On a snowy Minnesota evening, the kind where the roads disappear and you begin to genuinely question your life choices, The Home Team delivered a performance that made braving the storm feel not just worthwhile, but essential. I found myself trudging through the cold, wondering if any concert could justify this kind of weather, but once inside, it was immediately clear that this was a night that couldn’t be missed.

Makari Set the Tone Early

The night opened with Makari, and though they were already deep into their set by the time I arrived, they were rocking the stage with a confidence that instantly grabbed my attention. As someone unfamiliar with their music going in, it took only minutes for me to pull out my phone and follow them online, a clear sign they left an impression strong enough to earn a new listener on the spot.

Arrows in Action Bring Sharp, Immediate Energy

Next up were Arrows in Action, who brought a level of warmth and precision the room desperately needed after the trek through the snow. They stepped out with a surge of charisma and launched straight into “Empty Canvas,” a slightly flirty, slightly spicy opener that warmed the room instantly. From the moment they hit that first note, the trio delivered tight harmonies, crisp guitar work, and an infectious stage presence that snapped the audience out of the cold within seconds.

Their set flowed effortlessly from high-energy tracks to emotionally resonant moments. Fan favorites like “Head in the Clouds” and “Uncomfortable Numb” were clear standouts, drawing loud cheers from the crowd and showcasing the band’s ability to balance emotional depth with dynamic, catchy arrangements. Every song felt purposeful, building momentum while keeping the room fully engaged.

By the time they wrapped their set, the whole venue felt charged, warmed up, and buzzing with anticipation for The Home Team. But honestly? Arrows in Action easily could’ve headlined their own snowy Minnesota night. They made braving the storm feel absolutely worth it.

The Home Team Ignites the Room with a 20-Song High-Voltage Headline Set

Touring in support of their latest album, The Crucible of Life, The Home Team launched into their nearly 20-song set with the explosive opener “Turn You Off.” From the very first downbeat, the room shifted from comfortably warm to genuinely electric. The band’s presence was commanding. Sharp vocals, hard-hitting drums, and riff-heavy arrangements that hit with full force.

The setlist offered a dynamic blend of fan favorites and new tracks from the album, all delivered with a level of energy that felt both precise and unpredictable. The production was tight without ever losing the sense of spontaneity that makes a live performance unforgettable. Each transition kept the audience locked in, feeding off the band’s momentum as the night accelerated.

One of the most memorable moments came when Vic of Arrows in Action returned to the stage to join The Home Team for “All Squeezed Out.” The collaboration was seamless, bursting with chemistry and excitement, a standout highlight that elevated the middle of the set and drew one of the loudest reactions of the night.

A Tour Stop That Proves Why The Home Team is Rising Fast

What makes The Home Team such a compelling live act is their ability to balance intensity with ease. They perform with the confidence of a band hitting its stride but still carry the hunger of artists intent on climbing higher. Even on a treacherous winter night, their audience showed up, and the band matched that commitment tenfold.

By the end of the show, it was easy to forget the snowstorm waiting outside. Inside, it felt more like a summer festival than a Midwest deep freeze: high energy, sweaty crowds, genuine joy, and a room buzzing with the kind of excitement that doesn’t fade quickly.

The Crucible of Life Tour isn’t just a celebration of a new album, it’s a showcase of a band operating at full power, supported by openers that set the perfect tone. If this stop was any indication, The Home Team’s momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Varsity Theatre | Minneapolis, MN | November 29, 2025