Flipturn at Sold out mGM Music Hall at Fenway

Its Officially Flipturn Summer 

Boston was heating up both literally and figuratively in the excitement that was to come to the sold-out MGM Music Hall at Fenway on June 4th. The sun was beaming down on the beautiful Fenway Park as Flipturn fans began lining up, as early as 8am, for a night that is beyond words.

Joining Flipturn for this special show was Spacey Jane, an indie rock band from Australia. The band consists of Caleb Harper (lead vocals & guitar), Peppa Lane (bass), Kieran Lama (drums), and Ashton Le Cornu (lead guitar). Spacey Jane utilized every second of their 45-minute set to deliver an electric show that had the crowd buzzing with serotonin. Spacey Jane is currently on their own headlining tour across North America, and their energy is something that everyone must experience at least once.

 Flipturn, consisting of Dillon Basse (lead vocals & guitar), Devon Vonbalson (drums), Tristian Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass & backing vocals), and Mitch Fountain (synth & guitar), created an atmosphere so passionate and joyful smiles never left any of the 5,000 faces that filled MGM Music Hall. Flipturn opened their set with “Inner Wave,” and the crowd immediately exploded into a roar. The addictive guitar riffs and heart-pounding kick drums in this song had the crowd jumping from start to finish. They then seamlessly transitioned into “Sad Disco,” sparking a kind of fire that keeps you dancing for hours; nothing could have prepared anyone for the famous line “wtf is up with my life?” being shouted at the top of every fan's lungs. It was truly a surreal experience.

Flipturn fan favorites “Chicago” and “August” had every fan, both new and old, inside the venue singing and swaying along. Fliptun would drop out during the main chorus lines of both songs to hear the crowd sing the lyrics back to them. This energy exchange is truly what makes a Flipturn show so special. No matter how big the venue is, the band will always make you feel a part of the show. 

Flipturn live is like a drug; you see them once, and you become addicted. What really enhances the live experience is the lighting done by Ethan Weiser. Each lighting cue is perfectly synced to what is happening musically, and the colorful, strobing, swirling lights make you feel like you are on another planet. During the song “Hollow,” you could really feel the hypnotic effect of the lights, and you couldn't help but just be mesmerized. 

Since their last tour, Flipturn has made some new live arrangements of their songs. “Juno” has a new intro that features just Fountain on the synth, playing a loud, buzzing note that makes your whole body vibrate and increases your adrenaline. This part is also accompanied by a powerful, flashing white light that leaves you in awe. Another new arrangement is the electronic version of “Rodeo Clown,” where Fountain, VonBalson, and Jarman collaborate on the synths, Duncan stays on guitar, and Basse sings with a reverb effect. It is a very unique rendition that I hope they release on streaming at some point.

Flipturn closed their set with the classic pairing of “Playground” and “Space Cowboy.” Both of these songs heavily feature the very talented VonBalson. Towards the end of “Playground,” everyone gathers by VonBalson’s drums and jams out to the incredibly unique musical arrangement; Basse even takes a break from vocals and guitar and picks up a hand drum, building anticipation and excitement for VonBalson’s drum solo in the crowd. Post crowd drumming, VonBalson puts one of his drums on his head and plays the intro to “Space Cowboy” blind; INSANE. The song ends in a massive explosion of orange and yellow confetti, and the crowd goes wild. 

This is, of course, not the end, and Flipturn comes back on for their encore. They started with “Orbit,” a beautiful song that made you truly feel like you were floating in a confetti-filled space. They then transitioned into a cover of “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” with Fountain absolutely ripping it on guitar. It isn’t a Flipturn show without the most intoxicating song of all to close off the night, “Nickel.” Basse puts down the guitar for this one and explodes on stage as the crowd does the same. Basse even joins the pit during the bridge of the song, ending the set with even more energy than the beginning.

Flipturn has had steady growth over the past 10 years, and it is so amazing to witness them sell out bucket-list venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater and now MGM Music Hall. There is nothing quite like Flipturn live; it is a rush that can’t be replicated. The band’s chemistry and stage presence are addictive to watch. Their love for each other, the music, and their fans is so radiant. M.I.L.F. (Man I Love Flipturn).

Photos and Review by Alyssa Bole