Mourning Star
Mourning Star | X-Ray Arcade | Cudahy, WI
February 2, 2025
Photographed by Anna Oleniczak
Mourning Star, based in Illinois, have made strides in creating one of a kind music. Lead vocalist Maddie Bevan is accompanied by Quentin Wright on drums, Kevin Villalobos on bass and Johan Montag on lead guitar. Throughout their ever developing discography, they create sweet and thought provoking tunes with carefree, yet intentional vibes.
On February 2, 2025, Mourning Star performed at X-ray arcade, the iconic punk venue in southeastern Wisconsin. For their set, the upcoming four piece band turns melodic vocals and drifting guitar into an expressive soundscape. Delivering an ethereal and emotionally charged show left the crowd in a daze. Mourning Star’s reverb drenched guitars and deeply moving lyrics prove why they’re a rising force in the local music scene.
Opening the night with ‘Get Lost,’ the atmosphere on the floor was wrapped in Maddie’s hazy and delicate vocals. Layering direct drum beats with swirling guitar tones that match the energy of the delicate rhythm section create a really immersive experience. Swaying and nodding along, this crowd was under the spell of Maddie’s alluring tone and the band’s melodic support. Completing their set with a good lot of newly created tracks as well as a cover midway through to keep the audience interested.
Mourning Star also create their own pace in releasing tracks, demos and have a knack for an enthralling live performance. Before they wrapped, one of the last songs 'Burgundy’ was released in its demo format on February 16 is just as sweet as it is yearning. Cohesively, their sound is developing and beginning to form a captivating and haunting discography.
If you haven’t seen or heard Mourning Star yet, you’re missing out on one of the newest upcoming bands out of the midwest. Their ability to work together as musicians is apparent in their live performances, making them a must see in their local scene.
They closed out the night with ‘Big Feelings,’ a track just released early this July. Sweetly ending a emotionally moving and ethereal night at the iconic X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy, WI.
Mourning Star, February 2, 2025 Setlist
