Cult alternative rock band Cursive played at Off Broadway Friday night, beginning the first tour for the band since 2014. Since launching the record label 15 Passenger in 2017, Cursive remained largely inactive until they announced a new album, “Vitriola,” in August, prompting a wave of renewed interest in the group.

Opener Camp Doggz played dreamy, ambient music that seemed adjacent to bedroom pop. Second to perform was Chicago-based Meat Wave, on tour with Cursive. They played a high-energy punk set with heavy, chugging bass lines and thrashing percussion. The lead singer howled into the microphone with vigor and intensity, playing music that contrasted noticeably with the feisty music of Cursive and Camp Doggz.

Cursive packed a full show in Off Broadway’s relatively spacious (for a DIY venue) space. the audience consisted mostly of diehard Cursive fans who thought the bad would never tour again, who shouted along with the lyrics, creating an almost pseudo-chorus for the band. At times, it was equally fascinating to watch the audience as it was to watch the band; people surged in waves around the stage, dancing and yelling their hearts out. The sheer passion of the audience alone made it a remarkable show and stood as testament to Cursive’s cult status.

Their songs have an unmistakably distinct sound; apart from the typical guitars, bass, and drums, the band is comprised of an electric cello, a synthesizer and a trumpet. The cellist played some amazing (and criminally short) solos, balancing the band’s heavier rock sound with unexpected poignancy.

Most of the songs Cursive played were off their new album, as expected of an album release tour, but they also played smaller, lesser-known songs from their previous releases. Frontman Tim Kasher sang with passion and honesty, at times admonishing the audience with finger pointing. Kasher’s deeply personal lyrics and intense sincerity are substantial parts of Cursive’s appeal. Besides carefully constructed melodies and rich layers of instrumentals, the sheer humanity of the band—how the lyrics are honest and raw without verging on whining and how virtually everyone can relate to the aching behind the music—is what resonates so deeply with members of the alternative rock scene.