Cage The Elephant :: Young The Giant ::
Bakar :: Willow Avalon
July 11, 2024
Moody Center, Austin TX
Shot by Grace Davis
On July 11th, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Bakar, and Willow Avalon made their way to the Moody Center in Austin, Texas to give the crowd a night full of diverse music without a moment of disappointment.
Cage The Elephant
Cage the Elephant is an American rock band formed in 2006 out of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Known for their off-the-charts live performances and eclectic blend of rock genres, the band features lead vocalist Matt Shultz, rhythm guitarist Brad Shultz (who Matt introduced as his βbrother and partner in crimeβ), drummer Jared Champion, bassist Daniel Tichenor, lead guitarist Nick Bockrath, and keyboardist/guitarist Matthan Minster. Cage the Elephant celebrated for their high-energy concerts, with Matt Shultz's dynamic unpredictability being a highlight. Their music blends alternative rock, garage rock, punk, and indie influences, drawing from both classic rock and contemporary styles. Their headlining set was an electrifying experience characterized by their high energy and dynamic performance. They hadnβt been in Austin since 2019 and made it known how good it was for them to be here again. Before playing βTroubleβ, the lead singer opened up about how the past five years had been particularly rough for him (alluding to his arrest and spell with addiction) but it is good to be through those times and back on the road. The charismatic frontman, Matt Shultz, delivered a lively stage presence with dance moves reminiscent of Mick Jagger. The group had an impressive stage design that included the most complex lighting arrangements I have ever seen, with lasers and pyrotechnics so extravagant, every photographers all had to sign two waivers. The setlist featured a diverse mix of their biggest hits from as far as five albums ago (βAinβt No Rest For The Wickedβ, βReady To Let Goβ, along with encores of βShake Me Downβ, βCigarette Daydreamsβ and βCome A Little Closerβ) and a few popular tracks from their new record Neon Pill, providing a varied and engaging show. Iβm sure Cage the Elephant did not leave one pair of eyes and ears disappointed as I am fully confident that they gave a show that even the loosest or intense of fans could be more than impressed by.
Standing as a second headliner, Young the Giant thrilled the city of Austin when they said it was ββ¦seriously a second home to themβ¦β. Formed in Irvine, California, in 2004, they became a shining beacon of American alternative rock. The band consists of Sameer Gadhia (vocals, percussion), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), and FranΓ§ois Comtois (drums). Theyβre well known for some of their early releases including their self-titled debut album in 2010, featuring hit singles like βMy Bodyβ and βCough Syrupβ. Young the Giant is known for their energetic live performances and their ability to blend various musical influences, creating a sound that is both unique and widely appealing. Their music often explores themes of identity and personal growth, with a strong emphasis on lyrical storytelling. Over the years, they have released several successful albums, including Mind Over Matter, Home of the Strange, and Mirror Master, each showcasing their evolution as a band. Their set was a phenomenal experience, marked by the band's energetic spirit and engaging stance. They delivered a well-balanced setlist of hits and new material, keeping the audience fully enraptured. The band's lead singer, Sameer Gadhia, interacted with the crowd throughout the show, creating a sense of intimacy.
Bakar is a British musician from Camden, North London. His music blends indie, rap, rock, and punk, creating a unique and eclectic sound. Bakar gained recognition with his 2018 mixtape Badkid and further success with his hit single, βHell N Back.β He released notable projects like Nobody's Home (2022) and Halo (2023). Apart from music, Bakar has modeled for brands such as Louis Vuitton and Prada. He has worked with fellow artist Dominic Fike, whom I would compare him to the most. His set was slow to start with lotβs of strobing lights as he hid in a heavy fog. After a song or two, he emerged from the fog and immediately became involved with the crowd. His concert was a mix of upbeat anthems and more introspective songs, allowing for a varied and engaging show. It was a blend of raw energy and heartfelt moments, making for a memorable experience.
Willow Avalon is an emerging singer-songwriter known for her blend of country, pop, indie, and folk influences. She grew up in a small rural town in Georgia, where she developed her musical talents playing piano at the local Baptist church. She now resides in New York City's Hell's Kitchen and continues to make music that resonates with her Southern roots. She was the first to play on the Moody Center stage. Her massive difference in sound shocked the crowd for the first few songs, but it didnβt take long for everyone to be fully on board with her southern, honkey-tonk rhythm. Willow played an unreleased song βHome Wreckerβ with an audience singing along to finish off her set. During her set, she mentioned how this was her first tour ever and judging on how the crowd reacted to her playing her break-through song, βTequila or Whiskeyβ, her career wonβt be slowing down any time soon.
