Phoneboy & Goodkid Chaos Tour
Written Review & Photos by Mackie Nagelkirk / Publication MNSTRM MEDIA
Phoneboy – Brings Heart and Energy to Columbus
Closing out the final night of their tour, Phoneboy—the alternative/indie rock band from Hoboken, New Jersey—delivered a performance that felt less like a typical concert and more like a house party where everyone was invited. Wyn Barnum (lead singer/guitarist), Ricky Dana (guitarist/singer), James Fusco (bassist), and Jordan Torres (keyboardist) brought an electrifying set packed with indie rock bliss, tight musicianship, and the kind of stage presence that made the crowd feel like they were jamming with old friends.
The stage setup mirrored Good Kid’s, featuring inflatable smiley robots, a tiny gnome, and their unofficial, official tour mascot, Miku, sitting on their speakers. The cozy, garage-hangout aesthetic made the show feel personal despite the sheer energy radiating from both the band and the audience.
From flips and jumps to nonstop crowd engagement, every moment felt alive. You could tell the band was all-in—performing, connecting, and pouring their hearts into the music. The audience was just as locked in, feeding off the band’s energy, making it clear why the venue was sold out. Phoneboy was on top of their game, radiating excitement and love, and the crowd gave it right back. Their showmanship was infectious—I couldn’t stop jamming and smiling the entire time.
From the explosive opener Hey, Kid! to the euphoric closer I Look Alive, Phoneboy kept the energy high, making every song feel like a highlight. Better Than You” had the crowd fully locked in as Wyn hyped everyone up, shouting, “Last night was so viral!” Midway through the set, tour crew member Jeremy jumped on bass for Moving Out, sporting a hoodie covered in Phoneboy’s lyrics. It was a special moment that highlighted the deep bond between the band and their team, making the performance feel even more personal. Nevermind turned the venue into a whirlwind of movement as James encouraged, “Open a pit, dance, have a good time, no pressure.” By the time they hit I Look Alive, the entire crowd was fully immersed—singing, jumping, and savoring every last second of the Chaos Kid Tour’s final night.
Phoneboy’s energy never wavered. It was as if they had saved every last drop of tour adrenaline for this one show. Each member had their own unique style and expressions, making sure there was never a dull moment. Musically, they were on point—the mix was flawless, allowing each instrument to shine. It’s rare to hear such a well-balanced live set where you can hone in on any instrumental voice and appreciate it fully.
As their set came to an end, Good Kid rushed the stage for a chaotic, emotional sendoff—grabbing instruments, dancing, and embracing their tourmates in a farewell moment filled with love.
"Thank you, Columbus! We fcking love you guys!"* Wyn shouted, leaving behind a room buzzing with admiration.
As the final notes rang out, I felt the weight of the moment—the love, the gratitude, and the bittersweet ending of a tour unlike any before. Phoneboy didn’t just perform; they created an atmosphere. Their set felt less like a structured show and more like a carefree night with friends, where every song was an invitation to let loose and just enjoy the moment. Seeing Good Kid rush the stage only solidified how deep this friendship ran, making for a truly special send-off to the Chaos Kid Tour.
More young bands need to bring this level of passion, authenticity, and connection to their music. Phoneboy isn’t just a band you watch—they’re a band you experience. Their laid-back, effortlessly cool presence and undeniable chemistry with their audience turn a packed venue into a feel-good space where everyone belongs.
As the tour wraps up, Phoneboy leaves behind more than just a great performance—they leave a feeling. The kind of energy that lingers long after the last song, like the perfect road trip playlist or a late-night conversation you never want to end.
If you haven’t seen Phoneboy live yet, do yourself a favor—put them on your must-see list. Their music radiates good vibes, and their live show? Even better.
Good Kid – Embrace the Chaos
If Phoneboy was the perfect opener, Good Kid was the ultimate closer. The Toronto-based indie rock band—Nick Frosst (vocals), Jon Kereliuk (drums), Michael Kozakov (bass), David Wood (guitar), and Jacob Tsafatinos (guitar)—hit the stage with infectious, high-energy vibes. Unlike Phoneboy’s constant motion, Good Kid’s performance flowed in waves, with Michael and Jacob surging to the front, then pulling back, mirroring the music’s dynamic shifts. Nick’s laid-back yet commanding vocals carried the sound, while Jon thrashed behind the kit, fueling the chaos with relentless beats. Meanwhile, David held steady—the effortlessly cool anchor of the band.
Much like Phoneboy, their stage setup featured vibrant aesthetics, but Good Kid elevated it further with immersive TV-style visuals, adding another layer to their already dynamic performance.
Even before the band hit the stage, Good Kid’s content creator, Evie, had the crowd buzzing, handing out confetti for a What’s a Girl reel. The excitement was already electric by the time the venue lights dimmed.
