Atwood Journal’s Finest Live shows of 2024!

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 Surprise, Pan Arcadia, Put up 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 yr!

2024 has been an inspiring yr for music. Dwelling legends have additional solidified their legacies, while contemporary faces have develop into new favorites.

Atwood Journal has all the time had at its core the mission to have a good time music of all genres, and this yr we continued our aim to be an area of inclusivity and illustration by consciously highlighting artwork and artists from all over the world. The yr 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 different of circles.

For thus many of those artists, music is greater than a mere technique of self-expression; it’s a vessel stuffed with superior potential. In recent times, it has felt more and more vital to acknowledge and elevate those that use their artwork as a voice for the disenfranchised; the oppressed; the underrepresented; and the underprivileged. This yr, we proceed to acknowledge those that converse for extra than simply themselves, whereas on the similar time indulging within the acquainted, timeless themes of affection, loss, hope, connection, braveness, change, and the endless pursuit of happiness.

Because the yr involves an in depth, our workers took a step again to honor the songs, albums, EPs, concert events, and artist discoveries that had the best affect on our lives. With out additional ado, Atwood Journal is proud to current our curated record of 2024’s Finest Live shows of the Yr, in alphabetical order by artist.

From Sabrina Carpenter’s Quick N’ Candy Tour and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour to breathtaking exhibits by Mk.gee, Megan Thee Stallion, The Rolling Stones, Put up 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 had been beforehand! Please be part of us in celebrating 2024’s contributions to the music world!

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Atwood’s 2024 Music of the Yr 

Click on on the artist’s identify 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 Surprise, Pan Arcadia, Put up Malone, Rex Orange County, The Rolling Stones, Sabrina Carpenter, The Staves, Taylor Swift, Valley, Vampire Weekend

Catching Abby Holliday dwell 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 different sound that hits as onerous on her three spellbinding studio albums because it does (I’m completely happy to report) in individual. Selling her stunningly daring LP CRACK A SMILE COME ON STAY A WHILE (which we just lately named considered one of Atwood‘s albums of the yr), 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 Worth” mixed with brutally uncooked performances of songs like “Ohio Laundry Room,” “Steve Martin,” “Suppose Earlier than I Converse,” and “Andrea” to make for a cathartic, compelling, and irresistibly memorable live performance – and one which, for me, bolstered Abby Holliday as a singular expertise, each dwell and on document. – Mitch Mosk

It was the primary chilly day of fall; good sweatshirt climate for an out of doors live performance. A sea of shivering followers sprawled throughout the open garden because the solar set behind the open dome of the Merriweather Put up 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 dwell remodeling of .Paak’s 2016 breakout mission of the identical identify. 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 unbelievable command, effortlessly swapping between singing, rapping, and drumming, all whereas spinning a collection of dance strikes that may make Michael Jackson jealous. The person’s supporting solid 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 giant screens had been enjoying a collection 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 have a good time 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 Finest Albums of 2023 – was held up in Marlboro, New York, at The Falcon. With a complete capability of 150 seats, it’s in all probability the smallest venue and among the many most intimate of BAILEN’s concert events over the previous two years; they kicked off mentioned tour in 2022, enjoying to a packed and sweaty room of 500+ folks at Le Poisson Rouge in New York Metropolis.

And whereas I’ll all the time keep in mind each exhibits fondly, there was one thing distinctive about that closing present this previous spring – not least as a result of I received to observe considered one of 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 exhibits there for a number of years now – lengthy earlier than they achieved any type of nationwide or regional fame, again after they had been simply Julia, David, and Daniel making music as a trio. To see them returning “house,” having toured the nation and honed their already-sharp dwell abilities, was highly effective, particular, and exhilarating; in any case, how typically do you get to be so shut to a finely-executed rock present, solely to seek out your self deep in dialog not simply with the band, however with their mother and father, afterwards? Between beautiful renditions of “These Bones,” “Name It Like It Is,” and the now-classic “One thing Tells Me” – to not point out a panoramic cowl of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” – I noticed I used to be experiencing BAILEN on one of many phases, and in one of many halls, that formed their very identification 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 dwell music, I extremely suggest visiting The Falcon – and if you happen to ever get the possibility to catch BAILEN dwell, 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 considered one of my all-time favourite dwell acts. – Mitch Mosk

From the very first episode I watched of MTV Stripped, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of artists bringing a susceptible and stripped down model of their very own songs. This live performance was in a manner 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 placing second, main technique to a standing ovation and breath of awe.

