If there was any doubt that Free Throw still commands the midwest-emo throne, those questions were more than answered at The Van Buren on April 25th, 2026.

 

Fresh off their latest album release, Moments Before The Wind, the band delivered an outstanding performance. Opening with “MissingNO” and “The Corners Dilemma," the energy in the room immediately started off high. This wasn’t just a band playing songs; it was a full-on connection that was felt across the Van Buren floor. Frontman

 

Cory Castro led this energetic performance with a mix of emotion and true passion that perfectly complemented their setlist, which spanned across the band's entire career. Other deep cuts like “Cloud Sick” from their 2021 Piecing It Together album sat seamlessly alongside other fan favorites like “Tongue Tied” and “Lavender Town," proving that Free Throw’s songwriting never fails to hit the spot.

 

As the night closes out with the crowd still singing at the top of their lungs and crowd surfing, we reached an encore that sent us all down memory lane. “Randy, I Am The Liquor," “Two Beers In," and “Hey Ken, Someone Methodically Mushed The Donuts." Free Throw proved once again that they listen to their fans and don’t mind playing all the hits, which, let’s be honest; they all are. Thank you Free Throw for giving us a night to remember and songs that will forever stay stuck in our heads.

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Photography by Lance Pettis (Sound Wave Photos)