If you’re wondering how a seemingly unknown band like LANY are able to headline a venue like Webster Hall without a full-length out yet, you might want to take a closer look at the LA transplants’ catalog of three stellar EPs as the answer all lies in the music.
The first time I heard LANY – comprised of Paul Klein, Les Priest and Jake Goss – I was transported to my favorite place: a fantasy land of 80’s-tinged indie-pop (reminiscent of The 1975) inspired by daydreams, isolation and love lost. What can I say? I’m a glutton for emotional punishment.
To say that last night was magical would probably be an understatement as I knew the minute I bought my ticket it would be a memorable show. There’s a certain buzz in the air when a band is on the brink of releasing their debut but when they’re able to headline a major NYC music venue prior to its release, there’s no denying the genuine excitement.
As the songs from I Loved You., Make Out and the kinda EP were brought to life, I felt like I was in the middle of a prom scene from an epic 80’s teen movie sans Molly Ringwald only with a crapload of swooning teenage girls to add to the atmosphere, making me feel kinda old at the age of 28.
Opening with a video of Whitney Houston’s 1991 National Anthem stint, the stage was illuminated with a screen of exquisite colors and appropriate images & GIFS (Angelina Jolie, anyone?) to go along with every track, making their appeal quite obvious for any skeptics in the audience. Let’s just say fans on this tour are getting the ultimate experience! As the sounds of “4ever!,” “yea, babe, no way,” and “Bad, Bad, Bad” dazzled the crowd, I was blown away at their stage presence and how humble and grateful they were to be playing at a venue such as Webster Hall.
Once “WHERE THE HELL ARE MY FRIENDS” came into play, it was nice to see so many hands in the air as the anthem of the digital age lit up the entire room in red. Things started to get dreamlike once “Made In Hollywood” came barreling in and the crowd went insane for “youarefire” and personal favorite, “pink skies.”
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without buzz single, “ILYSB,” as fans screamed back every word as the glorious synth echoed throughout the entire venue. It’s been a while since I’ve had an emerging band to be really excited for and 2017 looks like it’s gonna be all about LANY. With a stint like tonight, I can just feel that this album is going to be fire. Needless to say, we kinda love them SB.
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