On Saturday, January 24, 2015, Bad Suns sold out the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, the second date of their first headline tour alongside Bad Suns, Coasts, and Maudlin Strangers.

Maudlin Strangers, who hail from Los Angeles, are a recent signing of Vagrant Records. Previously, I had seen them perform under the moniker “Maudlin” at Hemingways’s Lounge in Hollywood, but the PA system was atrocious that evening. Getting to experience the band properly at the El Rey was a joy.

My personal triumph from this show was discovering Coasts, a band from across the pond signed to Capitol Records. Though the name seemed familiar, I’d never heard their music, but boy, was I sad I hadn’t listened sooner — undeniably honest lyrics atop a minimal yet texturized pallet defined by shimmery guitars and delays. It’s gold.

As for Bad Suns, I’ve seen them play many times (including before they were called Bad Suns), and over the years it has been a jaw-dropping experience to see them develop their sound, sign to Vagrant, tour, and play “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Their strength in songwriting is evident in songs that are meaningful, moving, and catchy, which afforded them the luxury to play an hour-long set that kept the audience bobbing and singing along. Ultimately, Bad Suns is beyond their years. In addition to a new single, “Cardiac Arrest,” they recently released a video for the track “Salt” that is wonderful and touches on the subject of being transgender. I had mixed emotions about “Salt” at first, as it touches on a topic near and dear to me. But after the initial shock, I was content in the fact that they are opening up this topic for discussion.

I know it’s only January, but if you are limited to the amount of shows you check out in 2015, make sure this tour is on your calendar. Catch Bad Suns in an intimate setting before they blow up any further.

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Chad Elder is a Los Angeles-based photographer who focuses on live music and band portraits, and Cassie Purtlebaugh is a writer and musician in Los Angeles.