Words and Photos by Adam Briggs

Synthesizers, keytars, and saxophones, oh my. I don’t think we’re in the twenties anymore. Entering the Intersection on April 29th, I felt like I was reliving my youth. Navigating the crowd, I noticed waves of people in wild 80s outfits, neon, and bold hair, all gathered for the Midnight’s first Grand Rapids stop. Even the music over the PA—songs from Peter Gabriel and Wham!—stopped me in my tracks.

The Intersection has long been a hub for electronic music in Grand Rapids. This was my first time seeing a synthwave band here (others may have played, but I missed them). I was eager to see how Grand Rapids would receive a band rooted in a sound popular 40 years ago. And they turned out in force: the crowd spanned children to older adults. 

Opening the evening was dream pop/synthwave duo New Constellations, Harlee Case and Josh Smith, who wowed the audience with their 9-song set. Their NPR Tiny Desk submission recently hit over 1 million views, and their debut single has 16 million streams. 

Beginning with “Think It Over,” Case delivered powerful vocals as Smith played deep, ethereal guitar. Case later shared how the pair met at 14. Years on, she wanted one last push at music—Smith joined, forming New Constellations. Their set was fantastic. I believe big things await this band.

The energy in the room spiked as the crowd awaited the main act. As the band entered and the first notes of “Sanctuary” echoed, the excitement rose. An animated 80s bedroom scene played on the LED board, capturing my attention with its movie posters, décor, and attic-like setup. 

As “Sanctuary” ended, singer Tyler Lyle joined the band for “Love Is An Ocean.” Awash in blue lights, Lyle introduced his silky tenor, singing the hit from their 2025 album Syndicate. The band then launched into “Friction,” also from Syndicate, followed by songs from their 14-year catalog.

Throughout the set, the audience was treated to beautiful visuals and lighting as the band belted out song after song. After a barrage of hit after hit, the band took a brief reprieve as Lyle talked to the crowd about “The Comeback Kid.” He spoke about how the song was written as a demo near the end of the Endless Summer sessions, but, as songs sometimes do, it has taken on a new meaning. Said Lyle, “When it arrived, I didn’t think too much about it. But then my wife and I had a kid, we all went through COVID together, and then my wife with her cancer battle…”The Comeback Kid” has taken on a different resonance as I get older and life gets stranger and more complicated. So we sing this tonight for anybody who’s having a tough time recently. You can put your hand in the air and then look around see that a lot of other people are in that spot too.” This was a poignant insight into how life has changed Lyle’s relationship to the song, as well as how it has become an anthem of grit and endurance.

Later, Harlee from New Constellations joined the band for their song “Jason.” This lively duet allowed Lyle and Case to showcase their magnetic stage presence. 

Some of my favorite moments came late in the set. Seated near the back, I got goosebumps during “Heartbeat” as the audience sang the backing vocals, matching the band’s volume. Hearing 1,500 voices merge with the music was overwhelming—a true highlight. 

The crowd loved saxophonist Justin Klunk’s dynamic solos, each earning huge reactions. Near the end of the set, Klunk began another saxophone solo; as I listened, I couldn’t see him—he was down in the pit, weaving through the crowd while playing. The audience’s excitement was palpable. Another highlight was OBLVYN playing the keytar—an 80s staple—in 2026, making for a fun solo.

After the last song, the band left the stage. The crowd demanded an encore, roaring louder than I’ve ever heard. A security guard agreed: it was the loudest cheer we’d ever experienced. Even with earplugs, my eardrums rumbled; I’ve stood beside speakers and felt less.

Overall, this concert was an incredible experience. Both bands delivered outstanding performances, and the night’s energy was unforgettable. For those in attendance, this show will echo in their memories for years.

Learn more about New Constellations at https://newconstellations.band or on social media @newconstellationsmusic. Their debut album, It Comes In Waves, will be released on May 15, 2026.

Find out more about The Midnight at https://themidnightofficial.com or @themidnightofficial. The Time Machines tour continues for two weeks, ending at the Hollywood Palladium. 

Gallery: New Constellations

Gallery: The Midnight

New Constellations Setlist

1. Think It Over
2. I Disappear
3. Sun Chasing the Rain
4. Your Own Parade
5. Waterslides
6. Say That You Will
7. Believe Again
8. Dandelion
9. Hot Blooded

The Midnight Setlist

1. Sanctuary
2. Love Is an Ocean
3. Friction
4. Gloria
5. Lost Boy
6. Deep Blue
7. River of Darkness
8. The Energy Never Dies, It Just Transforms
9. The Comeback Kid
10. Shadows
11. Jason (w/ Harlee Case)
12. The Right Way
13. Heartbeat
14. Change Your Heart Or Die
15. Los Angeles
16. River Of Forgetfulness (Medley): Endless Summer/Loney City/Synthetic/Crockett’s Revenge/Kick Drums & Red Wine/Crystalline
17. First Night In Paris
18. Good In Red
19. Vampires
20. Days of Thunder
    Encore
21. Summer’s Ending Soon
22. Sunset