The Daily Listening is now 3 months old – so what better way to celebrate our little victory than with a show of 3 of the most promising acts in music?
Neon Trees have been a favorite of mine ever since they made their big debut in 2010. Singer Tyler Glenn’s view on music and life has mirrored mine and I was honored to share the same air with him and the gang last night at New York’s Irving Plaza along with a sold out crowd.
Starting off the night was Provo, UT’s Fictionist – friends of the Trees for quite some time. As they woke the crowd up with their organic sound and upbeat melodies, I couldn’t contain my excitement. “Free Spirit,” the band’s most noteworthy track really took it home, blending glorious synthpop with a hint of rock n’ roll for good measure.
Once Nashville’s COIN hit the stage, the crowd was amped! I’ve had these guys on my radar for quite some time and they did not disappoint. As they brought their upbeat synthpop to life off of their self-titled debut, there was no denying that they’re the real thing. “Atlas” and “Run” were crowd favorites as every word was screamed back at them. I can’t think of a better opening for the Trees than these guys.
Photo courtesy of COIN’s Facebook page.
Once Neon Trees hit the stage, the energy from the crowd was palpable throughout the entire venue. Starting off with new track, “Songs I Can’t Listen To,” Tyler Glenn, Elaine Bradley, Brandon Campbell and Chris Allen brought on the 80’s vibes hardcore, and which ultimately lasted throughout their entire set. No other band on this planet understands 80’s pop than Neon Trees. Mark my words. Their cover of Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ “Come On Eileen” only proves my point.
Once the band broke into “Animal,” the crowd went insane. As the floors and walls of Irving Plaza shook, it was quite obvious that they’ve started something wild here; how one song can have incredible Top 40 success yet a band can be undeservedly snubbed by award shows and MTV. Let’s all just agree that that means they’re doing something right.
One word to describe last night’s show was INTENSE. Giving it all they’ve got, Neon Trees did not disappoint – making me laugh, cry, dance and listen as the past month has left me uneasy and breathless. I needed this show to remind me who I was and what I went through. As the band broke into “Still Young,” I was reminded that I am indeed still young – “wide eyed and hopeless” but still alive.
Setlist
Songs I Can’t Listen To | Sins of My Youth | Calling My Name | Your Surrender | In The Next Room | 1983 | Animal | Moving In The Dark | Lessons In Love (All Day, All Night) | Mad Love| Still Young | Love In The 21st Century| Love Is a Losing Game (Amy Winehouse cover) | First Things First | Sleeping With a Friend | Everybody Talks | Come On Eileen (Dexy’s Midnight Runners cover)
