There are live shows that entertain, and then there are performances that ignite. Arrows In Action made their recent stop at The Masquerade – Heaven Stage for The Summer School Tour was emphatically the latter — a sweat-drenched, joy-infused, crowd-surging spectacle that affirmed the band’s upward momentum and artistic evolution. Sharing the bill with genre-bending acts like Charlotte Sands, Taylor Acorn, and Rain City Drive, the Nashville-based trio brought an infectious energy that demanded attention, turning their set into a celebratory storm of sound, color, and connection. While the entire evening was a lively affair, it was Arrows In Action who seemed to seize the spotlight with unapologetic fervor and charismatic presence.
From the moment they emerged on stage clad in matching white track suits, the band was a vision of cohesion and playful confidence. Their entrance alone suggested a group deeply aware of their identity — both visually and sonically. The Heaven Stage, packed wall-to-wall with a multi-generational audience, pulsed with anticipation. That energy burst into kinetic release as beach balls, designed to mimic basketballs and emblazoned with the band’s name, were launched into the crowd. It was the kind of carefully orchestrated chaos that Arrows In Action thrives in — equal parts performance and party, art and abandon.
Arrows In Action — comprised of Jesse Frimmel (drums), Matt Fowler (guitar), and Victor Viramontes-Pattison (vocals) — has grown significantly since their formation, before relocating to the ever-influential music hub of Nashville. What began as a college project has matured into a polished act that refuses to be boxed into a singular genre. Their sound flirts with pop-punk nostalgia while embracing the nuance of indie rock and modern alt-pop. As their live set unfolded, that genre fluidity was on full display, driven by intricate musical arrangements and emotionally intelligent lyricism.
A centerpiece of the stage setup featured two lateral LED screens — visual pillars that did more than embellish the atmosphere. These screens displayed animated lyrics, song titles, and live visuals in sync with the performance. They also teased their upcoming album, I Think I’ve Been Here Before, slated for release this September. This integration of technology elevated the concert into an immersive experience and served as a thoughtful bridge between artist and audience. Fans new and old could follow along with lyrics while feeling like participants in the unfolding narrative of a band immersed in its journey.
Much of Arrows In Action’s allure lies in their interpersonal chemistry, which translates effortlessly into their stage presence. Jesse Frimmel commands the drums with an emotional relentlessness and undeniable charisma — one that perhaps was shaped by a childhood mishap involving an unspecified amount of eaten paint, humorously shared as a “fun fact” by the band. Guitarist Matt Fowler, who carries an endearing obsession with penguins, delivers the band’s layered riffs with precision and an easy charm. Victor Viramontes-Pattison, half-Mexican and all rhythm, provides both bassline grounding and top-notch lead singer vibes, often engaging fans directly with pointed looks and animated movement. Together, they form a unit that thrives on mutual trust and a shared mission: to deliver not just a performance, but a communal escape.
Before each show, the trio partakes in a group hug and, occasionally, a pre-show tequila shot to calm any residual nerves. Yet, once on stage, there is no sign of anxiety — only fluid chemistry and electric cohesion. This ease carries over into their setlist, where the band oscillates between high-octane crowd-pleasers and more introspective moments. Their performance of “Cheekbones,” a smash track, marked a clear highlight of the evening. The audience’s enthusiastic response mirrored the band’s own excitement about the song, with Victor’s vocals reaching their most vulnerable while the crowd sang in earnest response.
Equally powerful was “Uncomfortably Numb,” a song the band describes as deeply meaningful. Beyond being a stylistic experiment, it became a turning point in their trajectory, attracting a wave of new listeners and further legitimizing their evolving sound. The live rendition did not disappoint — its layered sonic textures and lyrical rawness filled the Heaven Stage with something more than just sound; it was an atmosphere. From front row to balcony, hands were raised and voices echoed in collective release.
If there is one prevailing theme across their music and live performance, it is intentionality balanced by spontaneity. Arrows In Action does not simply play songs; they create an environment where joy, catharsis, and youthful abandon are all welcome. Their goal, according to them, is simple yet sincere: they want audiences to walk away having had fun, to feel as though they have stepped outside of their everyday lives, if only for a moment. This ethos permeates every aspect of their set — from the vibrant stage visuals and crowd engagement to the palpable camaraderie between the members themselves.
Arrows In Action is not merely a band to watch — they are a band that watches back. They read their audience, engage with intention, and deliver a product that feels both larger-than-life and deeply personal. Their trajectory from college-town creatives to full-fledged national touring artists is not just impressive; it is earned.
LoudSound Magazine 
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