I have seen a lot of shows at Everwise at White River lately and feel it is becoming my favorite venue in the Indianapolis area, especially since I can walk to it. I have been a frequent enjoyer of the lawn, but tonight I was treated to a very good seat, and the experience was very memorable. I got to see three really good bands as part of local alternative radio station Indy 103.3’s Hullabaloo, and I went away with a deeper appreciation for the headliner.
Neon Trees started off the night with their hit “Losing My Mind” and energized the crowd as the venue began to fill up. Singer Tyler Glenn had the crowd singing along and looked resplendent in his studded suit! A highlight of the show was the duet he performed with drummer Elaine Bradley covering Berlin’s “Don’t You Want Me.” It was a strong set, and their six songs were over far too quickly. “Everybody Talks,” the last song, was definitely a crowd pleaser, and this writer was left wanting more!
AWOLNATION is a very energetic three piece led by frontman Aaron Bruce who had immense stage presence. The set included “Kill Your Heroes” and “Hollow Moon” and the show was entertaining as Bruce danced around the stage, and the mesmerizing rifts were superb. The drummer and guitarist created a soundscape that made each of their ten tracks vivid. “Sail” was a song I was familiar with and they concluded the set with it!
311 is celebrating 34 years as a band with their Unity Tour, and when they took the stage, they did not disappoint! As they rolled into “Beautiful Disaster” I was impressed with the stage show and the lighting and video. The set was great as Guitarist Nick Hexum shared vocal duties with DJ Doug “S.A.” Martinez and I found their blend of musical styles fresh if not progressive. From the vocal acrobatics on “Come Original” to the great lighting on their cover of The Cure’s “Love Song,” the first half of the set was only surpassed by what would come later!
A bass solo by P-Nut Wills was very good and the crowd was roaring as the solo led into a bit of “Killing In The Name Of” which had everyone around me singing along. If this wasn’t enough, four more great songs were followed by a drum solo which was as good as any I have seen lately. It concluded with all five members of 311 on percussion which was a sight to behold. They have excellent music, but the stage presence this band has made this a memorable show!
The set finished strong with their new single “You’re Going To Get It,” my favorite “Amber,” and several others before Hexum bid the crowd goodnight. The double encore would include “Sunset In July” and I could tell this crowd cannot wait for them to come back!
This was a great night, and I left with a greater appreciation for all three bands, 311 in particular. They all had a great sets, and the music fit well together. I was happy to have had a chance to see the show, and would catch any of these bands the next time they’re in town!