The Criticals talk growing up in Nashville and touring, ahead of their show in Houston, TX

MARCH 3RD 2023 | by JALIE RHOADES

I’ve sat down to write this article numerous times, trying to make myself sound more dynamic/complex, perhaps even more experienced than I am. Truth be told, this was the first set of portraits that I’ve ever taken with strangers and I walked into it fairly nervous.

I didn’t know what to expect when it came to photographing a band, or even really conversing with one. But to my utter relief, Parker and Cole were both extremely easy to be around.

The environment was welcoming. They came downstairs to meet up with me and was patient as I bounced them around to various places inside and outside of the venue to take photos. Then eventually when I left them in the terrace, (shortly before their first opener, Shooks, took the stage), I was met with a chorus of “Bye Jalie!” and “Good to meet you!”

PARKER FORBES (left) AND COLE SHUGART (right) AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES HOUSTON

In between shots, we spoke briefly about hometowns and city life. Growing up in Nashville, both Parker and Cole were exposed to a continuous stream of people, music, and people that make music. They spoke highly of the network of friendships they’ve acquired through the years, and touched on the importance of supporting small artists.

When asked how far along they were on their tour; bassist, David Meadows, jokingly poked his stomach out and placed his hands there to mimic a baby bump, before stating that he only heard the first half of my sentence and then clarified that this was the second stop in Texas with 10 shows left to go.

Speaking briefly of the minor technical difficulties they had the night before in Dallas, the band expressed how excited they were to kick off the show at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas. And kick it off they did.

PARKER FORBES (lead vocals), COLE SHUGART (lead guitar/vocals), DAVID MEADOWS (bass/vocals), J. RUDOLFO ROSAS (guitar/vocals), and TYELEN GIBBS (drums/vocals)

Shooting a concert will always be a thrill. Watching interactions between a band and their fans is a unique experience within itself. Having the privilege to freeze some of those moments in time for safekeeping is a form of art I’m happy to have stumbled upon and had the opportunity to take part in.

This show in particular was as passionate and interactive as you can get. There was a raw energy that I can only describe as the authentic, gritty essence of a rock concert.

While music is constantly evolving and artists are continuously trying to create something that hasn’t been done before, somewhere along the way they lose sight of what they set out to do. And as a person who has a diverse taste in music, but zero ability to create it… here’s an opinion you probably don’t care to hear:

The fundamental feeling you get from a good rock show is slowly fading away.

With this in mind, I can confidently say that as long as The Criticals are playing live shows, they will have a hand in making sure that the true rock essence people crave in live music stays intact.

Parker and Cole’s experience in the Nashville music scene, playing in numerous bands before joining forces in 2018 to form The Criticals, was evident with their ability to interact with their audience. Every band member was exuding confidence and assuredness.

Opening with “Good Lookin,” a song from their first EP, it was apparent that the night would be fun as die hard fans enthusiastically sang along while new ones danced alongside them.

Their full setlist included their popular song “Treat Ya Better” along with a variety of other tunes from their discography such as “Absinthe” and “Under Your Nose,” as well as a few covers thrown in there.

After a warmly received encore, the band came out to take photos and speak with their fans. With a few shows left in this leg of their 2023 tour, there’s still a chance to catch them live near you.