The Wombats & Cigarettes @ Sunset in Milwaukee, WI

I began my journey to Turner Hall to capture The Wombats touring on their sixth studio album, Oh! The Ocean. The album was released last February and is full of infectious, high-energy choruses, and delightful lyrics. My favorite track off the album is “The World’s Not Out To Get Me, I Am.” The album finds a way to turn the bad times into good tunes.

Opening the show was Cigarettes @ Sunset, a five-piece band based in Boone, North Carolina. The band has been carving out a new sound of their own, confidently calling it Possum Rock – a raw and soulful blend of Americana, Indie, and Appalachian Folk. With that being said, I was eager to capture their set. The lead vocalist, Garrett Dellinger, entered the room with infectious energy. His vocals delivered both strength and vulnerability. Each word seemed to be torn from personal memory and delivered with emotional directness.

As their set came rearing to an end, Dellinger hopped into the crowd. I followed with my camera, fully immersing myself in the chaos. He commanded everyone to kneel down with him, and then proceeded to burst into the air in unison; his control of the audience was phenomenal. The crowd became fully prepared for the rest of the night.

The main act of the night was The Wombats. Hailing from Liverpool, UK, they’re known for their sharp wit, energetic sound, and synth-infused melodies. They have built a loyal fanbase over the years, and continue to grow through immersive tunes, and devoted touring. I have also listened to The Wombats since high school, and I was very excited to see them perform.

Frontman Matthew Murphy greeted the room with infectious energy. Both band members traversed the stage as they performed. About halfway through their set, a seven foot wombat with a trombone joined them onstage. The vibe inside Turner Hall remained electric all night. The historic venue’s layout allowed every guitar riff, and drumbeat to flow beautifully throughout the room. Fans danced in unison and turned the venue into a sea of movement.

Overall, both artists brought something memorable to the night, and I had a blast capturing every moment as well. Check out my photos below: