The Backfires Rock Subterranean With a Vibrant Performance Filled With Their Greatest Hits
chicago, illinois - january 30th, 2025
New York City-based rock band The Backfires, have garnered a loyal fan base throughout the years, even though their debut album, This Is Not An Exit, was released only one week ago on January 24th. If the audience at Subterranean was any indication, The Backfires are just at the precipice of rock-and-roll stardom, with more than enough talent and charisma to back it up. During their set, Alex Gomez, on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, joked that when the band met with their management team in the early days of writing what they thought would be another EP, it was decided that rock bands don’t make EPs, they make albums. And thus, This Is Not An Exit was born; a punchy and courageous project sure to capture listeners’ attention and cement The Backfires as a band to keep an eye on in the rock and roll scene and beyond.
After an electric opening set from San Diego-based band Foxtide, The Backfires took the stage one by one. The energy in the crowd was palpable as each member descended the spiral stairs at the back of the stage and stepped into the spotlight before reuniting with their instruments of choice. First came Dylan Spiro, subbing for Max Wanduragala on drums for the band’s North American Tour. He might be new to the band, but he has already made an impression on fans, who welcomed him with a warm cheer as he waved to the crowd. Next came Matt Walter on bass guitar and Harry Ruprecht on lead guitar and backing vocals. They made a striking pair as Walter wore a slouchy, red knit sweater, and Ruprecht slung his cherry red guitar over his shoulder. Finally, Alex Gomez descended the stairs in a t-shirt that proudly declared “your favorite band sucks” and received more enthusiastic cheering as he picked up his guitar.
photo by Kirill Bykanov @kirill.tiff
The band warmed up briefly before building excitement in the audience with an extended intro of “Brighter Lights.” The set started strong with a speedy introduction, and a punchy bass and drum rhythm that didn’t let up as The Backfires effortlessly transitioned into “Replace It All.” The performance featured an impressive guitar solo from Ruprecht, which he shared with the audience as he played at the edge of the stage, kneeling low to give fans a glimpse of his skills up close. To finish their opening set, The Backfires switched gears for “Figure It Out,” a track that keeps you on your feet as it bounces back and forth from buzzing choruses to fresh and nostalgic verses.
As The Backfires geared up to continue the set, Gomez introduced himself and the band, each member receiving enthusiastic applause and cheers, the audience eager to hear more and dance the night away. “Joyride” kept the energy high as each band member danced to the rhythm and connected with each other and the audience. Before the song finished, Gomez, Ruprecht, and Walter stood at the edge of the stage, glowing in the spotlights, letting the audience feel a part of the band. “Reflections On My TV” started more sultry and relaxed, with a grungy guitar rhythm and mellow bass. Spiro on drums kept the song's heartbeat going with a relaxed beat in each verse and an infectious rhythm in each chorus. Ruprecht shined with a passionate guitar solo to close out the song.
One of my favorite tracks from The Backfires and one of my favorite performances from the night was “Turn Off The Lights.” The rhythm was infectious from the first few seconds with groovy bass and sharp guitar tracks. Remaining cool, calm, and collected, Walter cracked a small smile and closed his eyes as he carried the bass line steadily to the end of the song. The audience couldn’t help but nod and dance along. The Backfires’ set took a more grungy turn with a dark and gritty rendition of “Matador.” Spiro’s drumming was magnetic as the drums grew louder and faster. The track finished with a bang and transitioned smoothly into “I Know You Know,” an eager and passionate song reminiscent of early 2000s rock and grunge. Gomez’s vocals were bold, and he gave everything in the bridge and outro as he repeated the lyrics, “I know you know what I want.” The song received spirited applause from the audience as a fan cheered for Alex.
The set continued with “Never Seen You Before,” a cheeky and hyper track that Gomez and the other band members matched with passionate playing and dancing. The song came to a close with a clean and punchy finish as Gomez smiled at the audience. Next up was “Preoccupied,” a track off their debut EP, “Consider The Backfires,” released in 2021. With joyful vocals and springing instrumentals, this performance showcased the evolution of the band and highlighted each member’s growth as instrumentalists and performers. “Aphrodite” sparked more nostalgia for early 2000s rock and roll. The steady drum and bass beat was infectious, and lead vocals from Gomez and backing vocals from Ruprecht made the chorus charming and dynamic. A clear fan favorite, “Going Gets Easy,” encouraged fans to sing along, and as the band worked their way to the edge of the stage throughout the song, the excitement in the crowd grew as fans cheered and unleashed their inhibitions just as the band was doing on stage.
The Backfires couldn’t have ended their set without playing the title track off their debut album, “This Is Not An Exit.” The song started with a slow and whimsical guitar track. Gomez’s vocals were sultry and nostalgic as the bass and drums built steadily into the loud and exciting chorus. The instrumentals and vocals grew more passionate as the song came to a clashing and cathartic end. “Dressed For A Funeral” was irresistible, with fun backing vocals in the chorus and upbeat instrumentals. The audience was more encouraged than ever to shout the lyrics along with the band. The Backfires’ set came to an exciting close with “Blindsided,” one of the band’s most well-known songs. The performance did not disappoint. Each band member gave it their all as the vocals and instrumentals grew louder and more energetic.
The Backfires “This Is Not An Exit” Official Music Video directed by Ethan Romaine
The Backfires proved their charisma and performance capabilities at the intimate but exciting Subterranean. Their warm welcome and goodbye to the audience, which included handing out the set lists to two lucky audience members and Spiro tossing his drumsticks into the audience, added to the excitement of witnessing a band rise to their fullest potential. Catch The Backfires on their North American Tour until March 15th to experience these songs live and to be ahead of the game before the band takes off.
