Sanford, FL – Halloween stretched out just a little bit longer when The Haunt brought spooky vibes and boundless energy to Sanford’s West End Trading Company on Nov. 1.
Saturday’s show continued a headlining tour in support of debut album New Addiction, which launched to critical praise this summer on the strength of singles like “Dead 2 Me,” “Own Me” and “Claws.”
“Bad Omen” kicked off the set, a high-energy showpiece that sent Anastasia Haunt spinning around the stage as she belted out the chorus. Their sound blends multiple influences —- from garage rock to Southern Rock to punk — to create something in the vein of Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, and Dorothy.
Four songs into the set the brother/sister duo — rounded out by Maxamillion Haunt — dipped into the older material that earned them opening slots on tour with Palaye Royale. Shades of Nine Inch Nails seeped in on the sinister “I’m Not Yours,” while the fast tempo of “Overdose” brought to mind the best elements of Paramore.
The back half of the setlist grabbed my attention most, beginning with “Teeth” and its big, powerful chorus. Anastasia has been perfecting her vocals since open mic nights at age 12, graduating to the first band with her brother, AnastasiaMax, and now with The Haunt. She really opened up on “Teeth,” giving a peek at the bigger tours waiting for them with a little more patience and grind.
Saturday’s crowd was small but dedicated, singing along with the catchiest songs like “Dead 2 Me.” Maxamillion’s vocals created a harmony bedrock on most tracks, but they really shined through on the jaunty “Cigarettes and Feelings.” The short trip to pop punk abruptly ended with the pummeling set closer “Going Under.”
Every band that broke big can tell you about the early gigs where they played to a handful of fans or just an indifferent crowd. The Haunt put on a masterclass in playing your heart out no matter the size of the venue, giving it everything they have for the music they believe in. Paired with a new album produced by Kevin Thrasher (Blink 182, Jelly Roll) and killer image, big things are in store for The Haunt.
Setlist
- Bad Omen
- Morally Incompetent
- Blood Red Heart
- I’m Not Yours
- Overdose
- Make Me King
- Little Like Hell
- Teeth
- Claws
- OK
- Dead2Me
- Worst in Me
- Cigarettes & Feelings
- New Addiction
- Going Under
Opening for The Haunt was local legend Gargamel!, a truly unique experience that blends the quirk and funk of Primus with the hardcore roots of the Cro-Mags with a dash of reggae a la Bad Brains. Led by the imposing Mandaddy, the band bounced through tracks like “Pickle of Changes” (which is not about pickles, we were told) and “Grin, Reaper.”
Also sharing a stage was Las Vegas’ Velvet Chains, bringing their brand of radio-ready rock, with standout tracks like “Sins” and “How the Story Ends.” Perhaps in a nod to their hometown, they also included a cover of Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds.”
The Haunt Online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Velvet Chains Online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Show Date: November 1, 2025
