Last Sunday, hometown heroes The Unlikely Candidates brought their nationwide tour to a triumphant close with a high-octane performance at Lola’s Fort Worth.
After over a month on the road – spanning across California, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and more – the band returned to their roots for an unforgettable homecoming show on October 1 with northlake and Morning Buzz.
Known for their infectious indie rock sound and a knack for delivering electrifying live performances, The Unlikely Candidates have previously shared stages with heavyweights like Fall Out Boy, The Dirty Heads, and Cage The Elephant.
Their latest show in Fort Worth showcased that despite the rigorous touring schedule, their energy remained undiminished.
The atmosphere at Lola’s was nothing short of electric, with fans packing the venue to witness a band at the top of their game.
The Unlikely Candidates didn’t disappoint, leaving it all on the stage as they unleashed a setlist that spanned both old and new material, including tracks from their debut full-length album, Panther Island, which dropped in 2022.
Panther Island is a testament to the band’s versatility, offering a kaleidoscope of genres and styles that shift seamlessly from one track to the next. Lead singer Kyle Morris described it as a “greatest hits of the sonic worlds the band has inhabited over the years. Thematically, the album explores a wide range of topics, from the chaos of life during the pandemic to tales of twenty-something malaise and the various ways hearts can break.”
The album’s creation was a product of the pandemic, a time when the world stood still, and The Unlikely Candidates found inspiration in isolation. Despite facing numerous roadblocks over the years, the band persisted, and Panther Island emerged as a powerful result of their resilience.
The album title pays homage to their hometown of Fort Worth, often referred to as “Panther City.” As Morris explained, the “Island” part came from the feeling of everyone being on their own island during the pandemic.
In an interview with Unclear Mag, Morris shed light on the album’s messaging, stating, “Each song has a different message, really. There are songs about accepting yourself, especially your flaws. There is a lot of introspection, many of those are about processing what’s going or has gone wrong in relationships. There are songs about depression and dealing with that. Several messages in there.”
As the band’s homecoming show in Fort Worth came to a thunderous close, it was clear that The Unlikely Candidates had not only returned but had triumphantly reclaimed their place on the stage, reaffirming their status as a musical force to be reckoned with.
There are currently no upcoming shows announced for The Unlikely Candidates, but their supporting act northlake will be playing Sweet Tooth Hotel’s “The Playlist” event on October 13, presented by KXT alongside DAMOYEE, Rafa and more.
Lead singer Kyle Morris brings a powerful energy to the stage presence of The Unlikely Candidates. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates ended their end of Summer tour on Sunday at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates guitarist Brenton Carney on stage at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Stage antics with The Unlikely Candidates. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Brenton Carney at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates, signed to Another Century, a subsidiary of Sony Music, have left an indelible mark on the music scene with their hit single “Novocaine” in 2019, which remains one of their most recognized songs. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Demonstrating the potential of local talent, The Unlikely Candidates have established themselves as notable figures in their hometown and beyond. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates drummer Kevin Goddard on stage in front of the bands’ personalized stage set. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates signed with Another Century, a subsidiary of Sony Music, solidifying their presence in the music industry. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates bassist Jared Hornbeek at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
With a history of sharing the stage with renowned acts like Fall Out Boy, The Dirty Heads, and Cage The Elephant, The Unlikely Candidates have proven their ability to hold their own among music industry giants. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The view from stage with The Unlikely Candidates. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Hometown fans clamor to sing along with Kyle Morris of The Unlikely Candidates. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Kyle Morris took to swinging the mic around during The Unlikely Candidates set at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates create their own pocket universe when they take the stage. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Super fans sang words to every song with The Unlikely Candidates. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Die-hard fans in the moment. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The vibes were high on stage at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Kyle Morris’ high kick made a few appearances on Sunday night. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Kyle Morris hung the microphone stand from the rafters on the outside stage at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
From intimate local gigs to nationwide tours, The Unlikely Candidates have consistently delivered energetic and captivating live performances that create a memorable experience for fans. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Kyle Morris popped down into the crowd to sing among friends and fans near the end of the set. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The Unlikely Candidates’ journey from Fort Worth to the national stage is a testament to the power of passion, talent, and unwavering determination. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Austin-based band northlake gave a memorable performance opening for The Unlikely Candidates. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Tanner Loach as lead singer of northlake carries a stage presence that captivates the audience. Photo: Jessica Waffles
northlake guitarist Dylan Ackelbein on stage at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The audience listening to northlake at Lola’s Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
northlake will be playing Sweet Tooth Hotel on October 13, presented by KXT Radio. Photo: Jessica Waffles
A moment with northlake on stage in Fort Worth. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Jessica Waffles is a freelance photographer/videographer and regular contributor to KXT.
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