Photojournalist: Sophia Bronwyn
Varsity Theatre | Minneapolis, MN | March 5, 2025
The Funeral Portrait, known for their dramatic flair and blend of theatrical rock and punk energy, delivered a zesty performance in Minneapolis, sweeping new fans into their Coffin Crew. A year ago, I saw them perform to a crowd of just 30 people in a small venue. Fast forward to tonight, and the Varsity Theatre was sold out. This undeniable growth is a testament to the band's ability to connect with their audience and consistently put on an unforgettable show.
The Minneapolis punk crowd, known for their appreciation of unique and energetic live acts, welcomed The Funeral Portrait with open arms. As someone that frequents the Varsity Theatre for punk rock shows, it was notable that this crowd was beyond ready to jump in the “Hearse for Two” and follow along with all of Lee’s commands.
Opening the show with Generation Psycho, lead vocalist and cult leader Lee Jennings commanded the stage with a captivating mix of charisma and intensity. His vocals, ranging from haunting melodies to raw, emotional screams, were consistently powerful and engaging. His expressive movements make every lyric feel like a dramatic confession.
The setlist was full of crowd favorites, such as “Voodoo Doll” and “Dark Thoughts.” Personally, I was thrilled to hear the new song “Chernobyl” live, the song opens with a catchy guitar riff and a steady kick drum, setting an electrifying tone. The low vocals from lead guitarist Cody Weissinger brings the song to the next level. His intricate guitar work blended seamlessly with bassist Robert Weston’s deep, thundering baselines, creating a full, immersive sound that hit hard in all the right places. Drummer Homer Umbanhower was the driving force behind the band's relentless energy, hammering out thunderous beats that kept the momentum surging forward. Caleb Freihaut, contributing rhythm guitar, keyboard, and backing vocals, was another integral part of the band's tight sound. His steady guitar work provided a solid layer behind Cody’s leads, and his backing vocals enriched the harmonies, adding a fuller, more atmospheric quality to the songs. As a fan of Caleb’s dramatic flair, witty facials and unique voice, I would personally love to see him highlighted more.
Beyond their musical talent, the playfulness of each band member was a defining feature of the performance. From Lee’s lively interactions with the crowd to Homer’s energetic drum solos, and Caleb and Robert’s shared kiss and playful exchanges on stage, the band’s chemistry was undeniable.
The night also included many touching moments. Lee mentions how the loss of his grandma that raised him served as inspiration for “Hearse for Two,” while holding up flowers during the song. Another memorable moment came when Lee wore a fan-made Buc-ee’s mascot head, crafted in his likeness, while continuing to perform. Speaking with this Coffin Crew member, they mentioned spending over 100 hours to bring the piece to life.
The band's performance was visually stunning, blending theatrical flair with immersive storytelling. Their elaborate coffin-themed suits, paired with carefully orchestrated lime green and purple lighting, created a mesmerizing atmosphere. Each song felt like a scene from a macabre musical underworld, pulling the audience deeper into the world of Suffocate City. The energy was infectious, every haunting hymn was met with enthusiastic cheers, as the crowd became just as much a part of the spectacle as the band itself.
If you're a fan of theatrical rock, punk energy, or simply a captivating live performance, The Funeral Portrait is a must-see. They've proven that they're more than just a band; they're storytellers, performers, and masters of their craft. They left Minneapolis under their spell, and the echoes of their performance will linger long after the night ends.
You can still catch The Funeral Portrait on tour across the United States. Grab tickets to a show near you ahttps://www.thefuneralportrait.com/
