Squid kicked off the U.S. leg of their “Cowards” tour with a thrilling performance at Portland’s Revolution Hall on April 30, setting a high bar for what’s to come. The Brighton-based art rockers brought their signature blend of wiry post-punk, experimental flourishes, and off-kilter grooves, delivering a set that felt both unpredictable and tightly controlled.

Supporting the tour is Atlanta-based artist Fear Dorian, fresh out of high school and already making waves with a bespoke blend of Milwaukee low-end, Midwest emo, vaporwave, and Atlanta staples like trap and snap music. Their set was atmospheric and gripping, layering synth textures with haunting vocals and sharp beats that felt both intimate and cinematic. Fear Dorian’s performance set a captivating tone for the evening, drawing in the audience with a slow-building sense of unease and beauty that perfectly complemented Squid’s intensity.

Squid opened the night with a taut, driving song “Crispy Skin” that instantly pulled the crowd into their tense, immersive world. Frontman and drummer Ollie Judge’s urgent vocals were as commanding as ever, while the band navigated between intricate rhythmic patterns, jagged guitar riffs, and bursts of trumpet. New material from Cowards added a darker, more introspective edge to their sound, deepening the experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Though Squid kept chatter to a minimum, their tight musicianship and dynamic range spoke volumes, moving the packed room through moments of frenetic energy and eerie stillness. By night’s end, the crowd was left buzzing—a testament to Squid’s continued evolution and their ability to keep live shows as adventurous as their records.