Cartel brings nostalgia and energy to Revolution Live for their 20th anniversary of their album Chroma live in Fort Lauderdale.
On a late Sunday in October, the walls of Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale pulsed with the sound of nostalgia as Cartel took the stage for a night that celebrated both their legacy and their lasting connection to fans. Nearly twenty years after their breakout album Chroma defined an era of melodic pop-punk, the Georgia-based band proved they still possess the same youthful spark that once catapulted them into the scene’s upper ranks.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into chants of “Car-tel! Car-tel!,” the energy in the venue was electric. Opening with the explosive “Let’s Go,” frontman Will Pugh set the tone immediately — his vocals rang out crisp and impassioned, carrying the same sincerity that first drew fans to the band. Guitarists Joseph Pepper and Nic Hudson filled the room with driving riffs and harmonies that felt both nostalgic and fresh, while drummer Kevin Sanders delivered a rock-solid backbone that kept the crowd bouncing and moshing in perfect rhythm.
The setlist was a thoughtful mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts that showcased the evolution of Cartel’s sound. “Say Anything (Else)” and “Honestly” from Chroma earned the loudest sing-alongs of the night, with every word shouted back to the stage by a sea of fans who clearly hadn’t forgotten a single lyric. Between songs, Pugh spoke warmly to the audience, expressing gratitude to the Florida fans who had supported them since their early days on the Warped Tour. “We’ve played a lot of shows,” he said with a grin, “but there’s something about Florida that always feels like home.”
Midway through the set, the band slowed things down with the heartfelt ballad “Wasted,” creating a collective moment of reflection before launching back into high gear with “Burn This City.” The lighting design — flashing reds, blues, and golds — matched the mood perfectly, transforming the small venue into a cinematic backdrop for Cartel’s emotionally charged performance.
One of the evening’s highlights came when the band played “A” from Chroma in its entirety, a rare treat that drew both tears and cheers from longtime fans. Pugh’s voice soared effortlessly, proving that time has only refined his delivery. The chemistry among the members was palpable — tight, intuitive, and authentic — giving the show an energy that felt spontaneous rather than nostalgic.
As the night drew to a close, Cartel ended with “Luckie St.,” sending the crowd into a final frenzy of clapping, jumping, and heartfelt applause. The song’s hopeful tone was the perfect way to cap off a night steeped in memory yet alive with forward momentum.
Cartel’s performance at Revolution Live wasn’t just a reunion of fans and songs — it was a reminder of the emotional honesty and melodic brilliance that defined a generation of pop-punk. Two decades later, Cartel proved that great songs don’t age — they just grow stronger with the people who never stopped listening.
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