Well-Oiled Machine: The Unlikely Candidates Fire on All Cylinders in Pensacola

By Erin Lee

Photo by Erin Lee

The Unlikely Candidates brought an electric, high energy performance to The Handlebar in Pensacola, Florida last night.

Kicking off the set with 2018’s “Danger to Myself,” the band instantly exploded into action. 

Lead singer Kyle Morris crosses the stage like he was shot out of a cannon: jumping into a high kick, flipping the microphone, connecting with individual audience members from the moment he steps onto the stage, making it interactive from the jump.

I’ve been following The Unlikely Candidates since 2017 when they performed a music festival for a radio station where I was a DJ. Whether they’re on a festival stage with thousands in attendance or packing in a bar, they set the same musical standard and dynamic performance. I’ve seen them acoustic, as an opening act, and as headliners. They consistently bring their A game in every space and capacity.

The 19 song setlist spanned the band’s entire discography. Early favorites like “Follow My Feet” and “Trampoline” made an appearance alongside newer radio hits “High Low” and “Novocaine” from 2022’s Panther Island.

Playing back the videos I recorded, I noticed people around me were singing back loudly. What a cool experience to stand at the front and hear everyone. The girls standing to my left and right were singing and dancing alongside me, all of us smiling and high-fiving as our favorites were played.

Bassist Jared Hornbeek contributed his backing vocals and steady, driving bass line; holding down the rhythm section with heavy hitting newcomer Josh Montez on drums. 

Brenton Carney and Cole Male round out the band on lead and backing guitar, respectively. Watching everyone lock in and absolutely shred is a real joy to witness. 

That whole “well-oiled machine” saying fits so perfectly here: all of the pieces of this band fall expertly in place to create a cohesive unit that never misses.

Kyle asked us if they could play a new song for us, and shared with the crowd that they have a new album coming out in January. They sprinkled a handful of new tracks into the set, each one receiving a bigger and more positive reaction from the crowd than the last.

South Florida Concert News will share the new music when it’s released, but for now let’s just say we’re stoked for what’s to come!

Toward the end of the set, the band walked off leaving just Carney and Morris for a beautifully stripped down rendition of “Bells” which showcased Morris’ incredible vocal range and passionate style.

Seeing the boys in December means we were treated to their holiday song “Father Christmas,” a fun and lighthearted way to end the show.

The Unlikely Candidates remain on tour throughout the Southeastern United States until mid-December. 

Images by Erin Lee: