Shiner at The Press in Manhattan, Kansas - Thursday, October 16, 2025. [Photo by Reagan Johnson]

REAGAN JOHNSON | Go Venue Magazine

Kansas City’s own Shiner rolled through Manhattan, Kansas, on Thursday, October 16th, as part of their ongoing fall tour with support from Headlight Rivals and Frogpond.

Headlight Rivals took the stage Thursday night as a four-piece, with their newest member, Ryne Timken, on guitar. This Manhattan band is the best the area has to offer. The new addition of a second guitar has taken their live shows to the next level and expounded on the band’s already incredibly honed live sound. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Headlight Rivals proved us all wrong. The set was filled with hits that fans know and love, as well as a new, unreleased song that gives a peek into the direction the band’s sound might be heading. The band’s sincere and emotional sound is the perfect fit for an intimate setting like The Press. Their sound has grit but never feels forced, perfectly accenting the feeling that their lyrics convey. By their closing number, the crowd was sorry to see the set end. Headlight Rivals left the energy perfectly primed for the acts to come.

Frogpond is another favorite in Manhattan. This was my first time seeing them live, and fans had been talking up their music for weeks leading up to the show. The band brought to the stage a kind of grungy, pop-rock sound. Towards the end of their set, they played the fan favorite song “Did”, and it sounded even better live. The crowd received the band with warmth, and the set felt nostalgic in the best way. Frogpond doesn’t sound like an act stuck in the past, but one that has established itself and left space for continued growth. Their newer work is strong and holds its own against the older classics. Frogpond is an enjoyable listen, mixing the sounds of years past with their newer work for a perfect balance that is suited for old fans as well as first-time listeners.

Shiner was established in KC in 1992. The band was active until 2003, but reunited in 2012, though they sound like they never left. I’ve heard what a solid act they are for years, but never seen it for myself. I was excited about that change on Thursday night. When Shiner took over, the vibe shifted. The lighting became more expansive, and the audience, already warmed up, leaned in closer. The band members were backlit by hazy blue lighting and a small but steady stream of fog. This setup created moody silhouettes to complement Shiner’s sound seamlessly, while more direct illumination took over during other moments. It never felt overproduced — which suits a band like Shiner, whose strength lies in raw sound more than spectacle. Their sound was driving, employing a clean yet aggressive tone, paired with vocals that are often restrained and melancholic. The tone felt heavier at times, swaying between atmospheric and more explosive. Shiner’s stage presence was dynamic, ranging from somber to intense. Their live sound is immediately distinctive and like nothing else we’ve seen in Manhattan in recent years. The crowd was reeled in and hung on every note. If you love post hardcore music like I do, do yourself a favor and catch Shiner on this tour. There aren’t many acts still doing it like they are.

Shiner Frogpond Headlight Rivals All images © Reagan Johnson

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