Abby Holliday, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, BAILEN, BANKS & Julien Baker with Nationwide Symphony Orchestra, Drive-By Truckers, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, John Paul White, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Koyo, Anxious, One Step Nearer, Mamadou Diabaté & Percussion Mania, Model Pussy & Soul Glo, Megan Thee Stallion, Mk.gee, Oh Marvel, Pan Arcadia, Publish Malone, Rex Orange County, The Rolling Stones, Sabrina Carpenter, The Staves, Taylor Swift, Valley, Vampire Weekend
From all of us right here at Atwood Journal, we want you a cheerful and wholesome new 12 months!
2024 has been an inspiring 12 months for music. Dwelling legends have additional solidified their legacies, while recent faces have turn into new favorites.
Atwood Journal has at all times had at its core the mission to rejoice music of all genres, and this 12 months we continued our aim to be an area of inclusivity and illustration by consciously highlighting artwork and artists from world wide. The 12 months in music was made all of the extra thrilling due to the broad vary of music we featured and centered on – from these acquainted names within the High 40, to creatives in probably the most underground, indie, and various of circles.
For thus many of those artists, music is greater than a mere technique of self-expression; it’s a vessel filled with superior potential. Lately, it has felt more and more necessary to acknowledge and elevate those that use their artwork as a voice for the disenfranchised; the oppressed; the underrepresented; and the underprivileged. This 12 months, we proceed to acknowledge those that converse for extra than simply themselves, whereas on the identical time indulging within the acquainted, timeless themes of affection, loss, hope, connection, braveness, change, and the endless pursuit of happiness.
Because the 12 months involves an in depth, our employees took a step again to honor the songs, albums, EPs, concert events, and artist discoveries that had the best influence on our lives. With out additional ado, Atwood Journal is proud to current our curated record of 2024’s Greatest Concert events of the Yr, in alphabetical order by artist.
From Sabrina Carpenter’s Brief N’ Candy Tour and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour to breathtaking reveals by Mk.gee, Megan Thee Stallion, The Rolling Stones, Publish Malone, Vampire Weekend, and plenty of extra, these are our favorites – the concert events that left us impressed, invigorated, and much more in love with the music than we have been beforehand! Please be part of us in celebrating 2024’s contributions to the music world!
Mitch Mosk, Editor-in-Chief
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Atwood’s 2024 Music of the Yr
Click on on the artist’s title to skip proper to their entry!
Abby Holliday, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, BAILEN, BANKS & Julien Baker with Nationwide Symphony Orchestra, Drive-By Truckers, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, John Paul White, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Koyo, Anxious, One Step Nearer, Mamadou Diabaté & Percussion Mania, Model Pussy & Soul Glo, Megan Thee Stallion, Mk.gee, Oh Marvel, Pan Arcadia, Publish Malone, Rex Orange County, The Rolling Stones, Sabrina Carpenter, The Staves, Taylor Swift, Valley, Vampire Weekend
Catching Abby Holliday reside has been on my “to-do” record ever since she debuted simply a few years in the past; the unapologetically impartial singer/songwriter has solid a uniquely dynamic and emotionally charged various sound that hits as exhausting on her three spellbinding studio albums because it does (I’m pleased to report) in individual. Selling her stunningly daring LP CRACK A SMILE COME ON STAY A WHILE (which we lately named one in all Atwood‘s albums of the 12 months), Holliday created an environment of intimacy, vulnerability, and human connection – inviting her Brooklyn viewers to affix in her and her band members’ communal reverie. Irresistibly catchy tracks like “Higher By Now” and “The Value” mixed with brutally uncooked performances of songs like “Ohio Laundry Room,” “Steve Martin,” “Assume Earlier than I Converse,” and “Andrea” to make for a cathartic, compelling, and irresistibly memorable live performance – and one which, for me, strengthened Abby Holliday as a singular expertise, each reside and on report. – Mitch Mosk
It was the primary chilly day of fall; excellent sweatshirt climate for an outside live performance. A sea of shivering followers sprawled throughout the open garden because the solar set behind the open dome of the Merriweather Publish Pavilion. Rocking a slick child blue go well with, jet black shades, and an iconic pearly white smile, Anderson .Paak enters the stage exuding nothing if not pure, unabashed confidence.
