Movements causes a “Ruckus!” at Aragon Ballroom

^{Article and photos by Jessica Martens}

California post-hardcore band Movements took over the Aragon Ballroom on March 22. The four piece formed in California in 2015, and consists of vocalist Patrick Miranda, drummer Spencer York, guitarist Ira George and bass player Austin Cressey. The band has been touring on and off since the release of their third studio album Ruckus! in 2023. This tour was especially highly anticipated by fans excited by the stacked bill. The tour included three supporting bands: Downward, Scowl, and Citizen. 

The night kicked off with alternative rock band Downward, hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The four-piece made for a perfect opener as their music has more of a slower, shoegaze-like sound than the other bands that nevertheless brought a vibration to the floor below and movement to the crowd. The set included mesmerizing tunes from their recently released self-titled sophomore album Downward (2). Following Downward was rock band Scowl, who came out swinging with the track “Wired,” which features vocalist Kat Moss’ unique grizzly vocals over heavy drums and driving bass and guitars. Moss mesmerized the crowd as she ran around the stage with her neon green hair glowing under black lights. The band notably teased their upcoming album Are We All Angels by playing newly released singles “Tonight (I'm Afraid),” “B.A.B.E.,” and “Not Hell, Not Heaven,” throughout their performance. By the time their set came to an end the venue was full and the audience was ready for more. 

The crowd was ecstatic for the third act, Citizen. This tour reunites Movements and Citizen, who hit the road together in 2018 in support of pop-punk group The Story So Far. Citizen’s set began with the song “The Night I Drive Alone,” an emotionally charged track that builds from start to finish. This song hooked the audience into the performance instantly. The energy remained high into the next song, “Death Dance Approximately,” and continued as the band played songs from all eras of their discography. Citizen ended their set with the track “I Want To Kill You,” but the night was not over yet and the audience remained hungry for more. 
After a short break, the large ‘Movements’ sign above the stage began to glow a soft gold. The crowd erupted in cheers and the band emerged. Movements began with 2024 single “Afraid to Die,” an upbeat song that got the crowd jumping for the fourth and final act of the night. The setlist featured tracks from their most recent album Ruckus!, including “Lead Pipe,” and “I Hope You Choke,” with popular songs from past albums woven in. Throughout the performance, colorful lights illuminated the bobbing crowd and swirling mosh pits. It all felt extra powerful as they played their newest single “where I lay,” whose release accompanied the tour announcement. The night concluded with Movements’ performance of “Daylily,” a fan favorite and the band's most popular song. This track always gets the crowd a little emotional and is a special ending that leaves the audience feeling moved. After this show, it is clear that these four bands together make the perfect recipe for an unforgettable night of music.