Only A Dream with Orion 224
07.11.26 - Austin, TX
Kicking off their Only A Dream tour, Orion 224 from Houston, TX, brings along two other Texas-based bands to share an evening of music and memories with the crowds before them.
Photo by DeAnna Garza - @shotbydeanna
Mypiltotis, a high-energy group from San Antonio, TX, were the first on stage to bring the night to life. Throughout the night, the crowd that gathered went from sitting to standing to a mosh pit. The group had their choreographed moments of dance and “hydration breaks” with props of foam paddles and water for the crowd. Lead singer, Chesca, knew how to take control of the crowd and keep the vibe high for the two acts that were following. She took a moment near the end of their set to get a helmet and lie in the hands of the crowd, trusting the fans below her to hold her steady as she continued to play her guitar. The bit itself being a staple and expectation for Mypilotis performances. Quickly after the group got off stage, fans rushed to meet the group, and the band took their time to speak to every person while they still had their instruments on their backs.
Photo by DeAnna Garza - @shotbydeanna
The next group to come on stage is known as Cannon The Dealers from Brownsville, TX. The group of four immediately welcomed and complimented the crowd on their energy. It was evident that this night was forming new relationships, not just through the bands and their fans, but also between the audience members themselves.
During the set, some technical difficulties did occur. Jamming too hard, the lead singer, Tony, popped a few guitar strings into just the first song, though quickly saved by the lead guitarist, Lane, and his backup guitar. Everything still remained lighthearted, the band making jokes and filling the musical void with a soft rhythm between the bassist and the drummer.
Photo by DeAnna Garza - @shotbydeanna
The loud and high energy the band has throughout the night was constantly reminding me of Dallas locals, Campus Crush. Exhibiting an energy that keeps the crowd engaged and joyful as the night carries on by interacting with them, dancing and hyping the crowd up when they pull their phones out for flashlights. From playing new music to joking with the crowd in front of them, Cannon The Dealers were the perfect choice to open for Orion 224, making sure the crowd was hyped and prepped for the energy that was about to join the stage next.
Walking out to “Llorar y Llorar,” Orion 224 jumped across the stage, waving their arms and cheering with the audience as they took to their places, and with that song choice, everyone drew in closer to experience the group on their first night of tour. Lead singer Cristian easily commanded the crowd into a chant and sing-along, and ultimately raised the energy even more when they brought out balloons for the audience to keep high throughout the set. Though this was easily forgotten as soon as the band announced that they would be performing unreleased music.
Introducing songs with relatable phrases such as “Make some noise if you hate your ex” for the “Self Obsessed” listeners. The mix of slower and faster paced songs had the fans swaying, climbing onto each other’s shoulders, dancing together, making new friends out of strangers because it’s what the group on stage encouraged.
Photo by DeAnna Garza - @shotbydeanna
The indie rock group were great despite their own popped strings. Cristian introduced his brother, Gavin, on the drums and had him entertain the crowd while joking and thanking the crowd for sharing the evening with them. The crowd grew even louder at that and at the group’s cover of “End of Beginning.” Though the crowd was the loudest at every original performance after the fact, performing recent releases and fan favorites like “Is This It?,” “Take My Hand,” and “Mess.”
It was obvious the crowd before them didn’t want the evening to end, “booing” at the mention of the last song but cheering when the band claimed that evening to be the best show they’ve played in Austin. With more balloons brought out to end the night, having the audience count them in to their last instrumental climax of “Everything Will Be Okay,” the evening ended on a high note.
Amassing a following across the state of Texas, Orion 224 started their Only A Dream Tour right, and the audience showed out in Austin, TX. Hopping off stage after a loud goodbye and group photo with the crowd, the band were immediately greeted by fans at the merch booth and took their time to speak to everyone that made it out.
These three groups are growing their fanbases every day and with the talent each holds, they are all well deserved and earned. Make sure to catch them on tour in the cities nearest to you with upcoming dates for the rest of the month.