The Malibu Tour is a reside remodeling of .Paak’s 2016 breakout venture of the identical title. Revamping the melancholic, extremely private storytelling of Malibu, .Paak spun his music right into a enjoyable and invigorating funk-rock extravaganza. The expertise onstage was unreal. The artist navigated the stage with unimaginable command, effortlessly swapping between singing, rapping, and drumming, all whereas spinning a sequence of dance strikes that might make Michael Jackson jealous. The person’s supporting forged was equally as spectacular. The maximal efficiency of The Free Nationals offered a masterclass in versatility. Songs like “The Season/Carry Me” included blazing quick improvised solos and clean as hell again up vocals which gave .Paak loads of power to bounce off of. Merriweather’s massive screens have been taking part in a sequence of lofi, psychedelic results alongside footage of the efficiency on the stage which created a surreal throwback high quality to the music. It was significant to see Anderson .Paak rejoice the album that skyrocketed his music profession, and it’s clear that he’s having fun with each rattling second of his fame. – Jake Fewx
The unofficial “closing cease” on Bailen’s Drained Hearts tour – the multi-leg headliner celebrating their sophomore album Drained Hearts, which graced Atwood Journal‘s Greatest Albums of 2023 – was held up in Marlboro, New York, at The Falcon. With a complete capability of 150 seats, it’s most likely the smallest venue and among the many most intimate of BAILEN’s concert events over the previous two years; they kicked off stated tour in 2022, taking part in to a packed and sweaty room of 500+ individuals at Le Poisson Rouge in New York Metropolis.
And whereas I’ll at all times bear in mind each reveals fondly, there was one thing distinctive about that closing present this previous spring – not least as a result of I obtained to observe one in all my favourite bands shred onstage lower than 5 ft away from me. The Falcon has deep significance to the Bailen siblings, who’ve been placing on reveals there for a number of years now – lengthy earlier than they achieved any type of nationwide or regional fame, again after they have been simply Julia, David, and Daniel making music as a trio. To see them returning “residence,” having toured the nation and honed their already-sharp reside abilities, was highly effective, particular, and exhilarating; in spite of everything, how typically do you get to be so shut to a finely-executed rock present, solely to search out your self deep in dialog not simply with the band, however with their mother and father, afterwards? Between gorgeous renditions of “These Bones,” “Name It Like It Is,” and the now-classic “One thing Tells Me” – to not point out a wide ranging cowl of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” – I noticed I used to be experiencing BAILEN on one of many levels, and in one of many halls, that formed their very id as a band; that made them who they’re as we speak.
If you end up within the Hudson Valley and in want of some reside music, I extremely suggest visiting The Falcon – and in case you ever get the possibility to catch BAILEN reside, take it. Between their breathtaking vocal harmonies, gut-wrenching guitar solos, all-consuming drum beats, and downright daring and delightful melodies, the indie pop trio have cemented their place as one in all my all-time favourite reside acts. – Mitch Mosk
From the very first episode I watched of MTV Stripped, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of artists bringing a weak and stripped down model of their very own songs. This live performance was in a means simply that, titled “DECLASSIFIED” led by Ben Folds with the Nationwide Symphony Orchestra in tow.
Julien Baker (of Boygenius) went on first. She went on to carry out “Sprained Ankle” and “Ziptie”. Although her efficiency of “Claws In Your Again” was an extremely emotional and hanging second, main strategy to a standing ovation and breath of awe.
BANKS later went on to carry out her personal tracks, like “Ready Recreation”, although the addition of the orchestra added an extra layer to the track itself. With BANKS’ ever commanding vocals main the way in which. She then carried out “I Nonetheless Love You” this time a track off her album Sepertina. Although her efficiency of “Gemini Feed” was probably the most animated and enjoyable track of the night time. – Jada Moore
Nostalgia has wrapped the touring financial system in a sleeper maintain. Hardly a tour package deal escapes a reserving agent’s desk with out getting hog-tied to one anniversary naked minimal. Even the highest-grossing reside performer in recorded historical past spent 2024 reliving her eras. Drive-By Truckers additionally obtained in on the act this 12 months. However true to their phrase, Southern Rock Opera was by no means concerning the previous.
In step with the long-standing venue’s custom, the TLA oversold the Trucker’s Philly cease by a snug margin. Rubbing elbows with so many pasty middle-aged dudes in weblog rock shirts throughout a mid-set quest for the toilet introduced me too near my very own future (to not point out virtually pissing my pants), however I’m pleased to report that this was not your daddy’s anniversary tour.
In fact, Drive-By Truckers paid homage to the supply materials behind Southern Rock Opera. From the opening blast of “Ronnie And Neil”, their three guitars had Steve Gaines grinning just like the satan up in heaven. Regrettably, I didn’t drop acid for this present, although the lasers throughout “Let There Be Rock” — an all-timer that I haven’t stopped spinning because the days of my high-school commencement — was one heck of a visit. However the band performed it quick and free with the album’s tracklist. Some songs returned after being retired from the setlist prematurely. Others have been swapped out for age-appropriate covers (Moist Willie, “Rockin within the Free World”) or later album cuts that continued to chew over the duality of “The Southern Factor.”
