The dancey indie rock band stopped by for a rowdy Madison show Sunday night.
Walking into The Frequency on a quiet Sunday evening for this show, my expectations weren’t high. I was hoping for a rowdy little club show, but I assumed the turnout would be dismal, and the crowd energy low. I was happily wrong! A small bill in a small venue, both bands proved that they’re poised for something bigger the next time they’re in town.
Chicago-based Scattered Trees was the only opener for the evening. With previous opening gigs for Two Door Cinema Club and Asobi Seksi, as well as a recent visit to Daytrotter, Scattered Trees seems to be on the path to indie rock success. Heavy on the reverb and reminiscent of Coldplay, songs like“Love and Leave” would fit well on the radio airwaves nestled between The Head & the Heart and Death Cab for Cutie.
The story of Scattered Trees only makes them more alluring; Scattered Trees started as a solo project for lead singer Nate Eisland before becoming a full band in 2006, but the group separated a couple years later. After the death of Eisland’s father propelled him to write songs again, the band reformed (eagle eyes will notice that the line-up includes Eisland’s now-wife, Alissa, as well). The band’s impressive 2011 release Sympathy is the result of this therapeutic recording (and reforming) process. Their live show embodied what you’d expect – an emotional musical accompaniment to the stages of grief – altogether strangely depressing and uplifting in the same set.
Without much delay, Walk the Moon was up on stage. You will know them (and their fans) by their facepaint. It’s a kitschy touch best-suited for the under-21 set, yes, but it fits the enthusiasm of their sound well. Lead singer Nicholas Petricca freshens up the frontman role by yielding not a guitar, but keys & a floor tom. The setlist delivered a wealth of catchy melodies and sing & clap-along songs, easily accessible and fun for a first-time listener.
The highlight of the evening came in the form of an unexpected cover. Midway through the show, the boys donned foxhats and made Fleet Foxes’ “White Winter Hymnal” their own. The harmonies were still there – Walk the Moon just lit a pop-rock fire behind them.
Walk the Moon closed the night with their probable breakthrough single “Anna Sun,” leading the crowd of 60ish in a sweaty, Sunday night dance party. If you’re feeling bummed about missing this show, I wouldn’t worry – you’ll hear from them soon. The band recently signed to RCA Records and will be releasing their first album on the label early next year (don’t worry, it will include “Anna Sun”). They’ll also be back on tour in February opening for Young the Giant; you can see them at their Milwaukee date on February 21st.
I can't wait to see these guys live! I love their video for Anna Sun and here's the link if you still haven't seen it. http://www.vevo.com/watch/walk-the-moon/anna-sun/USRV81100083
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