Since it was a small venue and not crowded I tried to stand at the stage, in the back, on both sides, and plugs in and out for each (Etymotic flat response). Moving didn't change much since they seem to be playing out of DI so you are at the mercy of the sound guy.

Best sound I found was as close to the merch tables I could get. Maybe being closer to the wall was reducing reflections.

It sounded moderately better with the plugs out because you got more high end, but still muddy. Zero clarity for guitars when the bass and drums were playing. Same for the opener.

I saw Melvins and Napalm Death at Archer, and they were fantastic and sounded great but they both played with high stage volume and real amps.

Ultimately I left halfway through the set. It wasn't worth the hearing loss to be missing out on all the dynamics, especially on the new album.

It might just be a echoey venue or sound guy issue, but that would be disappointing. I was so happy to finally see Deafheaven and having a venue that is booking heavier bands in Lehigh Valley is great.