This 12 months solely marked the twenty third anniversary of Southern Rock Opera. That DBT selected to pay the album a go to on an odd-numbered birthday begs the query: Why now? In spite of everything, to listen to them inform it, Patterson Hood and his college-roommate-turned-pen-pal Mike Cooley have been kicking the proposed can down the street for a while now. And rightfully so, if I do say so myself. By my depend, they went on to make no less than three albums which can be higher than this one.
However regardless of fixating on a band of free spirits that didn’t reside to see the ’80s, Southern Rock Opera primed the pump for our present political watershed. I caught this tour two weeks earlier than the election. Democrats have been buzzing with recent optimism, however Hood knew to not get fooled by the polls once more. Throughout an up to date model of “Three Alabama Icons”, he spoke glumly about how race relations haven’t improved as a lot as he’d thought because the days when cultural dinosaurs like George Wallace roamed the governor’s mansion. Regardless of the way you voted, “Angels And Fuselage” successfully ended the present on a prescient word. “And I’m scared shitless of what’s coming subsequent“, Hood groaned amidst ghostly energy chords. It wasn’t a reminder a lot as dwelling proof that Drive-By Truckers are nonetheless an important American band. – Will Yarbrough
I am frankly astonished that something of the week of October ninth occurred. Mates of mine – one from Utah and one other from Australia – flew within the fourth of October for a trip, and though we had a blast on our personal time, the actual important occasion was seeing Jeff Lynne’s ELO play reside. The Electrical Mild Orchestra is the explanation I’m writing this text now; the impeccable craft of songwriting, manufacturing, and instrumental expertise from every launch of theirs was so capitvating that it turned me right into a music fan, one obsessive about albums, bands, the artwork of recording—actually, something tied to music. And now, six years after I found them, I used to be driving my automotive with my two associates in tow all the way in which to Detroit, lastly able to observe a model of the band play their coronary heart out.
And did they ever! Jeff Lynne’s ELO is understood for placing on some incredible-sounding reveals spanning a big a part of Electrical Mild Orchestra’s heyday, and even us, as megafans, have been handled to hints of deep cuts and indicators that there was some real respect for the legacy of the band. Each track they placed on, barring keys lowered and reside endings, sounded nigh-identical to the albums that my associates and I fell in love with. Lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Jeff Lynne was placing on an unimaginable present at-then 76 years outdated, main a quick-footed band that understood every track from the within out.
I bear in mind sheer pleasure emanating within the viewers listening to each track, from the deeper cuts like “Hearth On Excessive” (an enormous shock once I came upon they have been doing that one) and “Steppin’ Out”, to megahits everyone sang alongside to, like “Flip to Stone”, “Phone Line”, “Livin’ Factor”, “Candy Talkin’ Lady” and “Don’t Carry Me Down”. You could possibly see the happiness coloured on everyone’s faces, younger and outdated, with ELO’s signature mild present being the one factor brighter than the expressions I noticed from that entire live performance. There was a severe threat of the viewers bringing down the Little Caesars Enviornment when the band got here again out to play the encore track “Mr. Blue Sky”—the second I’m certain we have been all was ready for. Everyone was smiling at Jeff Lynne, and for a very good cause.
The Over and Out tour is the final time ELO is taking part in the US, with their final reveals scheduled for 2025 within the UK, and I can safely say they left their finest impression on America. The entire day was surreal for me—driving residence that night time, with associates I by no means thought I’d see for a thousand years, getting back from seeing a band I by no means thought I’d see in 1,000,000 years. Six years in the past, I assumed a situation like that was unreal, however time has a means of unusual us all. – David Diame
“It’s solely going to get sadder,” stated John Paul White to the viewers at The Omeara as he completed taking part in the opening track in his set, “I Want I May Write You a Music”, from his third report, The Hurting Form. The Americana artist who was as soon as a part of the Grammy Award Profitable duo, The Civil Wars. White performed an acoustic set as a part of his 2024 European Tour, together with songs from his critically acclaimed Beulah, The Hurting Form and his debut report, The Lengthy Goodbye.
The final time I noticed White was 5 years in the past within the stone-walled room. He was taking part in songs from his yet-to-be launched The Hurting Form, a cosmopolitan nation report. Again then, White didn’t play any songs from The Civil Wars. These songs remained firmly prior to now, and I understood why. This time round, White introduced the previous into the room and let the ghosts dance among the many viewers. White performed “Falling”, the track that kicked off The Civil Wars, “20 Years” and “Barton Hole”, which White’s son, additionally known as John Paul White, accompanied him on guitar. The viewers danced and harmonised with White the place that second voice was.
I can’t converse for anybody else, however this was one in all most shifting reveals I’ve been to. From the primary time I heard The Civil Wars’ music it felt like coming residence, so to listen to the duo’s songs reside was indescribable.
