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Gang of Youths Deliver a Raw and Wonderful Performance in Minneapolis 6/6/17
Gang of Youths’ Minneapolis show this past Tuesday was one of the most raw, honest and wonderful shows I have ever been to. The smaller crowd and venue allowed for an extremely powerful connection between frontman David Le'aupepe and the audience.
Opening their set with their newest single “What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out”, the band arrived in full force. This song teases their sophomore album and stays true to their quick and flashing guitar lines and pounding drums. The softer tones of their loud alt-rock music provides an excellent platform for Le’apepe’s lyrics, without which their meaning might be lost beneath the noise. Le’apepe took the time to explain nearly every song to the crowd, giving each one an important weight. It’s easy to get lost in their catchy anthem songs, but this show gave me the chance to step back and really understand the lyrics.
Many of the themes in their debut album The Positions, released in 2015, deal with Le’apepe’s experiences with his former wife’s cancer and his trying personal experiences. “Knuckles White Dry” gave Le’apepe the chance to share one of the most trying times in his life with the audience while the rest of the band ceased playing. This is a man that examines the entire spectrum of humanity and remains so grounded while doing so.
Much to my excitement, they played three new songs that I assume will be included in the second album. Le’apepe joked with the audience about playing the same songs for four years and expressed the band’s need for variety. After these new songs, Le’apepe quoted Charles Bukowski, “as the spirit wanes the form appears”. This quote served as the inspiration for their song “Do Not Let Your Spirit Wane”, a nine minute triumph of profound lyrics, airy guitar and complex layering. I willingly got lost in it.
At the conclusion of their set, Gang of Youths returned to their hits “Magnolia” and “Radioface." Le’apepe’s presence became more playful, leaving the stage to dance with the audience and suggestively shaking his hips and beating his hand in time with the music. I think that “Radioface” live was an amazing improvement on their recorded version. The grittier live sound accompanied Le’apepe’s desperate singing to create an amazing atmosphere to close out the night. He made sure to thank the crowd for making the venue feel full, and I left the show more in awe of this band than before.
Keep up with all Gang Of Youths news here, and pre-order their new album here.
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PHOTOS: Happyness, Fury Things, and Wetter at 7th St Entry 5.27.17
Photo gallery of Happyness, with support from Fury Things and Wetter on 5.27
Joey Vannucchi Is The Poster Child for Soft Indie Rock: From Indian Lakes Charms Minneapolis on 5.16.17
Wearing an ill-fitting white t-shirt, cuffed jeans and a simple gold ring, Joey Vannucchi is the poster child for soft indie rock. The soothing lead singer of From Indian Lakes charmed the crowd last Tuesday at 7th St Entry, offering a lulled but impactful set.
From Indian Lakes is known for sweet acoustic melodies and intricate rhythms. However, when listening to their studio recordings, I found it difficult to understand how their sound would translate to a live setting. I entered the venue with skepticism, but my expectations were soon blown out of the water.
Queen of Jeans opened the night with a wonderful set. They played off of each other with ease and became more comfortable with the help of an accepting Minnesota crowd. This newer band from Philadelphia has released one self-titled EP in 2016. Their female-fronted sound is eclectic and complex, switching off between the lead singer’s higher voice and standard indie rock guitar. I highly suggest checking out their music.
Vannucchi and the band soon took the stage under a neon ‘FIL’ sign. The mood in the venue instantly changed. Although they were opening for Balance and Composure, many of the people in the crowd seemed to be there for From Indian Lakes. Vannucchi committed fully to every song, quickly tossing off his hat during the first few songs. Their highly layered live sound built powerfully on their studio recordings.
As the set developed, the energy increased but refused overwhelm the music. They took their time with each song and made sure to connect with the audience. Dreamy vocals paired with amazing percussive work had the audience nodding along with every song.
I felt like I was in a world created by Vannucchi. His lyrics are captivating and the softer instrumentation allows for a close focus on the specific mood of each song. I haven’t seen someone feel their own music in a very long time. He often got lost in the song and I was right there with him.
The set ended with “Happy Machines”, the song whose lyrics give the title to their album Everything Feels Better Now. This song was a perfect end to the night, with grittier guitar fitting seamlessly with the more delicate piano. This performance showcased From Indian Lakes’ maturity and experience with their own music. Their live show is one of the most captivating I have ever seen.
From Indian Lakes and Queen of Jeans Photo Gallery
Check out all of From Indian Lakes' upcoming tour dates here.
Trophy Dad Kicks Off Tour With an Incredible Hometown Gig
Trophy Dad brought warm, indie jams to the High Noon Saloon last night in Madison, WI. Known to many in the Madison area, Trophy Dad drew a large and rambunctious crowd of friends and fans, despite finals week.
The audience was warmed up after three openers. “Theme From Trophy Dad” opened the set, flawlessly transitioned into fan-favorite “Louis Sachar”. Abby Sherman and Jordan Zamansky share the main vocals, with each of their voices bringing something different to the table. When they sing together it is a wondrous combination of deep consistency from Jordan and lilting, higher notes from Abby.
After debuting an unnamed new song, the concert’s energy peaked during “Trichotillomania”, my personal favorite from this band. It emphasizes catchy guitar lines and amazing lyrical work from Abby. Abby was the star of the show, both interjecting playful remarks about Jordan’s new nickname, “Buzz-lord Jarvis”, and professing her love of Guns N’ Roses.
Trophy Dad closed their planned setlist with “Addison”, a single off of their Dogman EP. The band was coaxed into playing an encore, despite some hesitation. The concert concluded with an electrifying rendition of “You Never Responded and I Made Up Wild Stories in My Head That Turned Out to Be True”, a song off of their album Shirtless Algebra Fridays. Guitarist Henry Stoehr provided an amazing amount of drive for the song, ending the concert on an exceptional note.
This show acted as Trophy Dad’s tour kickoff. They will be in Chicago tonight at Beat Kitchen; go check out their exceptional live show. Grab tickets here.
All photos by Morgan Winston