By Caitlin Schmidt
In the age of milestone anniversaries, and full album playthroughs, Senses Fail and Saves The Day delivered a night to remember last Friday at the House of Blues, Anaheim, on their co-headlining New Jersey vs. The World tour. With a packed house, both bands electrified the crowd with energy that was nothing short of relentless.
The evening began with a strong opening set from Dallas-based Narrow Head, setting the stage for a night of excitement. Saves The Day took the reins first, diving into their seminal 1999 album Through Being Cool. From the opening chords of “All-Star Me” to the sing-along climax of “Through Being Cool,” the band showcased why this record remains a cornerstone of the scene. Chris Conley’s vocals were in top form, and the band’s dynamic instrumentation kept the crowd surging with emotion and energy.
Not to be outdone, Senses Fail brought their trademark intensity with a complete playthrough of Let It Enfold You. Buddy Nielsen commanded the stage with passion, his screams and melodies weaving seamlessly through some of my favorites like “Buried a Lie” and “Rum Is for Drinking, Not for Burning.” The pit was an endless whirlwind, with crowd surfers constantly pouring over the barricade, fueled by Nielsen’s charisma and the band’s unyielding pace. It was obvious how much fun they were having on stage, with their ear-to-ear smiles and energy adding an extra layer of connection and joy to the performance.
As if the full-album experience wasn’t enough, Senses Fail returned for an encore that pushed the energy to new heights. The grand finale came with a cover of My Chemical Romance’s “Helena,” featuring Saves The Day joining them on stage for an unforgettable collaboration. The fusion of both bands on such an iconic track was the perfect end to a night defined by camaraderie and emotion.
The connection between the two bands was clear throughout the night, their performances steeped in familiarity and passion. The crowd stayed engaged from start to finish, feeding off the music and creating a lively, communal energy that could be felt in every corner of the venue.
The NJ vs. The World tour felt more than just a throwback to New Jersey’s emo history. It highlighted how powerful live music can be—bringing people together and creating moments that leave a lasting impression. Fans left the venue sweaty, smiling, and feeling like they had experienced something unforgettable, myself included.
We’d like to thank both Saves The Day and Senses Fail for having us, and allowing us the experience of a lifetime.
