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Grayscale
Grayscale Lights Up the Nile Theater with Bearings, The Ivy, and Guardin
July 20, 2022 • by Phyoe Thaung
On Sunday, July 17, 2022, a line of eager fans wrapped around downtown Mesa’s Nile Theater well before doors opened, a clear sign that something special was about to unfold. From goth-clad punks to high schoolers in cheer uniforms, a diverse mix of fans gathered for a genre-blending evening headlined by Grayscale, with support from Bearings, Guardin, and The Ivy. The show delivered an eclectic mix of sound, style, and emotion, ultimately culminating in a powerful set from one of Philadelphia’s most beloved alt-rock exports.
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Opening the night was Oklahoma-based synth-pop trio The Ivy, whose nostalgic, 1980s-inspired sound set a smooth tone for the evening. Their set struck a balance between dreamlike and dynamic, pairing rich, romantic vocals with shimmering synths and crisp percussion. Tracks like “Better in My Head,” “Have You Ever Been in Love,” and “Gold” stood out as highlights, showcasing the band’s ability to captivate a crowd unfamiliar with their catalog.
Next came Bearings, a Canadian five-piece poised to become a major name in the next wave of pop-punk. Lead vocalist Doug Cousins commanded the stage with conviction, energizing the audience and prompting singalongs from even the youngest fans. Songs like “Sway” and “Shaking Your Mind” were standouts, with lyrics that leaned into the beautiful messiness of being human. Bearings’ set was urgent, heartfelt, and refreshingly unfiltered—an embodiment of the genre’s roots with a modern edge.
Midway through the night, an announcement from venue staff warned of possible power issues due to heavy rain, but the minor disruption turned into a moment of camaraderie. Fans sat on the floor, played cards, and shared stories while waiting for the next act—a testament to the strong community often found at pop-punk shows. Thanks to the professionalism and good humor of the Nile’s staff, the show continued without major incident.
Guardin followed, bringing a unique blend of emo-influenced lyrics paired with hip-hop and trap beats that added a fresh dynamic to the night’s lineup. His emotionally raw performance offered a striking contrast to the more narrative-driven styles of the earlier bands, providing variety and energy. While the sound mixing posed occasional challenges, Guardin’s passionate delivery resonated with fans and showcased his distinct artistry. His set added a diverse flavor to the evening, appealing to a niche but dedicated segment of the audience.
Headliner Grayscale took the stage to thunderous applause, and their performance quickly reminded fans why their name has become synonymous with emotionally intelligent and sonically polished pop-rock. The Philadelphia band tore through a setlist packed with fan favorites from Adornment, Nella Vita, and their latest album Umbra, released via Fearless Records. Frontman Collin Walsh brought a renewed focus and intensity to the performance, connecting with the crowd while effortlessly commanding the stage.
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What stood out most was the unwavering loyalty of the fanbase—nearly every audience member seemed to know every word. The crowd’s energy translated into spontaneous moshing and crowd-surfing, even during slower moments, much to the amusement of the band. Grayscale’s willingness to evolve sonically while maintaining the emotional core of their music was evident throughout the set. Notable performances included “In Violet,” “Baby Blue,” “Forever Yours,” and “Painkiller Weather”—songs that resonated deeply with the crowd and showcased the band’s maturity and range.
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​Grayscale’s 2022 tour continues across several more cities, and based on Sunday’s performance, they remain a must-see act for fans of emotionally charged rock delivered with honesty, energy, and heart.
