Jess Nelson On October 3, 2025, Summit Music Hall in Denver hosted a high-energy night of pop-punk nostalgia and fresh indie vibes, headlined by Cartel. The band celebrated the 20th anniversary of their seminal album, Chroma, by performing the entire record live, reimagined for a new generation. The evening began with Macseal, whose emotionally charged indie rock set the tone, followed by HUNNY, whose synth-infused pop-rock energized the crowd. Cartel then took the stage, delivering a dynamic performance that honored their past while showcasing their enduring relevance in the pop-punk scene.
Macseal
Macseal formed in 2014 in Long Island, New York, and they blend emo’s emotional core with math rock’s instrumental intricacies. The group self-released a home-recorded EP in 2015 and followed it with Yeah, No, I Know (2017) and Map It Out (2018). Their debut album Super Enthusiast arrived in late 2019 on 6131 Records, showcasing warm melodies, intertwining vocals, and dynamic guitar interplay. In 2024, they released their second full-length, Permanent Repeat, leaning heavily into ’90s indie rock and power pop influences to expand their sonic palette.
Macseal has cited artists like Goo Goo Dolls, Alvvays, and The Sidekicks as inspirations for their newer material. Their songwriting favors hooky choruses paired with lyrical introspection, and their live performances emphasize tight musicianship. In recent months, they have continued touring and growing their fanbase through festival appearances, streaming growth, and consistent engagement with indie rock communities.
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2025 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
HUNNY
HUNNY emerged in 2014 from the North Los Angeles indie rock scene, where members connected with acts like The Neighbourhood and Bad Suns. Early self-released tracks like “Cry For Me” gained viral traction, leading to a deal with Epitaph Records ahead of their 2019 full-length debut, Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Their sound weaves new-wave sheen, post-punk angularity, and dreamy indie textures, all filtered through emotionally candid lyrics. Over time, HUNNY evolved from a band into essentially a solo project led by frontman Jason Yarger.
In 2023, they released New Planet Heaven, reflecting growth in both production and lyrical ambition. In 2025, HUNNY returned with the single “sidewaze,” and then announced their new album SPIRIT! (released September 26, 2025). That record articulates a sense of rebirth and creative freedom, channeling celebration and introspection in equal measure.
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2025 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Cartel
Cartel formed in 2003 in Conyers, Georgia, and quickly became a staple of the mid-2000s pop-punk landscape with bright, catchy melodies and honest, emotionally direct lyrics. Their breakthrough came with Chroma (2005), which featured hits like “Honestly” and “Say Anything (Else)” and gained significant traction on alternative rock charts. They followed that up with several albums—including Cartel (2007), Cycles (2009), and Collider (2013)—each showing musical growth while retaining their signature sound. Over the years they also toured widely, appeared at festivals, and built a dedicated fanbase drawn to their energetic live shows.
In 2025, Cartel celebrated the 20th anniversary of Chroma with Chroma – 2025, a full re-recording of their defining album. They released updated versions of classics such as “Honestly – 2025” and “Luckie St. – 2025,” re-imagined with modern production while preserving the raw power of the originals. A guest vocal appearance by Cassadee Pope adds fresh texture to the new version of “Q&A.” They launched a North American headline tour in fall 2025, accompanying the album release, playing many cities, and aiming to bring the live energy of the band’s performances into every reworked track. Their efforts have earned praise from longtime fans and newcomers alike, as Cartel bridges nostalgic reverence with renewed creative vigor.
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2025 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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