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The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone differently. Some people spent their newfound free time learning to bake bread. Some plowed through every binge-worthy television show they could find. And then there’s NEEDTOBREATHE.

Turns out the South Carolina-based rock band made the most of their newfound time – releasing not one, but two albums since the pandemic shut down everything and everyone. Last June, NEEDTOBREATHE dropped their seventh studio album, Out Of Body, and then they surprised everyone by releasing Into The Mystery this past July. 

This came about last fall, when the five members of NEEDTOBREATHE quarantined together in a house in Columbia, Tennessee for three weeks as they wrote, recorded and produced their eighth full-length studio album.

“Normally this would take us three years to do, and we’re gonna try and do it in three weeks,” said front man Bear Rhinehart in the trailer for the band’s upcoming documentary, titled “NEEDTOBREATHE: Into The Mystery.”

Armed with an abundance of new material, the Grammy nominated band hit the road for the first time in two years as they embarked on a 38-city tour, which included a stop in Washington, D.C. 

Their performance at The Anthem that night sent a clear message to the more than 6,000 fans in attendance that they were ready to make the most of their allotted time as they dove headfirst into a two-hour set that included 26 total songs. That show and this band were, as their song says, “What I’m Here For.”

With apologies to friends and loved ones, more than anything during the pandemic, I missed live music. The venues, both big and small. The abundance of emotions and energy from those on the stage as well as those in the crowd. The opportunity to support artists who create the content that resonates so deeply. 

Having all of that abruptly taken away for a year and a half was a gut punch I never saw coming. And now that society is slowing returning to some semblance of normalcy, live music sure does feel like what the doctor ordered. (Well, that and vaccines. But I digress.)

I don’t know for sure, but it feels like the members of Switchfoot were in the same boat. They took to the stage at The Anthem Sunday night as if they were making up for lost time, and then proceeded to put on an amazingly captivating performance. Let me say without hesitation or reservation – nobody is having more fun than these guys these days.

Switchfoot kicked off their high-energy set with “Where I Belong,” which was fitting after the pandemic robbed us all of concerts and the track clearly clearly connected with the more than 6,000 fans in attendance who agreed with the sentiment. From there, they went right into one of their biggest hits, “Meant to Live” before launching into “Float” with a disco ball, amazing lighting and multiple bubble machines adding to the moment.

By the time they finished their 45-minute set, Switchfoot had absolutely crushed another memorable performance and reminded everyone how the Grammy Award winning band has been able to deliver consistently for more than two decades.

At its core, Any Given Sin is a hard rock band for the people.

The music created by lead singer Victor Richie, guitarist Mike Conner, bass player Rich Stevenson and drummer Mike Showalter is embraced by a rabidly passionate fanbase, known as Any Given Sinners, who earn regular attention and praise from the folks at Sirius XM’s Octane channel.

Following in the footsteps of popular singles such as “Dynamite,” “Another Life” and “Insidious,” Any Given Sin released “The Way I Say Goodbye” in early 2021. They also signed with FM Music Management and Mascot Records, which is why it’s a safe bet if you haven’t heard of them yet, you will in the near future.

Before embarking on a 14-city tour with Nonpoint, Saul and Dropout Kings, Any Given Sin made a special stop at the Baltimore Soundstage in the band’s home state. After Relentless Souls, With Satellites, Breakforth and Crashing Atlas got everyone warmed up, Any Given Sin tore the house down with a high-energy hourlong set.