BANKS later went on to carry out her personal tracks, like “Ready Sport”, although the addition of the orchestra added a further layer to the tune itself. With BANKS’ ever commanding vocals main the way in which. She then carried out “I Nonetheless Love You” this time a tune off her album Sepertina. Although her efficiency of “Gemini Feed” was probably the most animated and enjoyable tune of the night time. – Jada Moore

Nostalgia has wrapped the touring economic system in a sleeper maintain. Hardly a tour bundle escapes a reserving agent’s desk with out getting hog-tied to one anniversary naked minimal. Even the highest-grossing dwell performer in recorded historical past spent 2024 reliving her eras. Drive-By Truckers additionally received in on the act this yr. However true to their phrase, Southern Rock Opera was by no means in regards to the previous.

In line 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 lavatory introduced me too near my very own future (to not point out nearly pissing my pants), however I’m completely happy 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 had 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 yr 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 any case, 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 highway 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 dwell 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 had been buzzing with contemporary 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 notice. “And I’m scared shitless of what’s coming subsequent“, Hood groaned amidst ghostly energy chords. It wasn’t a reminder a lot as residing 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. Buddies 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 true primary occasion was seeing Jeff Lynne’s ELO play dwell. The Electrical Gentle Orchestra is the rationale I’m writing this text now; the impeccable craft of songwriting, manufacturing, and instrumental expertise from each 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 buddies 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 exhibits spanning a big a part of Electrical Gentle Orchestra’s heyday, and even us, as megafans, had been handled to hints of deep cuts and indicators that there was some real respect for the legacy of the band. Each tune they placed on, barring keys lowered and dwell endings, sounded nigh-identical to the albums that my buddies and I fell in love with. Lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Jeff Lynne was placing on an unbelievable present at-then 76 years outdated, main a quick-footed band that understood each tune from the within out.

I keep in mind sheer pleasure emanating within the viewers listening to each tune, from the deeper cuts like “Hearth On Excessive” (an enormous shock once I came upon they had been doing that one) and “Steppin’ Out”, to megahits all people sang alongside to, like “Flip to Stone”, “Phone Line”, “Livin’ Factor”, “Candy Talkin’ Lady” and “Don’t Deliver Me Down”. You might see the happiness coloured on all people’s faces, younger and outdated, with ELO’s signature gentle present being the one factor brighter than the expressions I noticed from that complete live performance. There was a severe danger of the viewers bringing down the Little Caesars Area when the band got here again out to play the encore tune “Mr. Blue Sky”—the second I’m positive we had been all was ready for. Everyone was smiling at Jeff Lynne, and for a great cause.

The Over and Out tour is the final time ELO is enjoying the US, with their final exhibits scheduled for 2025 within the UK, and I can safely say they left their greatest impression on America. The entire day was surreal for me—driving house that night time, with buddies 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 one million years. Six years in the past, I believed a state of affairs like that was unreal, however time has a manner of peculiar us all. – David Diame

“It’s solely going to get sadder,” mentioned John Paul White to the viewers at The Omeara as he completed enjoying the opening tune in his set, “I Want I Might Write You a Tune”, from his third document, The Hurting Sort. The Americana artist who was as soon as a part of the Grammy Award Successful 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 Sort and his debut document, The Lengthy Goodbye.

The final time I noticed White was 5 years in the past within the stone-walled room. He was enjoying songs from his yet-to-be launched The Hurting Sort, a cosmopolitan nation document. 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 tune that kicked off The Civil Wars, “20 Years” and “Barton Hole”, which White’s son, additionally referred to 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 considered one of most shifting exhibits I’ve been to. From the primary time I heard The Civil Wars’ music it felt like coming house, so to listen to the duo’s songs dwell was indescribable.

