SHOW RECAP: Squid Launches Cowards Tour at Portland’s Revolution Hall 4/30/25

On April 30, Squid ignited the opening night of their U.S. Cowards tour with a mesmerizing set at Portland’s Revolution Hall. The British quintet, known for their genre-bending approach to post-punk and experimental rock, wasted no time in plunging the audience into their labyrinthine soundscapes.

Kicking off with an urgent, tightly wound track, Squid immediately showcased their knack for weaving tension and release. The band’s chemistry was palpable—each member locked in, seamlessly shifting between angular riffs, spiraling saxophone lines, and syncopated rhythms. Ollie Judge’s distinctive vocal delivery, shouted and breathless from behind the drum kit, anchored the performance, adding raw immediacy to the swirling arrangements.

Material from Cowards, their third full-length release, brought a brooding, expansive quality to the set. These new songs felt denser and more layered, hinting at deeper introspection and sonic ambition. While the crowd wasn’t given much in the way of between-song banter, Squid’s dynamic command of their instruments filled the space with a relentless, propulsive energy that held everyone rapt.

By the time Squid wrapped up their set, the room was electric—a swirl of sweat, applause, and exhilaration. The night made it clear that both Squid and Fear Dorian are artists in evolution, unafraid to push boundaries and bring their audiences along for the ride.