Then, the animated TV-style intro played, introducing each member in their signature colors—Jon rocking rainbow, in true Good Kid fashion. The second they stepped on stage, the venue erupted. If the crowd was loud for Phoneboy, they were just warming up for Good Kid.
By the third song, Bubbly, the bubble machine filled the air, and the entire crowd was jumping, screaming, and singing every word. Each member brought their own energy—Nick’s laid-back yet magnetic stage presence, Jon and Michael bouncing off the walls, Jacob hyping up the crowd, and David coolly shredding through every riff.
"Holy sht, Columbus, that was the loudest that song has ever been chanted to us,"* Jacob said after Tell Me You Know, visibly stunned.
Between songs, Good Kid took a moment to soak it all in:
- “This is our first time in Columbus, and you SOLD OUT the venue.”
- “It’s our last show of tour—so we’re giving it everything we’ve got.”
- “OH-IO!” (Chanted like a war cry, obviously.)
- “Our favorite band to tour with—Phoneboy.”
They made sure to thank their crew, the fans, and everyone who made the tour possible, creating a moment of pure gratitude. The energy between the band and the audience was palpable—a rare kind of show where both sides were completely in sync.
And then came one of the wildest moments of the night: the “Wall of Death”, but instead of a traditional pit, it became a battle of love—one side of the crowd screaming a lyric, the other side answering back, before everyone joined together in chaotic harmony.
During Break, Nick tight-walked the barricade, reaching out to fans as they screamed in awe, making for one of the night’s most memorable moments.
For their slower song section, the "Sacred Lamp" made its grand appearance. The moment its warm glow hit the stage, the crowd instinctively became moths, lifting their phone lights in unison, creating a breathtaking galaxy of light—no prompting needed. It was pure magic.
And then?
“Columbus, are you ready to embrace the chaos?”
Cue the Wheel of Chaos.
The venue exploded into chants of “WHEEL! WHEEL! WHEEL!” before they pulled Jeremy from the crowd to spin it. When it landed on Drunken Sailor, the place erupted into full-blown party mode.
Then, mid-show, the band pulled a prank on Jacob, stealing his setlist. Completely clueless about what to play next, he turned to the audience for help—only for the crowd to point upward. Suspended from the ceiling was a fishing-line mystery note, which was slowly lowered to the stage. When unrolled, it revealed a massive sign reading:
“STOP YAPPING AND START PLAYING DRIFTING.”
The venue lost it.
And if you thought that was peak chaos? It got even better.
During Miku (their Anamanaguchi x Hatsune Miku cover), Jacob appeared on stage dressed as Miku herself, wig and all—the crowd went feral.
For the encore, they handed out confetti, and as soon as From the Start began, the venue exploded into a storm of color and screams.
Then came the final, chaotic, unforgettable moment:
Faster.
Every time they sang the word faster, the tempo increased. By the end, it was pure madness, with every band member going all in for the last push of the tour.
And finally, Mimi’s Delivery Service—but with every Phoneboy member returning to the stage in Miku wigs, turning the night into a full-on Miku rave.
It was the perfect, chaotic, heartfelt send-off for the Chaos Kid Tour.
Good Kid doesn’t have to tell the crowd to jump—they just know. The energy is organic, effortless, and contagious. Their lo-fi-meets-anime-meets-pop-punk sound translates flawlessly from studio to stage.
But more than just a concert, this felt like a shared experience, a memory that will stick with everyone in that room.
And for the cherry on top? Shoutout to ASL interpreters Elizabeth and Valerie, who absolutely killed it all night. This was Good Kid’s first time having ASL interpreters at a show, and the inclusivity warmed my heart. More bands should follow suit.
Good Kid left everything on that stage.
This wasn’t just the end of a tour—it was the start of a legendary memory for everyone who witnessed it.
If you haven’t seen Good Kid live yet… add them to your bucket list.
Final Thoughts
The Chaos Kid Tour wasn’t just a series of shows—it was an experience. A tour where music, friendship, and raw energy collided to create something unforgettable. Phoneboy and Good Kid delivered performances that felt less like concerts and more like celebrations, where every lyric, every note, and every moment resonated with the crowd in a way that only live music can.
The Newport Music Hall was the perfect setting for this finale, and the Columbus crowd showed up in full force, proving why this city was the ideal place to close out such a special tour. From the love-filled mosh pits to the quiet, intimate moments, the night felt like a shared memory in the making—one that fans and bands alike won’t soon forget.
This wasn’t a chaotic show—it was pure joy. The kind of night where strangers became friends, confetti rained down like a final send-off, and both bands left every ounce of energy on that stage. Phoneboy and Good Kid complement each other effortlessly, bringing their own unique flavors of indie rock while feeding off the same crowd-fueled excitement.
If you’re looking for a feel-good concert that leaves you smiling, dancing, and singing until your voice is gone—Phoneboy and Good Kid need to be on your bucket list.