White closed his set with “Hate the Manner You Love Me”. The tune turns from a somber people tune right into a fully-fledged nation tune stuffed with that richness and closeness. White by no means tries to gloss over the cracks or faux 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.

Whenever you go and see dwell music, not solely do you get to listen to the music in a dwell setting and create new recollections of that music and artist, however you may also get transported again to the time, place and the individual you had been while you first heard that music. – Emily Algar

“It began with a low gentle…” I had the unmatched privilege to lastly see considered one of my favourite bands of all time, The Killers, on the Boston Calling Music Competition over Memorial Day Weekend this yr. 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, notably the albums “Scorching Fuss,” “Day & Age” and “Battle Born.” Earlier than their set, Hozier had simply completed enjoying (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 type even earlier than Hozier completed. After a precarious few moments during which we nearly received caught in a crowd crush, we had been capable of finding a breathable spot midway again to the doorway, the place the gang was not almost as thick.

When the band took the stage, Brandon Flowers requested the gang if we knew that The Killers had been a few of the best purveyors of rock and roll on the earth. 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 mentioned, “I completely can’t argue with that,” as they launched into “All These Issues That I’ve Completed.” The night time was electrical with a camaraderie that underscored how excited all of us had been to be witnessing this efficiency. Throughout “Spaceman,” I seen a gaggle of younger folks subsequent to me dancing with no care in the whole world. We had been to this point again that the one manner you may see The Killers enjoying was on these large displays on the perimeters of the stage. It didn’t matter even somewhat bit; the uncooked power exploding from that stage may in all probability be felt midway all the way 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 Scorching Fuss got here out, the fervor for these traditional 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 tune “Black Out Days,” power had already stuffed into the world earlier than Kings of Leon made their technique 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 akin to “Ballerina Radio” and “Mustang,” they nonetheless combined in die onerous favorites akin to “Intercourse on Hearth” and “Use Any individual.” It was an ideal mix and stored followers entertained whereas sustaining excessive spirits. What was actually distinctive in regards to the Can We Please Have Enjoyable World Tour although was how followers had been in a position to name a Tune For The Metropolis Hotline and request a tune for his or her present. “Pickup Truck” was chosen as LA’s observe. As colourful balloons fell from the ceiling and stringed lights shined vivid, 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 Free 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 actually indicative of how sturdy 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” tune or “Extra Than a Letter.” Although they share DNA with indie and pop-punk, there’s nonetheless clearly a number of hardcore working via the band’s veins as they inspired folks 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 position of scene figureheads. Even after catching a boot to the attention, I couldn’t resist getting as shut as doable for Koyo’s set. Because the band slowly begins to construct as much as greater 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 a lot 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 received to journey culinarily to a number of nations throughout that journey – India, Italy, Japan, Tunisia, and extra.

Another essential worldwide aspect of my itinerary that week was seeing Mamadou Diabaté, a xylophonist from Burkina Faso presently residing 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 wood 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, mountaineering, 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 exhibits I used to be trying 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 might really feel the joy throughout 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 document, I Acquired Heaven, and former hits from Endurance. 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 via 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 had been all shedding it. Megan Thee Stallion is clearly additionally Thee Scorching Lady (and Scorching Lady Coach, thoughts you) however she can be completely, utterly cute. The power in her presence is without delay infectious, calming and fierce. I’ve to confess I’m not tremendous conversant in a number of 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 via 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 tune, just about the whole crowd shouted the phrases again at her. She additionally tore via traditional hits like “Thot Shit,” “Large Ole Freak,” “Plan B” and “Cognac Queen” as all of us bounced alongside within the crowd. Her dancers had been on level, at one level having a dance battle to a traditional Ying Yang Twins tune whereas Meg went to alter off stage. The power didn’t dip even somewhat 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 reality, somebody within the crowd truly did give her a bouquet (her response was valuable, she was so appreciative.) This present was one cease on her Scorching Lady Summer season Tour, and he or she earned over $40 million from simply 36 exhibits. 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 yr of Mk.gee – a singular artist whose abilities can’t be overstated. The second I heard him on document, I knew I needed to see him onstage – and experiencing him and his music dwell 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 everything of his debut LP Two Star & The Dream Police – to life with a hearth that I’ve by no means earlier than seen, heard, felt, or skilled at any present. The live performance was a panoramic spectacle – a surprising show of Mk.gee’s distinctive abilities as a guitarist, and his uncooked power – to not point out a mysterious persona – as a performer. The entire present confirmed and bolstered my long-held suspicion that he’s a pressure to be reckoned with, and it’ll probably go down as among the finest 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 Surprise’s tenth yr on the earth. The now-married duo of Josephine and Anthony Vander West spent the night chatting with, and enjoying 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 Surprise’s soul-stirring songwriting and achingly emotional musical method stay as sturdy and as shifting as ever – and to additional have a good time 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 information 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 tune out a month for the subsequent yr, little doubt culminating in a full album launch this fall – hopefully with a full dwell tour to comply with. And but, I doubt any of these exhibits 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 – similar to each considered one of Oh Surprise’s songs. – Mitch Mosk

