CRASHING WAYWARD - The Fight Within Tour Review.
Live at The Kraken Bar & Lounge, Seattle, Washington — October 23, 2026
Seattle's music scene always has something new to discover. With so many venues supporting artists across different genres, there is always another room waiting to be explored. The Kraken Bar & Lounge was one of those discoveries for me: a welcoming spot and a great setting for an evening of live rock.
The night brought together three bands: Deep Contact, Drop the Star, and Las Vegas modern rockers Crashing Wayward, who returned to Seattle as part of their The Fight Within tour.
I was especially happy to photograph Crashing Wayward for the second time. My first encounter with the band was at Central Saloon in Seattle on February 20th, where I discovered their music and immediately wanted to hear more. Since then, I've been looking forward to seeing them perform again. Drop the Star was also part of that earlier experience, making this night feel like a welcome reunion.
Three Bands, One Powerful Night of Rock
Deep Contact opened the evening with an energetic performance, setting the tone for the night and warming up the room for what was to come. Their alternative-rock sound was a strong way to get things started.
Next, Drop the Star took the stage and delivered another memorable performance. Having photographed the band for the third time, I can say that their energy and commitment to their live show continue to impress me. Frontman Johnny Reidt stood out with his powerful voice and commanding delivery, helping drive the band's performance from beginning to end.
There was also a deeply personal moment when the evening paused in remembrance of a recent loss. It was a reminder that live music is about more than volume, lights, and entertainment. These spaces bring people together through shared experiences, and sometimes that connection becomes especially meaningful. After a moment to breathe, the show continued, and Drop the Star carried on with the same spirit and energy.
Crashing Wayward: Loud, Confident, and Unapologetically Rock 'n' Roll
When Crashing Wayward hit the stage, they brought the volume, attitude, and intensity needed to shake the room. The band delivered a powerful performance with an impressive connection to the audience, making the set as entertaining to watch as it was exciting to photograph.
One of the first things that stands out about Crashing Wayward is their stage presence. Their appearance, clothing, and individual styles contribute to a distinctive identity that feels authentic rather than manufactured. They look like a band that knows who they are, and that confidence carries naturally into their performance.
Musically, Crashing Wayward have a sound that feels familiar in the best possible way while still maintaining their own personality. From the first time I heard them, I picked up on shades of The Cult and Velvet Revolver in their blend of hard rock, gritty guitars, memorable melodies, and rebellious attitude. These influences are not merely a listener's assumption; the band has discussed its musical background in interviews, including an appearance on FOX5 Las Vegas.
What makes Crashing Wayward exciting is how they bring those classic rock influences into a modern alternative-rock sound. Their music balances heaviness and melody, with powerful vocals, driving rhythms, and guitar work that gives the songs their edge. Onstage, that combination translates into a performance full of movement, intensity, and personality.
The band made the most of the intimate setting at The Kraken, creating the kind of atmosphere where the distance between musicians and audience seems to disappear. It was a fun, high-energy set that demonstrated why seeing a band live can offer something beyond simply listening to its recordings.
The setlist showcased the band's range, moving through original material from different stages of their career while highlighting the newer songs from The Fight Within.
The performance included “Still You're Perfect,” “Mouth to God's Ear,” “Going Blind,” “Closer,” “Shake the Dead,” “Breathe,” “Brass Coffin,” “Holding for Dear Life,” “Cochise,” “Bullet for a Heart,” “Seize the Day,” “Disco Kills,” “Death on Holiday,” and “In Bed With My Head.” The band also delivered a cover of Audioslave's “Cochise,” bringing a familiar hard-rock favorite into the night's lineup.
Released on September 18, 2026, through Golden Robot Records, The Fight Within is Crashing Wayward's six-track EP and follow-up to their debut album, Listen! (2023). The new release features “Bullet for a Heart,” “Holding for Dear Life,” “Still You're Perfect,” “Seize the Day,” “Going Blind,” and “Brass Coffin.”
Crashing Wayward formed in 2020 with a clear commitment to honest, hard-hitting rock. In a music landscape where artists are constantly finding new ways to combine classic influences with contemporary sounds, they have developed a recognizable identity built around powerful performances, memorable songs, and a confident visual style.
Their Seattle show was another reminder of why I enjoy returning to photograph bands I have discovered along the way. It is rewarding to see their performances again, experience their evolution, and capture those moments when the music, the musicians, and the audience connect.
A big thank-you to Carl Raether for the warm welcome. Being greeted with a big hug from someone I've met before and who appreciates my photography was a wonderful way to start the evening. That personal connection made the experience even more special.
With Deep Contact opening the night, Drop the Star delivering another energetic performance, and Crashing Wayward closing out the evening with modern-rock intensity, October 23 was a great night of live music in Seattle.
Crashing Wayward have the sound, presence, and attitude to make an impression. If you enjoy the spirit of classic hard rock mixed with a heavier, modern alternative edge, they are a band worth discovering—and even better, a band worth experiencing live.
Keep an eye on Crashing Wayward, explore their new EP The Fight Within, and catch them onstage when they come through your area.
