SAOSIN Successfully Makes Emo Lovers in Surabaya Nostalgic, Gives Special Tease During Performance!

Kapanlagi.com - The Emo Legend, SAOSIN has finally decided to return to the homeland after such a long time, healing the souls of Indonesian emos who have been longing. Without holding back, during this visit, the American band is directly touring 5 major cities; Bandung, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Solo.

On Friday (30/6), KapanLagi.com had the opportunity to attend the SAOSIN concert located at Jatim Expo, Surabaya. This is the 4th day of SAOSIN's concert series in the Indonesia Tour 2025, and also their first performance in the City of Heroes.

Explosive but brief. That phrase seems most fitting for SAOSIN's performance in Surabaya. Full review below..

1. Two Local Opening Bands

The gate to the venue has been opened since 15:30 WIB. Upon arriving at the location, the KapanLagi.com team found hundreds of emo lovers, most of whom were wearing black shirts around the venue. Some chose to enter as soon as the gate opened, but many others opted to wait in front of the venue just to gather with friends or wait for SAOSIN's performance (around 19:30 WIB).

Before SAOSIN's performance itself, there were two local opening bands appointed to fill the event; Ghostline and 510. The performances of both were quite successful in getting the 'machines' of the emo lovers warmed up, before welcoming the main guest star.

2. The Indonesian National Anthem Plays to Welcome SAOSIN

The Indonesian Raya song is playing (Credit: KapanLagi.com/Guntur Merdekawan)

At around 19:30 WIB, just before SAOSIN took the stage, the Indonesian National Anthem played. The audience, who could no longer contain their excitement, immediately stood up and formed a line to pay their respects, then sang the national anthem together with a sense of pride.

Although the venue wasn't completely full, every attendee seemed so excited and passionate. This created an atmosphere in the Jatim Expo venue that felt vibrant and filled with high excitement.

3. Directly Striking Without Beating Around the Bush

SAOSIN at Jatim Expo, Surabaya (Credit: instagram.com/saosinofficial)

At around 7:35 PM WIB, without any small talk, SAOSIN immediately kicked off with the opening song Sleepers. The audience instantly screamed as loud as they could, expressing their longing and joy. The venue felt as if it was shaking with the sight of the audience jumping along to the song.

Once again, without any small talk, Cove Reber and the band continued to the next setlist, which included Lost Symphonies and Voices, occasionally inviting the audience to sing along. The venue echoed with the choral voices of the emo lovers.

At one moment, Cove Reber, the frontman, took a banner from the audience that read 'SAOSIN INDONESIA' and waved it on stage.

After that, SAOSIN occasionally greeted the audience in between their songs. They did not stop expressing their love for the Indonesian fans who had welcomed them with great joy and enthusiasm.

4. Give a Special Hint

Beau Burchell on stage at Jatim Expo (Credit: instagram.com/saosinofficial)

On that occasion, SAOSIN performed a series of their old hit singles, as if deliberately inviting emo lovers to reminisce together. After the song Voices, the songs performed included; I Can Tell There Was An Accident Earlier, On My Own, Come Close, I Never Wanted To, Finding Home, Follow And Feel, Collapse, and Translating The Name.

After that, guitarist Beau Burchell shared an interesting hint. He said they would soon be working on a new recording after returning from the Indonesia Tour.

"After this tour, we are going home to record something new. So we can meet again maybe next year here in Indonesia," said Beau, which instantly made the audience even more excited.

5. A Sweet Ending

Group photo at the end of the event (Credit: instagram.com/saosinofficial)

The two closing songs from SAOSIN that night were Bury Your Head and Seven Years. However, the audience seemed unsatisfied and wanted the performance to continue longer. The shout of 'We Want More' echoed throughout the venue.

And indeed, for the fans, SAOSIN returned to the stage to perform two additional songs. These two encore songs can be considered their ultimate hits, namely It's Far Better To Learn and You're Not Alone.

Of course, both songs prompted the emo lovers to scream as loud as possible to sing their favorite songs together. It was not uncommon for those in the front rows to engage in stage diving, moshing, and even creating a wall of death.

Before truly leaving the stage, SAOSIN invited the audience in Surabaya for a group photo. A beautiful memory that will not be forgotten by the emo lovers of Surabaya.

6. Short but Sweet!

The atmosphere in the front row of the SAOSIN concert (Credit: instagram.com/saosinofficial)

When SAOSIN's performance ended, we looked at the watch and it showed 8:30 PM WIB. This means that the performance of the band founded in 2003 lasted for only about an hour.

Without any chaos, the audience immediately left the stage in an orderly manner. Tired but satisfied faces were clearly visible on the faces of the audience who simultaneously left the venue.

And after this, SAOSIN will embark on their final tour in Solo, specifically at Sritex Arena, before returning to America. Well, hopefully after this they will keep their promise to reward us with a new release!

(kpl/gtr)