Archers of Loaf / St Louis / Delmar Hall

January 14, 2023, Delmar Hall in St Louis.

It’s been a better part of 30 years since the last time I saw AOL. This tour was originally scheduled in March/April of 2020, but the virux took hold and put everything in a state of flux. I was thrilled when they rescheduled, but Lawrence KS was not in the lineup this time around. Nonetheless, a quick trip to St Louis was in the cards and would not disappoint.

Off the release of their new album, Reason in Decline, the Archers of Loaf set was a majority of past favorites vs. new material. Notably, Dead Red Eyes, from White Trash Heroes was a memorable moment. With the stage aglow with red lighting, Eric Bachmann laid into his keyboard to build into the driving apex with Matt Gentling rocking violently into his groove. It was a masterclass of a moment.

Overall, the night was a great success. Although they have aged, it did not show in their live set. It was was powerful and clean as it was in ‘94. Big thanks to Ericx2, Matt and Mark for putting it all together to lay it down like they did.

Music - Archers of Loaf - 5/5

Weird Nightmare (opener) - 2-5 / Didn’t really care for them. Spent most of my time on the patio watching on live feed; meh.

Venue - Delmar Hall - 5/5

Hotel - Moonrise Hotel, 6177 Delmar Blvd - 4/5 - great, space themed hotel with good rates in a great neighboyhood