By Jordan Stovka

The sounds of distorted guitars and heavy vocals pierced through the foggy ambience and rich lighting of D.C.’s Rock And Roll Hotel Friday night.

A dense crowd of punk rockers massed into the venue, adorned in their finest ripped denim, thrifted flannels and band t-shirts depicting names and logos of Modern Baseball, Tigers Jaw and Tiny Moving Parts, amongst others, in anticipation for another tier of the pop-punk genre.

Orlando rock group You Blew It! embarked on their first full U.S. tour in two years in celebration of their latest album Abendrot released last November. While the band’s previously heavy rock-driven albums hail to 90’s emo, Abendrot embraces a more somber, almost atmospheric tone.

The most dedicated fans in the crowd embraced this maturation of sound by singing every word of new tracks like “Like Myself.” However, the classics, such as “Match & Tinder”, “Award of the Year Award” and “Medal of Honor,” were well received with head bangs and mild moshing.

Led by lead guitarist and vocalist Tanner Jones, You Blew It! played a consistent mix of old and new tracks, each interwoven with lighthearted anecdotes, snarky Linkin Park references and sincere reminders about the importance of mental health.

Ears continued to ring from the powerful performances of Nashville punk group Free Throw and the South Carolina-based indie rockers All Get Out, but the night concluded with a solo performance of “The Fifties,” a nostalgically solemn track from the group’s debut full-length album Grow Up, Dude.

Jones admitted on stage to not having expected such a large crowd for their D.C. show. However, judging by the observed infatuation and glee depicted on the audience’s faces, You Blew It!’s reputation has amassed a following nothing less than dedicated, always eager for the authentically compelling performance the band guarantees to provide.

Free Throw vocalist and guitarist Cory Castro leads the group’s opening set at D.C.’s Rock And Roll Hotel Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

Free Throw’s Jake Hughe’s (left) and Justin Castro (right) play an energetic opening set in front of an eager crowd at Rock And Roll Hotel Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

Passionate fans raise their fists in praise of Nashville punk-rock group Free Throw at Rock And Roll Hotel Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. The band opened for All Get Out and You Blew It! during the span of the winter tour. (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

All Get Out’s Nathan Hussey explodes with energy during the Southern Carolina-based indie rock outfit’s opening set at Rock And Roll Hotel Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

All Get Out bassist contributes vocals to the indie rock group’s set at Rock And Roll Hotel Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 during their winter tour alongside Free Throw and You Blew It! (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

You Blew It!’s Tanner Jones leads the group’s performance at Rock And Roll Hotel Friday Feb. 3, 2017 as the band celebrates their latest album, Abendrot, released just last year. (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

Tanner Jones of Orlando rock group You Blew It! leads the set at Rock And Roll Hotel during the band’s Abendrot winter tour Friday Feb. 3, 2017. (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

Featured Photo Credit: You Blew It! lead singer and guitarist Tanner Jones tunes between songs at the group’s set at Rock and Roll Hotel Friday Feb. 3, 2017 during the band’s first full U.S. tour in two years. (Jordan Stovka/Bloc Reporter)

Jordan Stovka is a sophomore journalism major and can be reached at jstovka@icloud.com.