My small city tends to cycle via comparable sorts of bands and musicians, particularly throughout summertime. The island is a musical sizzling spot for genres like people, reggae and acoustic singer-songwriter varieties. This isn’t inherently a nasty factor, however I actually wished to see a great rock band this yr with out having to take the ferry to the mainland. I wrote a few NYC-based band referred to 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 kind of typical small-venue rock exhibits 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 traditional rock and CBGB bands, and the band embodies this power so properly. They’re laid-back guys, however their music is (principally) something however. Taking part in a few of their greatest songs, “Hysteria,” “Sorry I Was Late” and my absolute favourite, “Justice” (which, imagine it or not, remains to be in my On Repeat playlist), I used to be in a position to shimmy my technique 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 lined, 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 wonderful. 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! Technique to go, Put up. It was superior to see Mr. Malone blaze via his catalogue of bangaz from through the years – “Circles,” “Congratulations,” “Higher Now,” you identify 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 dwell rock/nation therapy, courtesy of Put up’s accompanying band – they usually put a grand of entirety on all of it with their orchestration of “Sunflower” as an encore. “You’re left within the mud except I caught by ya,” Put up Malone sings on that Spider-Verse hit. Oh Put up… 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 at last: A Theatre Tour encompasses that and extra! November 4 at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles was solely considered one of 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 manner of storytelling.

Rex started the present with the main observe “Alexander” off his newest album The Alexander Method. Instantly, this opening captivated the viewers via 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 newest album akin to “Jealously” and “Pure” however combined in iconic favorites akin to “Happiness” and “Finest Good friend.” Rex knew precisely learn how 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 tune their very own deserved second. His vocals had been shifting as he sang via the gorgeous tales he has created. And when one story particularly contained the phrases, “And I’m flying again to LA,” pure pleasure rang via the theatre. “4 Seasons” was the shock tune 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 had 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 presently on tour— the Wikipedia article “Record of the Rolling Stones concert events” options some staggering lists and statistics, for positive! However in some unspecified time in the future, it dawned on me— perhaps this gained’t be a such a secure assumption to make for for much longer. In any case, the three still-active members of the band— Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wooden— vary in age from 77 to 81 years outdated in the meanwhile. 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 buddy 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 manner all the way down to the Home That Brady Constructed on the final day of Could and caught the Hackney Diamonds Tour. What an evening it was! Who know what number of tons of, 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 had been interspersed with songs from the newest album, Hackney Diamonds, which this tour was selling. These performances had been massively entertaining as properly— too dangerous 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 notably praiswrothy in that regard. It was additionally good to catch the Purple 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 considered one of many phrases that would positively 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 properly! – Josh Weiner

