Caleb Shomo’s musical journey started with a lesser-known band called Attack Attack! The Westerville, Ohio act featured a teenaged Shomo on the keyboard. While the band’s career was relatively short lived, it’s worth noting that their lineup also featured Austin Carlile (now with Of Mice and Men) and Johnny Franck (also known as Bilmuri).
At the age of 10, Shomo suffered from depression and anxiety and was misdiagnosed with ADHD because he had trouble concentrating. While still with Attack Attack! Shomo began writing songs for the band that would eventually become known as Beartooth as an outlet for his mental health.
Since their debut album dropped in 2014, Beartooth has been on a steady trajectory, thanks to an ever-expanding catalog of hits and one of the best live shows in the industry.
On this night, Beartooth set the tone early with “Might Love Myself” as their opening number. The popular single addresses the importance of self-acceptance, recovery and learning to be okay with yourself, and was presented in a slightly stripped-down rendition for Baltimore. The band’s most popular song, “In Between,” was up next and immediately got the blood pumping. It’s always one of the loudest audience participation songs and this performance was no different.
Midway through their set, Shomo and friends unveiled their latest single, “Free,” a testament to letting go of past burdens. Caleb’s raw and unfiltered vocals carried through as he sang about his emotional liberation. As I’ve said in previous reviews, Shomo’s search for inner peace and happiness is incredibly personal and uplifting, and his willingness to share with others is incredibly noble and important.
Beartooth’s final two songs of the evening were “The Past Is Dead” and “Riptide.” Both high-energy anthems have received ample love and attention since their release and closed their set on the highest of notes.
