Shows

The 2000s Called and Cartel Answered: Celebrating 20 Years of 'Chroma' at El Corazón in Seattle

Shay Reichow

Oct 16, 2025 — 3 min read

Alternative rock band Cartel celebrated 20 years of their album Chroma by releasing a re-recorded version of the LP on September 12, via Field Day Records. This version includes re-recorded classics "Say Anything (Else)" and "Honestly," and features newly added guest vocals from Cassadee Pope. Along with this, the Georgia-based group embarked on a U.S. fall tour–of course, hitting Seattle, Washington along the way. The band was accompanied by various supporting acts throughout the tour–however Seattle fans were thrilled to have both Hunny (alt/indie) and Macseal (indie rock) on the lineup.

Seattle's El Corazón was packed out–showgoers arrived extra early to support the openers and came ready to party. Buzzing with anticipation, the crowd remained energized as they patiently waited for Cartel. And when they finally came on, they started their set off strong with "Let's Go," followed by "Faster Ride" from their 2009 album Cycles. Two songs was more than enough to get the crowd riled up. The setlist also included "Say Anything (Else)," "Runaway," "Burn This City," and "Perfect Mistake." Overall, there was a good mixture of newfound and long-time fans in the room–and every single person didn't fail to sing along the whole time.

Halfway through the show, the band came together to take an on-stage photo with the crowd behind them. As El Corazón has no physical barricades, the group photo created an unforgettable, intimate moment in fan history for Seattle, as everyone piled up to get into the frame. Fans also got the chance to vote on one of the encore songs ahead of time via QR codes plastered around the venue–this show's chosen song was "I Will Hide Myself Away," a track off their 2007 self-titled LP.

Cartel creates music not only for themselves, but also for their fans. The three-piece carries a desire to never settle, which is shown through their hard-hitting music and top-notch stage presence. You can keep up with Cartel and their future shows here.