The happy dance vibes bounced around The Hideout as The Curls took the stage. I dodged through nodding heads and moving bodies to get to the front. The Curls got the party started with old favorites as well as new jams. With changes in band members even the familiar tunes had a different feel to them. This band seems to be constantly evolving. I have seen them play with as many as 10 people on stage, so paired down to a more traditional four felt like a fresh perspective on the music. "Lemon Lime" stood out as an exceptionally stellar dance number, faster and tighter than I remembered. They brought all the energy we expect from a Curls show. Giving the audience both a release and energy they would need to carry them through to the much anticipated headliner.

There is a particular tension that comes with waiting for a band that draws a devoted fan base. The air was thick as people pressed forward. An eager round of hoots and screams greeted Diane Coffee as they came on stage. They wasted no time, songs blazed by leaving me breathless. No one could resist this kind of world-shaking experience. The band wailed as Diane Coffee gave all us all their energy. They constantly reached out to the audience and gave their band exuberant praise, falling to their knees, shredding back to back. Anything and everything to make the most of every moment and ounce of energy. The band rose to their challenge, enjoying the show and performing to a level few outwardly show. They could be seen as goofing, but the serious guitar riffs didn't leave room for error. A special shout out to amazeballs guitarist Kyle Paul for being such a joy to watch and also to his proud dad, who was celebrating his birthday. Gotta love a family shout-out!

Even when the music slowed down and Diane Coffee became slightly more stoic, they were still animated. Singing with gestures and expressions that would surely reach the nosebleed seats at the Lyric, let alone the back of the Hideout. There was not a bad seat at the show, although I was immensely happy to be front and center as the band’s energy washed over me. I felt dazed by the experience. I go to shows chasing that high. 

Photos of The Curls and Diane Coffee