It was rainy, it was muddy, but it was totallyworth hosing off my Doc Martens for. Wallows returned to Charleston for the first time in a while and brought an almost sold-out crowd to Firefly Distillery. And as someone who sees a lot of shows, I can confidently say this one wins for most fan signs and most creative. (I’m really rooting for the girls pictured in the gallery to have gotten that guitar pick.)

Despite the weather, this show was anything but chill (in the best way.) The crowd was packed with die-hard fans who knew every lyric, and even as I made my way out, I could still hear the audience singing from the parking lot. That’s the kind of dedication that makes me grateful for earplugs and pit access.

Wallows always bring a good time. Whether it’s the high-energy “Scrawny” (a personal favorite) or the more emotional “Guitar Romantic Search Adventure,” there’s something in the setlist to scream along to or cry about sometimes both if you’re in the mood. Songs from their new album Modeland the More EP have been picking up steam online (hello, “Calling After Me” TikTok takeover), but they hit even harder live.

If you’re into infectious indie pop, light barricade camping (eight to ten hours, give or take), and a night of nonstop energy, catch a Wallows show when you can. Trust me, it’s worth the mud.