REVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY: NADINE SWIGER
Saranac Brewery Biergarten in Utica, NY, was the perfect venue to kick off the summer concert season, and Puddle of Mudd put on a show that set the bar high for the warm months ahead. On a crisp, clear night, the crowd gathered under the stars to experience a high-energy rock show that balanced nostalgia with fresh sounds from their latest album Kiss The Machine (released May 2, 2025).
Puddle of Mudd wasted no time getting the crowd amped up, opening with “Control” and bringing the kind of raw energy that only a band with years of experience can pull off. The pacing of the show kept fans on their toes, transitioning seamlessly from classic anthems like “Blurry” and “She Hates Me” to newer tracks like “Beautimous,” the lead single from their latest album.
“Drift & Die” hit hard, and “Nothing Left to Lose” gave the night a reflective moment before the crowd was once again swept away by the intensity of tracks like “Psycho” and “Spin You Around.” Of course, “Blurry” had the crowd singing in unison, the unmistakable anthem of angst and youth that still resonates today.
The real highlight, though, was “Beautimous,” a track from Kiss The Machine that instantly felt like a classic. Scantlin’s vocals, powerful and raw, carried the emotion of the song, and the crowd’s energy skyrocketed. It’s clear that Puddle of Mudd has maintained their signature sound while evolving it in a way that feels fresh yet familiar.
Summer Vibes and Solid Rock: A Perfect Combo
There’s something about kicking off summer with a live rock show, and Puddle of Mudd’s performance fit that vibe perfectly. The sun had just set behind the brewery, the crisp evening air mixing with the excitement in the crowd, and the sound of electric guitars ringing through the Biergarten. It felt like the unofficial start of the season, with the perfect soundtrack to summer nights ahead.
Puddle of Mudd at Saranac Brewery Biergarten was the perfect way to usher in the summer concert season. With a tight, high-energy set, a mix of old hits and new jams, and a crowd that was absolutely on fire, the night felt like a celebration of everything great about live rock music. Whether you’ve been a fan since their early hits or are just now discovering their new material, this show was a reminder that Puddle of Mudd is still rocking with the best of them.