White closed his set with “Hate the Means You Love Me”. The track turns from a somber people track right into a fully-fledged nation track filled with that richness and closeness. White by no means tries to gloss over the cracks or fake he’s healed or has learnt his lesson. It’s plain and easy – right here I’m damaged, bruised and ugly, and I don’t know why, however you like me.
While you go and see reside music, not solely do you get to listen to the music in a reside setting and create new recollections of that music and artist, however you too can get transported again to the time, place and the individual you have been while you first heard that music. – Emily Algar
“It began with a low mild…” I had the unequalled privilege to lastly see one in all my favourite bands of all time, The Killers, on the Boston Calling Music Competition over Memorial Day Weekend this 12 months. They closed out the fest on Sunday night time, drawing in tens of hundreds of attendees. It was a very once-in-a-lifetime expertise for me, validating all these adolescence I spent obsessing over their music, significantly the albums “Sizzling Fuss,” “Day & Age” and “Battle Born.” Earlier than their set, Hozier had simply completed taking part in (one other once-in-a-lifetime expertise for me!) on the neighboring stage. My cousin and I went collectively, and we each wished to not get caught up within the thickest of the Killers crowd that had begun to kind even earlier than Hozier completed. After a precarious few moments wherein we virtually obtained caught in a crowd crush, we have been capable of finding a breathable spot midway again to the doorway, the place the gang was not practically as thick.
When the band took the stage, Brandon Flowers requested the gang if we knew that The Killers have been a number of the best purveyors of rock and roll on the planet. My cousin, not (but) a Killers fan, turned towards me with a questioning look, and leaned in to ask me if this was true. I stated, “I completely can’t argue with that,” as they launched into “All These Issues That I’ve Achieved.” The night time was electrical with a camaraderie that underscored how excited all of us have been to be witnessing this efficiency. Throughout “Spaceman,” I seen a bunch of younger individuals subsequent to me dancing with out a care in the whole world. We have been up to now again that the one means you might see The Killers taking part in was on these large displays on the perimeters of the stage. It didn’t matter even just a little bit; the uncooked power exploding from that stage may most likely be felt midway right down to the Cape. They closed their set with “Mr. Brightside” and the sold-out venue went insane; it was like nothing I’ve ever heard in my life. Within the 20 years (!!) since Sizzling Fuss got here out, the fervor for these basic Killers cuts for my part has solely elevated. – Kendall Graham
Okayings of Leon’s Can We Please Have Enjoyable World Tour made an invigorating cease on August 22 on the Kia Discussion board in Los Angeles. And the present was precisely that – pure enjoyable!
Musical duo, Phantogram, opened for the choice rock band. As they sang their track “Black Out Days,” power had already crammed into the world earlier than Kings of Leon made their strategy to the stage. So, when the Tennessee rockers did enter, exhilaration swirled within the air much more so. Whereas introducing their loyal fanbase to newer songs equivalent to “Ballerina Radio” and “Mustang,” they nonetheless blended in die exhausting favorites equivalent to “Intercourse on Hearth” and “Use Someone.” It was an ideal mix and stored followers entertained whereas sustaining excessive spirits. What was actually distinctive concerning the Can We Please Have Enjoyable World Tour although was how followers have been in a position to name a Music For The Metropolis Hotline and request a track for his or her present. “Pickup Truck” was chosen as LA’s observe. As colourful balloons fell from the ceiling and stringed lights shined vibrant, Kings of Leon put their followers on the forefront. The present was a whole fan centered expertise which not many artists can say they do. – Lauren Turner
Between Turnstile’s rise and Knocked Unfastened on Jimmy Kimmel, the “second” for hardcore has actually arrived, and the triple co-headline tour with Koyo, Anxious, and One Step Nearer, which crossed the nation twice, is really indicative of how robust the present wave of hardcore bands is. The Northeast trio of bands all got here up collectively, and this run actually felt like a victory lap as they carry the torch for the subsequent wave of hardcore bands.
After opening units from the beatdown group Hangman and pop-punk-leaning Stateside, Wilkes-Barre’s One Step Nearer introduced their heavy and fast-take on easy punk rock to invoke loads of stagedivers. Connecticut’s Anxious introduced a joyous quantity of pleasure after they performed their indie-rock leaning tunes like “Rising Up” track or “Extra Than a Letter.” Regardless that they share DNA with indie and pop-punk, there’s nonetheless clearly numerous hardcore operating by the band’s veins as they inspired individuals to maintain on shifting. Lengthy Island’s Koyo performed the a part of hometown heroes, bringing their pop-punk-touched sound to remind everybody that this can be a group, and songs like “Anthem” or a visitor look from The Movielife’s Vinnie Caruana confirmed that they’re already prepped to tackle the function of scene figureheads. Even after catching a boot to the attention, I couldn’t resist getting as shut as attainable for Koyo’s set. Because the band slowly begins to construct as much as larger excursions, it’s clear that they’re going to maintain that hardcore mentality with them. – James Crowley
My nine-day journey throughout Quebec in February turned out to be loads worldwide. I caught a Chinese language New Yr present in Montreal, noticed some Inuit sculptures on the artwork museum in Quebec Metropolis, and went snowboarding with some guys from Russia, the Philippines, and Vancouver at Mont Tremblant. Plus, I obtained to journey culinarily to a number of nations throughout that journey – India, Italy, Japan, Tunisia, and extra.
