Shot & Written by: Mal Holmes
Last Wednesday, April 22nd, I had the night of my life at the Georgia Theater with the alt-indie band, Arcy Drive. I arrived early to secure a good spot in the crowd because I love to be as close to the stage in order to fully immerse myself with the band.
Kicking off the show was the band’s opener – a saxophone player! This was my first time ever experiencing an opener who is a solo instrumentalist. After his first song, I knew the show was going to be a great night. His setlist consisted of internet-popular, karaoke-worthy hits that the entire crowd could sing along to. He mixed soulful solos with surprising rhythmic flourishes, and his energy set a playful, communal tone for the evening. Following his set, Arcy Drive’s manager moved with a force on stage to get everything set up for the main event.
I admittedly went into the show blind. I had listened to their most recent album, The Pit (Spring, 2025) a few times beforehand as well as a few singles, but compared to other shows I have attended, I was not obsessed with the band – yet. They began the show with “Under the Rug,” which is the opening track off of their newest album. Following the opening song, they continued with more songs from the new album before bringing out their surprise guest, the folk duo hey, nothing, who, in case you are unfamiliar, is a popular Athens band who played last year’s Shaky Knees with great success.
The Georgia Theater itself felt electric — warm lights, a packed floor, and that hush-then-roar dynamic when a band connects with an audience. Arcy Drive’s set moved seamlessly between tightly arranged hooks and loose, jammy moments where the crowd sang backup. Highlights included a slowed, emotionally raw rendition of a ballad from their earlier days that had the room swaying in unison, and a blistering, cathartic version of a single where Nick’s voice scratched perfectly into the high-register parts. The surprise guest appearance by hey, nothing added a lovely contrast: their harmonies softened the evening and created an intimate interlude before the band launched back into their heavier, more anthemic material.
I love how obvious it is that Arcy Drive is more than a band – they are a family. Beginning their career in Northport, NY as a self-ascribed attic-rock band, the band has grown so much since starting in high school. Their affection for one another and their love for performing is infectious. I am now a dedicated fan following the concert. I especially loved how much their digital presence versus their live performance felt very different in the best way possible. From streaming, I assumed the band would be a more Wallows-esque sort of indie band, but their stage performance was pure 90s/2000s alternative rock. The lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Nick Mateyunas, had a spirit very reminiscent of Kurt Cobain. Bassist, Patrick “Helzi” Helrigel and lead guitarist, Austin Jones, looked so much at home on stage; their passion was so transparent. And, to cap off the band was the drummer, Brooke Tuozzo, who was simply very cool. The band meshed together even when Nick admitted to forgetting a few songs.
Nick Mateyunas
Patrick “Helzi” Helrigel
Austin Jones
Brooke Tuozzo
Beyond the playing, small moments made the night memorable. The lighting design complemented the set — warm ambers during slower numbers, stark blues and reds for the louder tracks — and the sound mix at the Theater was crisp, with vocals front-and-center without drowning in the guitar textures. After the encore (they returned for two songs, including a raucous closer that left everyone hoarse), the crowd lingered, buzzing with conversation and applause.
In short, I had a great night. My friend, who came with me, discovered a new favorite band. We had nothing bad to say because Arcy Drive delivered the kind of show I always hope for – one filled with energy, entertainment, and excitement. They left the stage sweaty and smiling, and the crowd left full of that rare post-show glow.
Here’s to the next time I get to see Arcy Drive live!
Listen to their new album below!
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