AWOLNATION • Bryce Fox • Makua Rothman
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On May 3, 2025, AWOLNATION lit up The Depot in Salt Lake City with a sold-out show on their Phantom Five Tour, promoting their latest album of the same name. Known for their intense energy and genre-bending alt-rock sound, the band, fronted by Aaron Bruno, delivered a performance that felt larger than life despite the more intimate venue. Utah Concert Review never misses an AWOLNATION show, but this was my first time seeing them live. After years of hoping for the chance, the night didn’t disappoint.
From the moment I walked into The Depot, I could feel the buzz. A long line snaked out from the merch table, packed with eager fans ready to gear up before the show even began. I chatted with a few people in the front row who had arrived three hours before doors opened just to secure the best spot. That kind of dedication set the tone for the night. Some fans even shared memories from past AWOLNATION shows, adding to the building anticipation.
The Depot is one of my favorite places to shoot, and while I was a little surprised AWOLNATION chose this smaller venue. It made for an unforgettable experience. It was packed wall to wall—upstairs and downstairs—and the staff handled it all smoothly. I especially appreciated seeing security handing out water to people up front to keep everyone safe and hydrated. It was a simple gesture that went a long way in a venue this full.
Makua Rothman
The night kicked off with two openers. First up was Makua Rothman—a professional big wave surfer turned musician—who brought a high-energy blend of rock and reggae vibes. While he didn’t interact much with the crowd between songs, his performance spoke for itself. He mentioned having some ohana in the crowd and shared a quick story about his van breaking down just hours before the show, only to be saved by friends. His track “Billy the Kid” stood out and had the crowd clapping and singing along by the end.
Bryce Fox
Next was Bryce Fox, a Nashville-based alt-rock artist with a killer voice and solid stage presence. The crowd seemed to love him, and he made the most of his time on stage. With songs like “Golden Boy,” “Psychopath,” and “Horns,” he delivered a confident and energetic set that got people moving and fully prepped for the headliner. I’d definitely catch his set again.
AWOLNATION
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. AWOLNATION stormed the stage and didn’t let up for a second. They kicked things off with a bang, flowing through tracks like “Jump Sit Stand March,” “Soul Wars,” and “Kill Your Heroes” with relentless energy. From the start, the crowd was all in—singing, jumping, and dancing non-stop. At one point, I looked up to the balcony and saw a guy whipping his ponytail in circles with such commitment, he almost stole the show.
Aaron Bruno has this captivating presence on stage. He doesn’t need to say much to own the room—his confidence, movement, and connection with the audience speak volumes. He danced and jumped around the open stage, drenched in sweat by the end of the night. The lighting was moody and dark, with flashing strobes and bursts of light timed perfectly with the music. A disco ball lit up the venue at one point, adding a surreal, shimmering moment behind Bruno. While it was tricky to shoot in that light, it definitely added to the atmosphere.
Though the band didn’t talk much between songs, they kept the energy flowing and let the music do the talking. One of the few moments of direct crowd engagement was when Bruno asked everyone to put their arms around the person next to them and say hello—a quick, playful way to remind us we were all in this experience together.
“Panoramic View,” a track from their new album, was one of the night’s emotional high points. The band asked the audience to pull out their phones and light them up. As I joined in, I realized I’d been swaying with my phone in the air for a solid minute before remembering to actually turn on the flashlight. It was a beautiful, unified moment.
The setlist pulled from across their discography, mixing fan favorites with new material. “Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)” hit especially hard live—the energy was unreal. And of course, they closed the night with their massive hit “Sail” during the encore. It was everything the crowd had been waiting for, and it delivered. They even included band intros during the song, giving the audience a moment to cheer for each member.
What really struck me about AWOLNATION live was how much heavier and more intense their songs feel in person. Tracks I thought I knew well hit with a new force and energy. By the end of the night, the entire venue was soaked in sweat. Band and fans alike—but no one seemed ready to leave.
If you’ve never seen AWOLNATION live, I can’t recommend it enough. They brought the kind of energy that turns a packed club into a pulsing, unforgettable experience. This show exceeded every expectation I had, and I’m so glad I finally got to be there for it.