Yet another essential worldwide factor of my itinerary that week was seeing Mamadou Diabaté, a xylophonist from Burkina Faso at present dwelling in Vienna. He heads the Percussion Mania band, who play quite a lot of African devices— the Calabash, the Djembe and the Kora amongst them—with a couple of electrical guitars and such thrown in for good measure. Mamadou himself takes command of the Balofan— a picket West African model of the xylophone— and, along with the remainder of Percussion Mania, ship a real musical pressure to be reckoned with. On a Canadian journey chock-full of snowboarding, climbing, ice skating and sightseeing, my night within the presence of those guys on the Grand Théâtre de Québec emerged as one of many main highlights of my journey. Merci, Mamadou! – Josh Weiner
One of the one reveals I used to be wanting ahead to probably the most ended up touchdown on one of many bleakest and rainiest days in Austin, and I used to be devastated. I refreshed Mohawk’s and the band’s Instagram web page each 5 minutes to see any updates and hoped there was no cancellation announcement. Fortunately, the present should go on, rain or shine. Rain jacket acquired, I stepped into the venue proper as Soul Glo took the stage, they usually radiated their power over the whole crowd. You could possibly really feel the thrill inside the crowd, which helped as droplets pelted everybody’s heads regardless.
Model Pussy entered, and it was as if the storm stopped for a minute to let the band give their introduction and play numerous songs from their new report, I Obtained Heaven, and former hits from Persistence. The night time’s spotlight was listening to the opening riff of the newly iconic “Loud Bark” and ready for the chaos to unfold. It began pouring as Missy roared by the refrain, and the gang sloshed round and screamed on the high of their lungs. It was a magical night time of collective angst and frustration from the climate, however we emerged victorious that night. – Kevin Value
The power within the crowd was pulsating lengthy earlier than she even took the stage. It was a sunny, heat afternoon in Boston, everybody crowded across the stage platform, ready for Megan Thee Stallion to emerge. The seconds ticked by, and I felt the fervor within the crowd getting stronger and stronger. When the primary individual to see her shouted out, it created a sharply-surging ripple impact, and fairly quickly, we have been all shedding it. Megan Thee Stallion is clearly additionally Thee Sizzling Woman (and Sizzling Woman Coach, thoughts you) however she can also be completely, fully lovely. The power in her presence is without delay infectious, calming and fierce. I’ve to confess I’m not tremendous conversant in numerous her lyrics, I simply can’t get sufficient of her as an individual. She is so, so cute, and I’ve a lot respect for the way in which she carries herself within the face of all she’s been by on her journey.
She was wearing a glittery outfit that resembled a butterfly, and that stored with the imagery in her current themes of transformation, molting and metamorphosis. Launching into “HISS” for her first track, just about the whole crowd shouted the phrases again at her. She additionally tore by basic hits like “Thot Shit,” “Huge Ole Freak,” “Plan B” and “Cognac Queen” as all of us bounced alongside within the crowd. Her dancers have been on level, at one level having a dance battle to a basic Ying Yang Twins track whereas Meg went to vary off stage. The power didn’t dip even just a little as she returned for the second a part of the set. She closed out with “Savage” and had us shouting alongside each phrase. She actually deserves her flowers, and as a matter of truth, somebody within the crowd really did give her a bouquet (her response was valuable, she was so appreciative.) This present was one cease on her Sizzling Woman Summer season Tour, and he or she earned over $40 million from simply 36 reveals. This quantity doesn’t actually matter that a lot independently, however stands as a testomony to how many people are enthralled by her as a musician, artist and individual. – Kendall Graham
For me, 2024 was the 12 months of Mk.gee – a singular artist whose skills can’t be overstated. The second I heard him on report, I knew I needed to see him onstage – and experiencing him and his music reside was a spiritual expertise. Taking part in to a packed crowd at New York Metropolis’s Terminal 5, Michael Gordon’s introduced a trove of searing and stirring songs – together with the whole lot of his debut LP Two Star & The Dream Police – to life with a fireplace that I’ve by no means earlier than seen, heard, felt, or skilled at any present. The live performance was a wide ranging spectacle – a surprising show of Mk.gee’s distinctive skills as a guitarist, and his uncooked power – to not point out a mysterious persona – as a performer. The entire present confirmed and strengthened my long-held suspicion that he’s a pressure to be reckoned with, and it’ll possible go down as the most effective concert events of my life. – Mitch Mosk
