If you’re an avid music lover like myself, you understand the pain of post-concert depression. I cope by dedicating a whole day after a show to listen to only that specific artist. In this scenario, I spent the following day shuffling Benches and ended up crashing my car to their song. Here we are a month later, and my car is still in the shop. I’d like to blame mercury retrograde, but my insurance company would say otherwise.

From supporting Inhaler as an opener, to securing a spot on the 2024 Shaky Knees Festival lineup, it’s fair to say 2023 was a huge year for Benches. I may be biased, since they are San Diego legends and I’ve known one of the bandmates since middle school, but trust me when I say their music speaks for itself—they are destined for worldwide domination. To end the year, they kicked off the return of Goldenvoice’s Jingle Bell Roxy which had 12 consecutive nights of shows at the Roxy as a benefit for Union Rescue Mission. 

Charlie Baird of Benches at The Roxy on December 12, 2023 

If you were to ever be a passenger princess in my car, there is no debate in who takes over aux – it’s me. As the three-hour car ride flew by, we headed straight for the box office to pick up my photo pass as well as wristbands that allowed us in the family/friends area of the venue. As we entered the venue, we were greeted by Christmas decor decking the halls of The Roxy. Even the fans were decked out in Santa hats and fun holiday attire. 

Ethan Powers of Benches at The Roxy on December 12, 2023

San Diego native, NUFFER, quickly entered the stage as the first opener of the night. His alternative sound set the mood perfectly. Heads started to bop and bodies were dancing around. It was beautiful witnessing fans of Benches move in closer after NUFFER’s first song, as if physically drawn to his sound. With his first release being a year and a half ago, it’s clear he has a gift for creating music. He’s a real go-getter.

NUFFER opening for Benches at The Roxy on December 12, 2023

Southern California indie-rock band, Surely Tempo, shifted the mood as the second opener of the night. Their intriguing discography blends elements of various styles of rock (garage, indie-rock, alternative, psychedelic) the crowd couldn’t help mosh around to within minutes of their set. The energy within the Roxy was electrifying, and the noise had the walls shaking. 

Surely Tempo opening for Benches at The Roxy on December 12, 2023

The room went dark, and phones immediately were put up in the air to record Benches’ entrance onto the stage. As their dark figures were able to be made out, the crowd immediately noticed each of them had Santa hats on. December 12th, 2023 is known as ‘Benchmas’ from here on out.

Anson Kelly of Benches at The Roxy on December 12, 2023

As soon as the music started to play, the Santa hats on the stage and within the crowd were flying off heads. Classic hits such as “Common Sense”, “Red Handed”, “Angry Lizard Noise”, “LA Friends”, “It Doesn’t Have To Change”, and “Mephisto’s Waltz” had the crowd screaming lyrics word for word as if they had the setlist memorized. There’s just something about Benches’ sound that is so pleasing to the ear. I’m not kidding when I say there are no skips in their discography.

Silhouette of Anson Kelly of Benches at The Roxy on December 12, 2023 

Due to the size of the venue, the overall setting of the show was so intimate. No barricades, no photo pit, and no overcrowding. Just a bunch of people joined together on a Tuesday night genuinely enjoying the ambiance and music provided. During “Crash”, fans in the front threw roses up in the air, literally giving Benches their flowers. To honor the season of giving, the band had a friend of theirs come on stage to throw merchandise into the crowd. Everything about the show was so wholesome. I can’t wait to continue to watch Benches blossom as we enter the new year. 

Roses thrown onto stage during the Benches show at the Roxy on December 12, 2023

All Photos by Vanessa Chan