Sabrina Carpenter’s Quick 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 get together. 1000’s of followers wore pastel colours, boas and all issues sparkle as they loved a 3rd offered out night time in LA. Inside the previous yr, Carpenter opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, climbed charts together with her hit songs akin to “Please Please Please” and acquired a number of Grammy nominations for her album Quick 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 via a nightlong journey. Designed as a retro TV present, the live performance started on a penthouse modeled stage round sundown together with her tune “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 had been lovely and her power was contagious, maintaining followers engaged and on their ft dancing. Carpenter’s largest power inside her present although was her artwork of performing her songs in such distinctive ways in which had been particular to them. She carried out “Slim Pickens” sitting close to the fireside 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 Instrument” on a rest room in a neon-lit lavatory. By means of this craft, it made her present really feel intimate and made every tune 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’d anticipate… quick n’ candy. – Lauren Turner

No one does concord like The Staves – a indisputable fact that’s been confirmed repeatedly in live performance and on document. 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 tune from their model new album All Now along with their beloved, decade-spanning oeuvre. For me, listening to “I’ll By no means Go away 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 enjoying with a stripped-down acoustic set or a full-band setup, The Staves are to not be missed – their music all the time 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 yr, I received to expertise The Eras Tour at The Aviva Stadium, in Dublin, Eire. It was a magical night time going via every Taylor Swift period surrounded by a few of her largest followers, newcomers, and boyfriends dragged alongside to bounce the night time away with their mega-fan girlfriends. Taylor Swift meticulously ensures that each side of the present is flawless, and her meticulousness and a spotlight to element are exceptional. I’m grateful that I could possibly be somewhat a part of this second in music historical past. Experiencing The Eras Tour in individual is genuinely astounding in all probably the most vital methods, on a scale so enormous and sometimes hardly comprehensible.

From being a fan since 2006, my youthful self can be over the moon to know I received to expertise historical past being made. It was uncommon. I used to be there. I’ll all the time keep in mind The Eras Tour. – Danielle Holian

Valley’s breathtakingly lovely third studio album has been billed because the work of a band getting back from the brink and discovering therapeutic via songwriting; their dwell present, in its personal wondrous manner, felt like an enormous group remedy session for all of us in attendance. The live performance was additionally a reminder of Valley’s beautiful capacity to mix the catchy and the cathartic with the whole lot they make – beloved songs like “There’s Nonetheless a Gentle within the Home,” “Like 1999,” and “hiccup” lit up the room with emotionally charged energies, buffered by the truth that each single viewers member gave the impression to be singing alongside the entire time.

However the true magic got here from Valley’s efficiency of their new materials, Water the Flowers, Pray for a Backyard – a rightful Atwood album of the yr, and one whose expressions of grief, of progress, of heartache, of soul-searching, and a lot extra hit house 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 a lot of ranges, but it surely was the present’s finale – the mesmerizing, seductive “Bop Ba” – that created a type of religious awakening and unraveling that I’ll keep in mind for years and years to return. The tune just isn’t meant to be a standard hit; it’s softer and slower, extra of a dreamy “deep lower” than a peppy radio-friendly single – and but, due to the area Valley cultivated of their efficiency that night time, “Bop Ba” could very properly be my new favourite tune of theirs. That is as a lot a testomony to Rob Laska, Alex Dimauro, and Karah James’ collective abilities, as it’s a reminder of the enduring energy of dwell music to maneuver our hearts and minds – an influence each Valley fan, myself included, is aware of all too properly. – Mitch Mosk

We lovingly referred to as it “Vampire Weekend Weekend,” and it was: When considered one of my all-time favourite indie rock bands introduced a pair of exhibits (a Saturday night time and a Sunday matinee) at Madison Sq. Backyard with no repeats (besides “A-Punk”), I almost 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 good 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 whole extent of their almost two-decade journey – with songs spanning all the way in which again to their school 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 artistic, advanced, compelling, and charming songs that pressure us to assume critically about ourselves, our society, and the world at giant.

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 collection, the place they invited the viewers to shout out tune solutions. Generally, it was their first time enjoying these songs; they might determine a key, a beat, and simply go for it, with Ezra Koenig highlighting an enormous trove of lyrical information (and at instances, making up the phrases simply to maintain the present going). For sure, Vampire Weekend is without doubt one of the greatest within the biz; they proved that over two exhibits at Madison Sq. Backyard this previous fall. – Mitch Mosk

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