Bandits on the Run, an indie-pop-folk trio, performed at Buffalo State’s Performing Arts Center on May 1, 2026. The trio has been touring alongside Canadian Musician, Alan Doyle, spreading their passion-driven music far from their meeting place and home of Brooklyn, New York.
The trio consists of Adrian Enscoe, Sydney Shepherd, and Regina Strayhorn. Each musician demonstrated mastery of vocal and instrumental performance, perfectly complementing one another in angelic harmonies. The musicians rotated their instruments to the left between songs, further demonstrating their vast skill sets.
As they venture on tour, Bandits on the Run and fans anticipate June 12, 2026, the release date of the new album, “Rough Magic.” The growing excitement could be felt radiating off performers and through the captivated crowd. “Rough Magic” CDs and vinyl were available for purchase, and multiple songs from the album were performed, giving the audience a sneak peek at what’s to come.
One new song from “Rough Magic,” “lostlostlost,” released May 1, 2026, coinciding with the performance date at Buffalo State. “lostlostlost” was an emotion-evoking song, including dramatic, peaceful, and light-hearted moments to be shared amongst the crowd. The song ends on the lyric ” Until I’m found,” summarizing the hopeful message and feeling of the song. The title song of the upcoming album, “Rough Magic,” shares in the emotion-evoking quality of “lostlostlost.” Similar moments of light-hearted, dramatic, and peaceful energy can be found, again emphasizing hope through carefully crafted and motivational lyrics.
Each song is driven by a story, highlighting the ups and downs of life through crescendos and decrescendos. Looking amongst the crowd surrounding me, I witnessed the shared emotions evoked in each listener. Through each message and feeling accompanying the music, an uplifting spirit of hope prevails strongest.
I was fortunate enough to meet Bandits on the Run while purchasing a CD of my own during intermission. When I asked the group what their largest message they’d like to spread through their music is, Strayhorn stated, ” The value in human relationships over everything.” Enscoe and Shepherd agreed, and Enscoe was sure to add in, “And animals!”
Prior to my interaction, a little girl attending the concert with her father took pictures with the group. She was met with bright smiles and a shared excitement for the conversation. The girl joyfully asked if the group would sing with her, to which Shepherd quickly agreed to with a, “Of course, what song?” Enscoe, Shepherd, and Strayhorn shared in singing, “This Little Light of Mine,” with the girl, emphasizing their friendly and welcoming nature.
Throughout the entirety of the evening, Bandits on the Run demonstrated the pureness of their hearts. The group’s joy in performing was evident, and each member looked at one another with deep pride. Enscoe shared his appreciation for the audience sharing their first performance in Buffalo. He stated that there is “magic in being in a room, getting to play with people.” In interacting with the audience, the group felt comfortable, feeling as though you’re listening to a friend.
Bandits on the Run music feels like the advice of an older sister. It is understanding of your pain, comforting to hear, and despite all continues to uplift you. The same message of human connection, accompanied with passionate vocals and instrumentals, can be expected in the highly anticipated “Rough Magic.”
