Webster Hall, concert hall on some nights and a nightclub on other nights, merged both events the night of Wednesday October 29th when the electro-pop band Capital Cities hosted a a second consecutive phenomenal dance party. The brainchild of Sebu Simonian and Ryan Merchant who started out by writing jingles together, ended up forming an unlikely pop duo known as Capital Cities and has taken the music world by storm. Having toured the better part of two years, first supporting Fitz and the Tantrums, then Katy Perry on her Prismatic tour, now Capital Cities have their own headlining tour and the crowd at Webster Hall belonged to them.
The evening was kicked off on a rather mellow note by fellow electro-pop band Night Terrors of 1927. Led by Jarrod Gorbel (formerly of local Brooklyn band The Honorary Title) and Blake Sennett (formerly of Rilo Kiley), Night Terrors of 1927 were a pleasant surprise. Adding bassist Nicole Fiorentino, previously of Smashing Pumpkins as well as Veruca Salt, and currently of The Cold and Lovely as part of the supporting band was unexpected bonus. With a melancholy sound reminiscent of ’80s alternative, Gorbel’s voice sometimes conjured images of Bono. Playing an fun set including “Fall Into You,” “Dust & Bones,” and closing with a cover of The Romantics “Talking in Your Sleep,” Night Terrors of 1927 were a fantastic start to the night. Releasing of their latest EP, Anything to Anyone and the single “When You Were Mine” featuring Tegan and Sara, music fans expect to hear much more from this band in the future.
Next up was Sneaky Sound System from Australia. When Angus McDonald (Black Angus) first came out many attendees were slightly thrown off but once his partner Connie Mitchell appeared everything began to fall into place. While Night Terrors of 1927 had their beginnings as an indie Rock band, Sneaky Sound System is all Electronica and Dance. Mitchell was a dominant personality that swallowed up the crowd and each of their songs ran into one another as Webster Hall truly become a nightclub. It is no wonder this Australian group’s music has captured the imagination of their country, and now it is time the rest of the world catch on.
The excitement was building with the capacity crowd when Simonian and Merchant popped up on a large screen on the stage. Since the tour was sponsored by Forza, this was basically a long ad for the Forza Horizon 2 video game. The tease got the crowd even more antsy awaiting the group to get the party kicked into high gear. Finally, Capital Cities took the stage and they kicked off the set with “Tell Me How to Live,” “Origami” and “Chartreuse.” While Simonian and Merchant were center stage and got the crowd going, the key ingredient and the one who stole the show was trumpet player, Spencer Ludwig. While the trumpet is clearly a strong component of each song on their 2013 debut album In a Tidal Wave of Mystery , the impact is truly evident in a live setting. In addition, Ludwig proved to have style and dance moves as well on the stage. Meanwhile, Simonion was absolutely fantastic and exuded a wonderful presence during their set.
About halfway through the show, the band decided it was time for presents and they whipped out a bag from the local drug store and threw out random items to the crowd. As some fans jumped three feet in the air to snag a bag of cookies, the final gift was a copy of the Forza Horizon 2 game, which they handed to a passionate fan in the front row. Playing on with their mega hit “Safe and Sound,” as well as fan favorites “Kangaroo Court” and “I Sold My Bed But Not My Stereo,” Capital Cities kept the energy flowing without a hiccup. To break things up and add a nostalgic flair, they also performed covers of the BeeGees’ “Stayin’ Alive” and Madonna’s “Holiday.” Engaged by the well-performed set, dancing their troubles away, spectators were treated to one last remix “Safe and Sound” to close out the evening.
Upon the conclusion of set all the band came over to the merchandise table to meet their fans as a sign of appreciation. While their generous offering of shows in the NYC area have passed, the tour marches on through November 23rd, concluding in San Diego, CA. Whether someone is a huge fan of their music or are only vaguely familiar, a Capital Cities show is always a good time and one cannot leave without their adrenaline flowing and a lingering urge to dance.
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