos of Better Lovers, Full of Hell, Spy, and Cloakroom from their show at Warsaw, captured by Dylan Lappin in the gallery below. See all upcoming tour dates here.

Cloakroom:

Spy:

Full of Hell:

Better Lovers:

Better Lovers 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
The Flowering
His Name Is Goose
Two Alive Amongst the Dead
Future Myopia
At All Times
God Made Me an Animal
Love as an Act of Rebellion
30 Under 13

Check out fan-filmed footage: