The Break Plans Bring the Poptimism to Philly

MilkBoy – July 25, 2025

Photos & Review by Rebecca McDevitt

You know that feeling when a band you just discovered ends up blowing you away live? That’s exactly what happened Friday night at MilkBoy in Philly when The Break Plans took the stage.

Hailing from Freehold, NJ, this indie-pop trio, made up of Colton Braun (vocals/keys), Mikey Strawz (guitar), and Dan Carr (drums), call their sound poptimistic, and honestly, we couldn’t agree more. It’s a perfect blend of catchy melodies, throwback 80s vibes, and emotionally honest lyrics. Since forming in 2019, they’ve been making waves across the Asbury Park scene and beyond, with tracks like “Fashionably Late” landing in the Top 40 and an EP (Mistakes Are a Friend of Mine) that’s as heartfelt as it is danceable.

On Friday, Soundcheck Mag got a front-row seat to what the buzz is all about, and we’re officially hooked.

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We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Philly crowds never disappoint. Even in an intimate space, fans were singing every word, dancing in place, and matching the band’s high-octane energy from the jump. It felt like everyone in that room already knew the lyrics, or were about to learn them fast.

Colton Had the Crowd in the Palm of His Hand

Frontman Colton Braun didn’t just perform, he connected. Whether he was joking between sets, or handing out sharpies after the show for fans to sign his guitar (yes, really), he made sure the night felt personal alongside the entire band. It wasn’t just a concert; it felt like hanging out with your friends’ band, if your friends happened to be incredibly talented and radiating stage presence.

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Philly Might’ve Just Made a New Favorite Band

The Break Plans delivered a tight, emotional, and incredibly fun set. Fan favorites like “Better Off,” “Sad Sometimes,” “Not What I Want,” and “Fashionably Late” were all in rotation—and the crowd was living for it. But one of the biggest moments of the night? A completely unhinged (in the best way) cover of Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy.” It turned MilkBoy into a full-on singalong, with fists in the air and everyone shouting “Can we forget about the things I said when I was drunk?” like their lives depended on it.

Maybe we found The Break Plans through the algorithm (okay, guilty), but Friday night made one thing clear: this band is the real deal. There’s heart in their lyrics, fire in their live set, and a deep-rooted joy in their connection with fans.

At SoundCheck, we’re officially on board, and judging by the packed room and energy spilling out onto Chestnut Street, so is Philly.

We came for the music. We stayed for the memories. And we’re already counting down to the next show.

FULL THE BREAK PLANS GALLERY HERE