shot by: @tullo.photo
On April 11, Los Angeles-based band Senses brought their first-ever headlining tour to a sold-out crowd at Phoenix’s Valley Bar—an underground dive bar that perfectly matched the band’s electric and emotionally charged style. Self-described as “emo-friendly and punk curious,” senses are making big waves with their heartfelt lyrics, high-energy performances, and undeniable connection with fans.
The duo—lead singer/guitarist Madison Taylor and drummer Nick Sampson—formed in 2019 after meeting through a Craigslist ad, and have spent the past few years steadily building a passionate fanbase. After opening for artists like Leah Kate and Charlotte Sands, they’ve stepped confidently into the spotlight with an emotionally honest and deeply resonant sound that has become a beacon for fans facing life’s everyday struggles—from mental health battles and heartbreak to the ongoing journey of self-discovery.
After openers MVSSIE and Negative 25 got the crowd going, Senses wasted no time kicking the night into gear, opening with their latest single Diamonds on Your Dagger, instantly setting the tone with an electric, full-throttle performance. While the set was packed with energy, they also took time to slow things down, offering acoustic renditions of Novocain and Me Against Me—moments that showcased the emotional depth behind their lyrics and created a powerful sense of intimacy between the band and the crowd.
One of the evening’s standout moments came with their now-famous “Hot Topic version” of Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe!, a fan-favorite cover that had the entire room singing and dancing with abandon.
As the night drew to a close, Senses ended their set with Better Than This, a hauntingly honest track about hitting rock bottom, featuring the lyric: “somebody tell me it gets better than this.” And honestly, when you’re in the middle of a senses show—surrounded by that energy and emotion—it really doesn’t.
