Uncut Collective Media
Weakened Friends Open Their "Feels Like Hell" West Coast Tour With a Community-Driven Night at Valley Bar
January 22, 2026 • by Phyoe Thaung
The West Coast leg of Weakened Friends’ tour began in Phoenix with a stop at The Valley Bar, marking the first show of a run named after their latest release, Feels Like Hell. Despite the tour title, the mood in the room leaned in the opposite direction. People gathered early, filling the space with conversation and anticipation, ready to be part of the first chapter of this stretch of shows.
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As the night settled in, the room felt grounded and attentive. The Valley Bar’s close quarters kept everyone within view of the stage, making it easy for the crowd to feel involved rather than separated. By the time Weakened Friends stepped onstage, the audience was already locked in, responding immediately as the band found their footing and set the tone for the night.
Hailing from Portland, Maine, the trio played with an ease that suggested this material has already found its place in their live identity. Vocalist Sonia Sturino paused between songs to address the room, grounding the performance in shared experience and reminding everyone why spaces like this still matter. The exchange felt genuine, and the crowd responded in kind, leaning into the moment rather than rushing past it.
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With Feels Like Hell freshly released, Phoenix was among the first audiences to hear several of the new songs live. Even so, the response was immediate. People sang along, moved together, and filled in lyrics as if they had already lived with these tracks for months. During a few familiar moments, the band stepped back and let the room carry the vocals on its own, turning the performance into something communal rather than one directional.
Throughout the set, the connection between band and audience remained consistent. Sturino took time to acknowledge the energy in the room, noting the importance of shows like this and the role smaller venues and cities play in shaping a tour. That sentiment resonated, and Phoenix showed up fully, offering attention, participation, and respect.
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As the first stop of the West Coast run, the Phoenix show set a strong foundation. It felt less like a kickoff and more like a gathering centered on shared songs and shared space. Weakened Friends opened this leg of the tour with a performance rooted in connection, making it clear that Feels Like Hell is meant to be experienced live, together, and in rooms that allow community to take shape.
