Photos and Review by Amanda Lynn
@sincerely_amandalynn

Pop-punk powerhouses The Starting Line and Finch brought an explosive wave of early-2000s energy to the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on October 23^rd, delivering a night that felt like a time capsule straight from the golden era of Warped Tour. For longtime fans, it was more than a concert, it was a reunion with the soundtrack of our youth.

Openers Finch stormed the stage with raw emotion and unrelenting intensity. Launching into “Three Simple Words” and “Letters to You,” they set the tone with that familiar mix of post-hardcore grit and melodic heartache that defined their sound. Frontman Nate Barcalow’s vocals cut through the venue with a fierce authenticity that reminded everyone why What It Is to Burn remains one of the genre’s most iconic records. The crowd fed off every scream, every guitar break— it was cathartic, loud, and completely alive.

Then came The Starting Line, whose set was nothing short of euphoric. As soon as the first notes of “Up & Go” rang out, the entire ballroom erupted in song. From “Island” to “The Best of Me,” every track was a collective singalong, a beautiful blur of smiles, sweat, and shared nostalgia. Lead singer Kenny Vasoli’s energy was infectious, and the band sounded as tight and fresh as they did twenty years ago.

Visually, the Regency Ballroom provided the perfect backdrop. The moody lighting bathed the crowd in tones of red and gold to blue and green, while flashes of bright white amplified the high-energy choruses. The atmosphere felt intimate yet electric, with fans pressed shoulder to shoulder, shouting every lyric back to the stage.

Overall, it was a night drenched in nostalgia and passion, a true love letter to the era that shaped an entire generation of alternative music fans. Both bands proved that their sound still hits just as hard today, reminding us all why we fell in love with this music in the first place.

For the latest news and info for both bands, check out www.startinglinerock.com, and @officialfinch.