- Live Reviews
Bandits on the Run Light Up The Plaza Live with an Unforgettable Show
- February 8, 2025
On February 7th, the indie-folk band Bandits on the Run, composed of three members–Sydney Shepherd, Adrian Enscoe, and Regina Strayhorn– delivered an incredible show at The Plaza Live in Orlando, FL. This marked their second show on tour with The Wood Brothers and it was nothing short of exceptional.
They eased into the night with their first self-produced single “You Have Changed”— a sultry ballad which also happens to be among the trio’s favorites. This was followed by “Love in the Underground” which weaves a story of kindred spirits meeting in unexpected places. The song’s origin lies in how two of the band members, Sydney and Adrian, met in an underground subway.
During their performance of “What to Do” from the band’s debut album “The Criminal Record”, Sydney swaps her cello for a banana-shaped maraca, a playful touch that perfectly captures the band’s quirky vibe. In addition to the band’s lively energy, I often found myself amazed by their incredible vocals.
Bandits on the Run take a different approach to vocals than most other bands: Each member offers a unique vocal presence, often taking turns as lead while blending seamlessly for rich harmonies throughout their performance.
They each contribute something distinct to the show, not just with their voices but with their instruments— Sydney with a soulful cello, Adrian with a dynamic guitar, and Regina with an expressive accordion. Together, their unique vocals, hypnotic harmonies, and impressive musicianship made for an unforgettable experience.
The Bandits went on to play various other singles such as “Spellbound”, “Radio”, and “Hurricane”. With every song they played, the audience— which started off mellow— grew increasingly more energized.
They brought their show to an exhilarating close with their hit single, “We Battle Giants”— a song featuring soaring melodies and a driving rhythm that created a triumphant, almost cinematic atmosphere, perfectly suited for a finale.
As the final song came to an end, the entire crowd leapt to their feet, roaring with applause. Overflowing with gratitude, Adrian remarked on how nice it is to perform for an audience “that is as equally weird and goofy as we are” before making their way off the stage.
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