The moment you stepped into Ardmore Music Hall, you could tell it was going to be one of those nights, the kind where every set hits, the crowd is dialed in, and surprises feel right around the corner. The fall tour lineup of Grieves, Artikal Sound System, and Tropidelic promised a dynamic ride, and the energy in the room made it clear that everyone was ready for it.
Before the main show, Tropidelic treated VIP fans to an intimate three-song acoustic set, giving a stripped-down preview of the grooves and energy to come and setting the tone for a jam-packed night of music.
Grieves kicked off the main show with a clever, charismatic set that immediately drew the crowd in. Moving effortlessly between introspective verses and witty banter, he connected with fans while keeping the emotional thread of his music alive. A standout moment came with “Let the Devil In,” which hit especially hard in the room and showcased his ability to balance raw honesty with sharp delivery. His performance created a warm, engaging atmosphere that had the venue buzzing before it even filled out.
Artikal Sound System followed, shifting the energy into a smooth, soulful groove. Logan Rex’s rich, velvety vocals were both tender and commanding, perfectly complemented by tight instrumentation blending modern reggae with subtle R&B textures and crisp guitar lines.
The set included standout moments such as “You’re an Asshole,” everyone’s favorite love letter to their ex, which had the crowd singing along and giving the middle finger to people who broke their hearts. They also delivered a spot-on cover of “Misery Business,” from Nathan Aurora’s Pop Punk Goes Reggae project, executing it almost better than the original. They closed with “Self Sabotage,” connecting with the audience through its message about how our own choices sometimes derail the relationships that matter most. The steady rhythm section pulled the crowd closer with every song, creating a warm, polished, and deeply felt bridge between Grieves’ storytelling and Tropidelic’s high-energy chaos.
By the time Tropidelic hit the stage, Ardmore Music Hall was buzzing. They came out swinging, mixing funk, punk, reggae, and hip hop, and the crowd went immediately with them. Their new guitarist, Pat Shine, formerly of Dale and The Zdubs, fit right in, adding fire to the grooves without missing a beat.
Highlights kept piling up. “Movie Star” brought Grieves back for a fun, crowd-pleasing collaboration. Their cover of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” had everyone singing along, while new track “Out There” teased the band’s next chapter. And “Humble”? Pure Trop magic, with the synchronized dance moves having the whole room cheering and moving in perfect sync.
Then came the encore surprise. Andy Frasco jumped onstage and tore through “Pressure” with the band. The room erupted, loud, messy, joyous, and completely spontaneous. It was one of those nights you do not forget, a reminder of exactly why Tropidelic’s live shows are so much damn fun.
Tropidelic closed out the night with the kind of energy and connection that has made this fall tour buzzworthy. Three artists, three different styles, and one seamless night of music left Ardmore Music Hall spilling into the cold November air with smiles, ringing ears, and that feeling you only get when a show hits all the right notes.
Tropidelic Live from Ardmore Music Hall on November 14, 2025
Live Review By: Kelly Graham
Live Photos By: John Harder @chefharderphotography
