LIVE IN CONCERT: BACKHAND

It’s lucky more lead singers don’t follow in Jared Leto’s footsteps* and go on to start cults because some of them would be really good at it. Backhand is just the latest band for me to come across that falls into this category. The lead singer had command of the crowd unlike any other. High school football coaches throughout the entire state need to hire this band before any given Friday night game because I was ready to jump through a wall after listening to these guys.

The most confusing aspect about Backhand is their aesthetic. The bassist was wearing a Syracuse (I think) lacrosse tank with bleach blonde hair, and the lead singer looked like Jason Segel’s character from SLC Punk.

Now, I’m all for punk coming back to Salt Lake City, taking the city back to its musical roots, but when a mosh pit started—something I have never seen personally at Kilby Court to such an extent—I have to admit that I am getting too old to have someone else’s sweat on me at a concert. That feels nonconsensual. That feels like I might end up on some registry if I’m not careful.

There I was, Jane Goodall among the chimps, being witness to the must-see spectacle that is Backhand in a sea of Zoomers. If you’re sensitive to loud noises, maybe still go but go in with noise cancelling headphones and witness with your own eyes the chaos that ensues.

The band was so high energy that 1/3 of the crowd had to take a quick break after every song because they were so out of breath. It was like watching hockey line changes. Take a tip from Jesse Eisenberg my friends: cardio. If you’re to survive, you need cardio.

Despite my efforts, I don’t think Gen Z accepted me as their own. Maybe I shouldn’t have worn a Hawaiian shirt and jorts. I fit in worse than Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in 21 Jump Street.

​Regardless, if you get a chance to see Backhand, do it.

*When there was only one set of footsteps, that was when Jared Leto carried you at his Mars Island three-day "retreat." Also, did you know he’s 50?!