It was an evening of affection and laughter, tales and songs – all billed as a celebration of Oh Marvel’s tenth 12 months on the planet. The now-married duo of Josephine and Anthony Vander West spent the night chatting with, and taking part in to, a packed crowd of adoring followers in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, delivering a particular, stripped down set of songs principally taken from their self-titled 2015 debut LP. It was as intimate an evening as one may hope for; primp and polish went out the window, in change for vulnerability and uncooked humanity, which have admittedly lengthy been the band’s hallmarks. A decade in, Oh Marvel’s soul-stirring songwriting and achingly emotional musical method stay as robust and as shifting as ever – and to additional rejoice their large milestone, the duo at the moment are re-recording and releasing up to date variations of their debut album’s songs, using the data and expertise they’ve gained through the years to convey these tracks to life, this time with actual devices and in an actual studio. They’re placing one track out a month for the subsequent 12 months, little doubt culminating in a full album launch this fall – hopefully with a full reside tour to comply with. And but, I doubt any of these reveals will come near the type of intimate, one-on-one expertise all of us felt that night time in Brooklyn. It’s an evening that may’t be manufactured; it was pure, it was actual, and it was human – identical to each one in all Oh Marvel’s songs. – Mitch Mosk
My small city tends to cycle by related forms of bands and musicians, particularly throughout summertime. The island is a musical sizzling spot for genres like people, reggae and acoustic singer-songwriter sorts. This isn’t inherently a nasty factor, however I actually wished to see a very good rock band this 12 months with out having to take the ferry to the mainland. I wrote a couple of NYC-based band known as Pan Arcadia for work in August, and went to see their efficiency on a balmy Friday night time in downtown Nantucket. I went on my own, one thing I’ve been difficult myself to do, and I had a improbable time. It appeared like a type of typical small-venue rock reveals the place some individuals are dancing and bobbing their heads within the viewers, and others aren’t paying consideration in any respect, misplaced in their very own conversations.
Pan Arcadia has the ethos of a tried-and-true rock band though they’re comparatively new to the scene. Their lead singer, Eamon Rush, was raised on basic rock and CBGB bands, and the band embodies this power so effectively. They’re laid-back guys, however their music is (principally) something however. Taking part in a few of their finest songs, “Hysteria,” “Sorry I Was Late” and my absolute favourite, “Justice” (which, imagine it or not, continues to be in my On Repeat playlist), I used to be in a position to shimmy my strategy to the entrance of the viewers and see them up shut. It was the primary time I attended a present of a band I’ve coated, and I cannot overlook that night time. I felt like I used to be at some hole-in-the-wall dive bar listening to a band that seems to be completely glorious. Pan Arcadia has launched one other EP, Dynamics, since that present, and I can’t wait to see them in individual once more to listen to the brand new tracks. – Kendall Graham
Dang… so many hits in a single night time! Option to go, Publish. It was superior to see Mr. Malone blaze by his catalogue of bangaz from through the years – “Circles,” “Congratulations,” “Higher Now,” you title it – all whereas making loads of room for tracks off of his most up-to-date LP, F-1 Trillion. All of these songs got a starling reside rock/nation remedy, courtesy of Publish’s accompanying band – they usually put a grand completion on all of it with their orchestration of “Sunflower” as an encore. “You’re left within the mud except I caught by ya,” Publish Malone sings on that Spider-Verse hit. Oh Publish… how glad I’m that I certainly caught with ya all through that ultra-memorable night at Fenway. – Josh Weiner
Rex Orange County is understood for his craft in artistry and music, and eventually: A Theatre Tour encompasses that and extra! November 4 at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles was solely one in all a number of nights Rex carried out. Listening to those songs in such a surprising setting, allowed for a really intimate expertise rooted in appreciation for music and its particular means of storytelling.
