House of Protection Ignites the Roxy with Electrifying 'Outrun You All' EP Release Show

The Roxy in Los Angeles, was packed with fans anxiously awaiting the special event that took place this Saturday night. Not only was it a night to celebrate the release of House of Protection’s new EP Outrun You All, but also a celebration of both vocalist/guitarist Stephen Harrison and drummer/vocalist Aric Improta's birthdays. What better way to spend a birthday than performing in front of—and in—the crowd all night? Let’s get into it.

The night started off strong. After grabbing our drinks (and Dani sneaking in a photo with Caleb Shomo from Beartooth, who was also there), we were stoked. The floor was already packed, and we stood happily with a great view from the back.

We arrived while Contact Sports was performing—a talented DJ who had me moving right away. I was really into the vibe. It felt very acid house with a hint of goth wave, and I was dancing in my little circle in the back. Not hard to achieve, but definitely not always the case! I’m actually looking forward to catching another set if I get the chance. If you’re into that kind of jam, I highly suggest checking Contact Sports out. Some people in the crowd were vibing just as much as I was, while others stood stone-faced—clearly saving their energy for the night’s headliner. They were locked in.

And then—it happened, and it happened fast. The set opened with a latex-clad character introducing the event. Pretty trippy. As soon as the guys hit the stage with a quick hello and welcome, the OG hit “Pulling Teeth” dropped. The crowd instantly lit up. Somehow, we had made our way into the middle of the crowd—I honestly don’t even remember how. From that point, everything started happening in flashes. But the middle wasn’t close enough for Chris, Dani and me. We needed to be deeper in the joyful chaos.

During the mosh and circle pits, everyone was moving—inside and out. Stephen, always going all-in with the crowd, came down for two songs: “Learn to Forget” and a personal favorite of mine, the slower-paced “Better Off.” One was a whirlpool of bodies, the other a moment to breathe and soak in the performance. These guys Brought. The. Energy. Jumping, kicking, spinning—you name it, they did it. At one point, Aric was on what I think was a divider wall. Watching both of them appear in different spots throughout the venue gave the whole thing an unscripted, wild energy that we loved.

I’ve already mentioned the old hits, but the new ones held their own too. “Afterlife” and “Fire” were just as powerful, and by then, we had made it all the way to the front. Judging by how many times we were bumped from behind, the crowd behind us was a nonstop wave of movement and energy. And when “Godspeed” came on? That’s when the real fans went off, singing along to one of the freshest tracks off the EP. I turned to Dani on my left and we exchanged excited glances with our knowing favoritism to the song, then I turned to the right to the tall blond next to me, and we screamed the words. This is what it’s all about.

The show couldn’t end without a closer like the one they gave us. You literally can’t wrap up a HOP show without pulling fans onstage, right? The final song, “It’s Supposed to Hurt,” kicked off, and Stephen gave the nod—fans jumped up and gave it everything for one last round. There was singing, jumping, fans putting on those iconic Stephen and Aric blockheads, and just full-on electric energy in the best way possible (Dani and I may or may not have joined in on the stage fun). Once the song ended, smiles were on every face in the venue. What a time.

Dani and I have been to two music video shoots for HOP, as well as their first headliner in LA at the Echoplex. Needless to say, we’re huge fans, and it’s been amazing to see them grow so quickly. Not only do they put on a killer show—they’re also just genuinely great people. They always make an effort to meet as many fans as possible before and after their sets. That kind of connection means a lot, and we really appreciate it.

We had other plans to get to, but there was an after-party next door at the Rainbow for even more birthday celebrations. And if the show was any indication, that party was probably an absolute blast.

Happy Birthday, House of Protection. We’ll see you next round—keep on killin’ the game!