The Only Good Rock Show – Heart Attack Man take over The Shelter

By Byron Morris

There’s something ironic about seeing a show at The Shelter, the basement venue made famous by 8 Mile, where Eminem once sharpened his skills in weekend rap battles. What was once a proving ground for hip-hop has become a core stop for rising punk, indie, and alt-rock acts. It’s an unusual but nostalgic connection that I’m sure adds a layer of meaning for a lot of us. For a band like Heart Attack Man, whose music thrives on rawness and underdog energy, it feels fitting.

Kicking off a Tuesday night at The Shelter, Australian rock band Dear Seattle opened their first-ever American tour with a set that felt fresh. Their sound landed somewhere between light pop-punk and indie rock, polished but emotionally grounded. I found their vocals to be unique with the accent dropping through every now and then. Despite being strangers to the States, they quickly earned nods of approval from a Detroit crowd known for its skepticism. A solid introduction from a band clearly just kicking things off.

Up next, Carpool from Rochester, NY, wasted no time shifting the room’s energy. Their set was loud, urgent, and powerful, led by frontman Chris “Stoph” Colasanto whose screamed vocals cut through the crashing guitars. I caught Carpool in Kalamazoo back in 2023, and the energy this time around was like night and day. With impressive crowd work and a standout performance from the band, this set felt like a real discovery moment for me. I won’t be missing the next time Carpool comes through Detroit.

“The Dirty Nil is the only good rock band.” The Dirty Nil, a Canadian three-piece with a grunge-leaning, rock-and-roll approach that, while not unexpected, still hit the right notes. Their sound leaned into the grungy distorted guitars, driving drums, and a sense of attitude. With a new record “The Lash” is slated for release on July 25, 2025, via Dine Alone Records. 

And then came Heart Attack Man, and the whole room sparked. From the first track, it was clear this is what we came for. The crowd packed in tighter, singing along to every word to most songs. There was a real “back home” energy in the room, partly because of the band’s Cleveland roots, partly because of how clearly, they love Detroit. Between tracks, frontman Eric Egan was tossed three Slim Jims which he skeptically accepted (honestly sounds like a win to me). The set spanned fan favorites and new cuts from Joyride the Pale Horse, and the response was what I would consider positive. They seem to be diving deeper into a more mature and heavier sound on this new music compared to older cuts like “Leap year”, but the band still holds onto that punk persona their fans have come to love.

Joyride The Pale Horse is available now.