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Cartel’s Chroma Turns 20: Detroit Sings Every Word
- LJ Portnoy
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
A 20-year Chroma celebration, sung loud and heart-first in Detroit.
Article Contributed by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief
Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy on IG)
At St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, the night buzzed with anticipation as fans packed shoulder to shoulder for a lineup that blended fresh talent with seasoned pop-rock veterans.
Landon Conrath Opens with Spark
The evening kicked off with Landon Conrath, who immediately won the crowd with his infectious energy and jangly guitar-pop sound. His set mixed playful melodies with heartfelt lyrics, setting a vibrant tone for the night.
Conrath’s knack for making even the most intimate moments feel electric proved he’s an opener worth watching closely.
Hunny Brings the Groove
Hunny followed, leaning into their signature blend of indie-pop sheen and retro grooves. Despite a few minor technical hiccups, the band’s chemistry never faltered. Fans danced along as synth-driven beats and slick guitar lines turned St. Andrew’s into a retro dance hall.
Cartel Brings Chroma Back to Life
Cartel in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy on IG)
Marking the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut Chroma, Cartel took Detroit back to 2005 with a front-to-back play through that had fans hanging on every note. From the opening chords of “Say Anything (Else)” to fan-favorite deep cuts like “A” and “If I Fail,” the night felt like stepping inside a time capsule, only louder, brighter, and more alive.
The energy inside St. Andrew’s Hall was electric. Longtime fans sang with the same conviction they had as teenagers, while newer listeners discovered why Chroma became a touchstone of the 2000s pop-punk/alt-rock era.
Will Pugh’s vocals carried the same urgency as they did two decades ago, while the band leaned into each riff and chorus like they’d been saving it for this moment. For many in the room, it was a reminder of why these songs still matter.
A Band That Defined a Scene
For fans of 2000s pop-punk and alternative rock, Cartel has always been a staple. Their mix of high-energy hooks, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics helped carve out a lane that set them apart from their peers. With Chroma, they created a record that became both a soundtrack to youth and a timeless reminder of the era’s best qualities.
Two decades later, Cartel’s influence is undeniable. Bands across the genre cite them as inspiration, and their songs continue to find new life with younger fans through streaming platforms and anniversary tours like this one. Watching them deliver Chroma in full proved they aren’t just a nostalgic act—they’re a band whose music still connects, still energizes, and still matters.
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