This is Tour Diary, where artists give us a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road. In the spring, Clarion released their Blue Fairy EP, building on the buzz of their 2024 self-titled debut EP (which houses the viral song “Hello Juliet”). They’ve got a huge, fuzzy sound that’s informed by Fennel, Hum, and Sonic Youth — clearly enamored by ’90s alternative rock but doing more than simply replicating it. They add their own flair through their references, which largely include anime and manga (“Taxidermy” pulls from Chobits, whereas “American Girl” is about Nisekoi). Whenever they step onstage, that loudness becomes the main character, spilling from their bedrooms into DIY spaces — including their local Denny’s. Along the way, they’ve garnered an avid fanbase who pack out their shows, from their annual Christmas charity benefit in Pomona to their current headlining tour, which they’ve been on since the end of March.
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Before they end the run next month, Clarion took us through a handful of their recent shows. Tonight, the band play a sold-out show at House of Blues in Anaheim, opening for Panchiko.
Waving at the camera, having a good time! Vibes and crowd were amazing. / Bella Villa
Bella Villa
Javi laser-focused on us as some mess-ups in the set make us look at each other to stay in time together! / Bella Villa
Up and personal. You can feel the emotion in this picture. / Bella Villa
Saya pumping up the crowd! You can tell that they were hyped by her reaction. / Bella Villa
Javi striking his cymbals like they owe him money! / Bella Villa
Bella wanted to take some portraits of us! We felt cute and up for it and love how they came out. This day was super fun, so I’m glad the coloring reflected it. / Bella Villa
Looking at my pedals up close because I could not tell if my settings were wrong in the dark. I also refuse to wear my glasses when playing, so that doesn’t help. / Bella Villa
Javi hitting the drums like he was born to do so. You can tell by this picture that this was likely halfway into the set by his sweat. / Bella Villa
Feeling the tone right up on me. I love our opening song, feeling the speakers roar behind me. / Bella Villa
Saya focused and shredding up her bass. / Bella Villa
Headbanging with the crowd, as all of them stare at Saya. / Bella Villa
