Fox Theater in Oakland, CA — March 8, 2025

With a lineup of effortlessly fresh indie-rock songs from their previous album Shadowglow and multiple EPs, and a filled out Fox Theater, it’s safe to say that the excitement was visible across fans anxiously awaiting to see flipturn out in Oakland. The Florida based five piece band – featuring members Dillon Basse, Tristan Duncan, Mitch Fountain, Madeline Jarman and Devon VonBalson – is currently touring across North America and Europe in support of their latest sophomore album, Burnout Days. Through the years, flipturn sharpened their sound in garages and house parties, this dedication translates into electrifying live performances.

To kick off their set, flipturn took the stage with “Juno,” “Burnout Days” and “Inner Wave,” three heavy hitters off of Burnout Days. The band plays well together, their talent is unmistakable. Dillon Basse commands the stage and audience, while bassist Madeline Jarman and guitarist Tristan Duncan share thrilled glances as they play across the stage from each other. Mitch Fountain, the guitar and synth player, keeps his headphones on all night as he skillfully switches between instruments. His transitions between songs ensure that there is rarely a moment where the venue isn’t filled with music. Devon VonBalson is a sight to behold as a drummer and is completely mesmerizing. Further in the set, he jumps into the pit and plays up against the barrier, then leaps back onstage and puts a drum on his head, playing the intro to “Space Cowboy” essentially blind. When their music plays before you, it’s hard not to be immediately immersed in the music and fixated on each individual member. Performance is too tame of a word – you haven’t heard a flipturn song until you’ve seen it live.

Words & Photography: Sabrina Poei