On August 27, Japanese rock band Burnout Syndromes took their Good Morning [New] World Tour to Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago. The three-piece rock outfit has been active since May 4, 2005, and consists of lead singer Kazuumi Kumagai, bass player/keyboardist Taiyu Ishikawa and drummer Takuya Hirose.

The band is probably best known to American audiences for their work doing OSTs for animes. Their track “FLY HIGH!!” was used as the theme song for season two of the volleyball anime Haikyuu! Looking out into the crowd, there were at least two in attendance dressed as characters from the show. Their songs “Hikariare” and “Phoenix”
were the theme songs for the anime’s third and fourth seasons, respectively. All of these songs were performed live to the audience’s delight, some of which arrived in cosplay.

Outside of their work for anime, Burnout Syndromes showcased an impressive range with their setlist. The setlist included the high-energy number “High Score Girl” and the darker, moodier “Maou,” as well as “The WORLD is Mine” and “Ocean.” Regardless of whether you came to the show as a longtime fan or completely green, the band made it clear how excited they were to perform in Chicago. Ishikawa was a particular highlight not just for his infectious smile and multi-instrumental talent but his persistence in making sure everyone in his eyesight was having a good time.

Burnout Syndromes wrapped up the USA leg of their Good Morning [New] World Tour 2024 in Hollywood on September 3. Future dates for the tour can be found here.