Rex started the present with the main observe “Alexander” off his newest album The Alexander Method. Instantly, this opening captivated the viewers by its detailed lyrics and immersed the gang on this world that felt separated from the surface. However Rex balanced the power gracefully all through the present. He continued to carry out songs from the most recent album equivalent to “Jealously” and “Pure” however blended in iconic favorites equivalent to “Happiness” and “Greatest Good friend.” Rex knew precisely the best way to work together and pull on the center strings of his followers. He by no means stayed in a single exact feeling and gave every track their very own deserved second. His vocals have been shifting as he sang by the gorgeous tales he has created. And when one story particularly contained the phrases, “And I’m flying again to LA,” pure pleasure rang by the theatre. “4 Seasons” was the shock track earlier than Rex completed with a mouth dropping model of “Pluto Projector.” The present was a standing ovation that radiated so many alternative feelings. Whereas tears streamed down faces in “Look Me In The Eyes,” voices have been misplaced screaming “Sunflower.” However followers left the theatre that night time excessive on life and with smiles upon their faces. – Lauren Turner
Over the final 60 years, at just about any given second, it’s been secure to imagine that the Rolling Stones are at present on tour— the Wikipedia article “Record of the Rolling Stones concert events” options some staggering lists and statistics, for certain! However in some unspecified time in the future, it dawned on me— possibly this received’t be a such a secure assumption to make for for much longer. In spite of everything, the three still-active members of the band— Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wooden— vary in age from 77 to 81 years outdated for the time being. It appeared fairly pressing to lastly catch these guys in live performance for the primary time whereas I nonetheless had the possibility. Plus, I had a pal in Boston, Jose, who was about to maneuver again to Chile and wished the Rolling Stones live performance at Gillette Stadium to be the “grand finale” of his tenure in Beantown. Why not be part of him for the expertise, I figured?
And so, I made my means right down to the Home That Brady Constructed on the final day of Might and caught the Hackney Diamonds Tour. What an evening it was! Who know what number of a whole bunch, even hundreds of instances Mick, Keith and Ronnie have carried out their outdated hits like “Begin Me Up,” “You Can’t All the time Get What You Need,” “Beasts of Burden” and extra— they nonetheless put a lot effort and power into making these numbers memorable for the Foxborough crowd, and it was such a treasure to expertise all of it. These classics have been interspersed with songs from the latest album, Hackney Diamonds, which this tour was selling. These performances have been massively entertaining as effectively— too unhealthy Woman Gaga didn’t present as much as do “Candy Sounds of Heavens” with them, however the Stones had greater than sufficient help onstage from their backup band to make up for it. Their longtime supporting bassist Daryl Jones and saxophonist Karl Denson are significantly praiswrothy in that regard. It was additionally good to catch the Pink Clay Strays because the opening act, particularly on the heels of seeing them carry out at Boston Calling solely days earlier.
The band closed the night time out with (what else?!) “I Can’t Get No Satisfation,” and althoguh I took half in singing alongside to the famed lyrics, I couldn’t be too honest in saying them. “Glad” is the one in all many phrases that would undoubtedly be used to explain how I felt to have simply seen the Rolling Stones carry out – “Thrilled,” “Ecstatic,” and “Grateful” actually make the record as effectively! – Josh Weiner
Sabrina Carpenter’s Brief N’ Candy Tour made its closing US cease on the Kia Discussion board in Los Angeles on November 18 and felt like one large, enjoyable slumber celebration. 1000’s of followers wore pastel colours, boas and all issues sparkle as they loved a 3rd bought out night time in LA. Inside the previous 12 months, Carpenter opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, climbed charts along with her hit songs equivalent to “Please Please Please” and acquired a number of Grammy nominations for her album Brief N’ Candy, so it was no shock that her 2024 tour was one to recollect and delivered with nothing however pure pleasure.
Though the precise efficiency time of the present was about an hour and a half, Carpenter took followers by a nightlong journey. Designed as a retro TV present, the live performance started on a penthouse modeled stage round sundown along with her track “Style.” However as Carpenter glistened in sizzling pink and the present went on, acts transitioned from after darkish to late-night. Performing an array of tracks from her newest album, Carpenter’s vocals have been stunning and her power was contagious, holding followers engaged and on their ft dancing. Carpenter’s greatest power inside her present although was her artwork of performing her songs in such distinctive ways in which have been particular to them. She carried out “Slim Pickens” sitting close to the hearth of the penthouse after taking a shot. She carried out “Mattress Chem” on a spherical mattress in one other room on the stage. She even sang a gorgeously coronary heart wrenching model of her observe “Sharpest Software” on a rest room in a neon-lit rest room. By this craft, it made her present really feel intimate and made every track resonate with its viewers. The most important jaw dropper was her runway that led to a heart-shaped dialog pit. A chandelier hung within the center and gave sufficient room for her dancers to take seats round her. On this a part of the present, she sang a canopy of “Tremendous Freak” after which ended the act singing “Nonsense.” By the point the encore got here, it was morning as she emerged from the stage with a cup of espresso to sing the observe that took over the charts. The present was precisely as you’ll count on… quick n’ candy. – Lauren Turner
No one does concord like The Staves – a proven fact that’s been confirmed again and again in live performance and on report. The band’s Bowery Ballroom present this previous April as soon as extra affirmed this evergreen reality; even with out their founding member and sister Emily there with them, Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor persevered in making a particular night for his or her viewers, mixing track from their model new album All Now along with their beloved, decade-spanning oeuvre. For me, listening to “I’ll By no means Depart You Alone” – my favourite off their newest LP – was a private spotlight, as was experiencing any variety of songs off 2021’s Good Lady – particularly the impassioned title observe. Whether or not they’re taking part in with a stripped-down acoustic set or a full-band setup, The Staves are to not be missed – their music at all times able to invigorate, encourage, and ship chills down concertgoers’ spines. – Mitch Mosk
For the final two years, Swifties have skilled the significance of girlhood. Earlier this 12 months, I obtained to expertise The Eras Tour at The Aviva Stadium, in Dublin, Eire. It was a magical night time going by every Taylor Swift period surrounded by a few of her greatest followers, newcomers, and boyfriends dragged alongside to bounce the night time away with their mega-fan girlfriends. Taylor Swift meticulously ensures that each facet of the present is flawless, and her meticulousness and a spotlight to element are exceptional. I’m grateful that I may very well be just a little a part of this second in music historical past. Experiencing The Eras Tour in individual is genuinely astounding in all probably the most important methods, on a scale so big and infrequently hardly comprehensible.
