Southern California rock band Switchfoot continue their tireless touring in support of their latest efforts Fading West, released in January 2014. With the feature documentary film Fading West released in late 2013, the band has created an excitement among their fans with breathtaking imagery and videography. Matching the film’s excitement, the full-length record plays out like a soundtrack seeing the band tap new and unique sounds. Now in the midst of their spring North American tour with direct support from The Royal Concept, on Saturday March 29th that very tour rolled into New York City to play a packed Terminal 5.
Getting the ball rolling was Stockholm, Sweden’s The Royal Concept. Founded in 2010, the band is comprised of David Larson (vocal/guitar/keyboard/synthesizer), Filip Bekic (guitar), Magnus Robert (bass), and Frans Povel (drums). After releasing two EPs, their debut album Goldrushed was released in Sweden in September 2013.
With vigorous energy, the band took the stage playing a series of their synthpop tingling tunes. Lead vocalist Larson exhibited excellent stage presence, interacting with the audience with a keen sense of humor, which really endeared him to this New York City crowd. The mix of upbeat bass lines, hammering drums, and colorful synthesizers sounded spectacular as they echoed through the balconies. Lead guitarist Bekic was highly motivated in his performance with strong playing and open emotion. Overall, the band was very impressive and entertaining to watch. American audiences have and will continue to gravitate to The Royal Concept as they are brought to more listeners’ ears.
Full of anticipation, the audience was ready for Switchfoot to take the stage. They had a grand stage setup including amazing lasers, LED lighting, and strobes; this was going to turn out to be a memorable rock-n-roll show.
Opening the set with the guitar driven song “Say It Like You Mean It” jump started the excitement. Lead guitarist Drew Shirley wailed, showing off prime skills that showcased all night long. By the time “Stars” began, vocalist Jon Foreman stood on the barricades and sung to the fans up close and personal while shaking hands. As if this was not as exciting enough, he then jumped over the barricades and climbed to the second level balcony to walk among the audience while singing, and even grabbed a female fan’s hat and wore it. Having made his way back to the bar area, Foreman then did the unthinkable and crowd surfed all the way back to the stage; a truly magical experience for the audience and proof that Freeman is an electric lead vocalist with personality and a love for performing.
Moving on, more offerings from Fading West showered the audience with power and intensity. With each member of the band full of life, the frenzy ran wild through the audience as magical new songs like “When We Come Alive” was played. The band definitely broke out all the stops on this tour with the fantastic stage setup and unforgettable sound projected. With the focus primarily on Fading West, Switchfoot gave their fans some special surprises as well mixing some tunes from their diverse discography along the way, including songs like “Dare You To Move”.
The band kept the emotions riding high through their moving performance that connected on a much deeper level than other rock bands are capable of. Keeping things interesting, performing their breakout single from all those years ago, “Meant to Live”, on acoustic guitars and an accordion provided a fresh spin that fans really seemed to enjoy.
Switchfoot, clearly, is a band looking to outdo themselves each time out on stage. Having played in NYC back in October 2013, many fans agree this show was one of the best they have ever seen the band play. It is enough to go to a concert and be entertained; to be actually inspired and rejuvenated speaks volumes for the band performing. If you have not seen the Fading West Tour it should be on your bucket-list of things to do in 2014.
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