From being a fan since 2006, my youthful self can be over the moon to know I obtained to expertise historical past being made. It was uncommon. I used to be there. I’ll at all times bear in mind The Eras Tour. – Danielle Holian
Valley’s breathtakingly stunning third studio album has been billed because the work of a band getting back from the brink and discovering therapeutic by songwriting; their reside present, in its personal wondrous means, felt like a giant group remedy session for all of us in attendance. The live performance was additionally a reminder of Valley’s gorgeous capacity to mix the catchy and the cathartic with all the things they make – beloved songs like “There’s Nonetheless a Mild within the Home,” “Like 1999,” and “hiccup” lit up the room with emotionally charged energies, buffered by the truth that each single viewers member appeared to be singing alongside the entire time.
However the actual magic got here from Valley’s efficiency of their new materials, Water the Flowers, Pray for a Backyard – a rightful Atwood album of the 12 months, and one whose expressions of grief, of development, of heartache, of soul-searching, and a lot extra hit residence with soul-stirring power and finesse. Songs like “A Little Extra,” “When You Know Somebody,” the titular “Water the Flowers, Pray for a Backyard,” and “Let It Rain” all resonate on quite a few ranges, nevertheless it was the present’s finale – the mesmerizing, seductive “Bop Ba” – that created a type of religious awakening and unraveling that I’ll bear in mind for years and years to come back. The track shouldn’t be meant to be a standard hit; it’s softer and slower, extra of a dreamy “deep reduce” than a peppy radio-friendly single – and but, due to the area Valley cultivated of their efficiency that night time, “Bop Ba” could very effectively be my new favourite track of theirs. That is as a lot a testomony to Rob Laska, Alex Dimauro, and Karah James’ collective skills, as it’s a reminder of the enduring energy of reside music to maneuver our hearts and minds – an influence each Valley fan, myself included, is aware of all too effectively. – Mitch Mosk
We lovingly known as it “Vampire Weekend Weekend,” and it was: When one in all my all-time favourite indie rock bands introduced a pair of reveals (a Saturday night time and a Sunday matinee) at Madison Sq. Backyard with no repeats (besides “A-Punk”), I practically misplaced my thoughts. They did find yourself including a couple of extra “repeats” to the setlist – principally tracks from their recently-released and critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Solely God Was Above Us – however no one complained; after 5 hours and fifty-plus songs, concertgoers like myself had borne witness to the overwhelming majority of Vampire Weekend’s discography, purchased to life with the eagerness, tenacity, and sheer dynamism of a band very clearly of their prime.
Vampire Weekend are adored and beloved by thousands and thousands for his or her ‘enjoyable’ melodies, daring power, and sensible lyrics, however what I got here away with was an utter respect for them – for all of them – as musicians. In a lower than 24-hour interval, the group placed on a high-intensity, two-part spectacle that highlighted the entire extent of their practically two-decade journey – with songs spanning all the way in which again to their faculty days at Columbia College (“Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” and “Oxford Comma”), to model new ones like “Classical,” “Join,” “Ice Cream Piano,” and “Gen-X Cops” – all deeply inventive, complicated, compelling, and charming songs that pressure us to assume critically about ourselves, our society, and the world at massive.
This was my fourth and fifth time seeing the band; whereas they by no means disappoint, what continues to astonish me is how they hold upping the sport with each efficiency and each tour. This time round, they ended every present with a request-driven cowl sequence, the place they invited the viewers to shout out track strategies. Generally, it was their first time taking part in these songs; they might determine a key, a beat, and simply go for it, with Ezra Koenig highlighting an unlimited trove of lyrical data (and at instances, making up the phrases simply to maintain the present going). Evidently, Vampire Weekend is among the finest within the biz; they proved that over two reveals at Madison Sq. Backyard this previous fall. – Mitch Mosk
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