The pavilion and lawn at Ruoff Music Center were packed with fans on Wednesday, August 7th, anticipating an energetic and memorable show.
Starting things off was Vlad Holiday, a Romanian singer-songwriter, who provided an emotional indie-pop set.
Following was Bakar, a British alt rock/indie artist. He took the stage by himself, with just a handheld mic in tow. Several of his songs sounded familiar, and he did have relatively good crowd engagement as well (which can be difficult for some openers).
And if the World Don’t Break, I’ll Be Shaking It
Young the Giant has been on the road for a while (current tour started back in 2022 and concArt photographed them back in 2014), but despite that, the band has maintained a captivating stage presence with no discernible indication of burnout. Recently, to shake things up, the setlist has mixed older, deep cuts in alongside their well-known hits to keep their creativity flowing and to engage both longtime fans and new listeners.
Lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s powerful vocals are a highlight, with his ability to shift from soft, intimate moments to sweeping choruses. “Cough Syrup” and “My Body” seemed to be crowd favorites, and sing alongs were highly encouraged.
There weren’t any highly technical or complicated visuals to speak of, but the stage did featurecarefully curated lighting and various platforms to help keep all the band members in the audience’s line of sight.
A tight musicianship was observed, with each member brings their own flair and raw emotion to the performance, while still keeping the end product tight and polished. Bass and drums, in particular, really helped drive the energy of the show.
The shows was characterized with a sense of community and belonging, with Gadhia frequentlyinteracting with the crowd, helping to foster a shared experience that went even beyond just the music.
Overall, Young the Giant’s current tour is a testament to their growth as a band, humbly offering a performance rich in musicality.
I’m a Lover, I’m a Fable
Cage the Elephant’s return to the Indianapolis area as part of their Neon Pill Tour was nothing short of spectacular, reaffirming their status as one of the most vital and dynamic forces in contemporary rock music. The band, known for their vigorously energetic live shows, delivered a performance that was both visually and audibly captivating. From the moment they took the stage, the audience delighted in the delightfully unhinged antics of Matt Shultz and his bandmates.
The concert featured a well-curated setlist that spanned their nearly two-decade-long career, blending tracks from their latest album, Neon Pill, with classic hits that have become anthems for their fans. Songs like “Shake Me Down” were given new life on stage, enhanced by a dazzling array of special effects. These effects played a crucial role in creating the chaotic atmosphere, using lasers and pyro to help emphasize certain music. One standout moment was during “Shake Me Down,” when the lyrics “Even on a cloudy day” were paired with a quick transformation of the indoor venue into a cloudy, almost ethereal space, thanks to the precise use of smoke machines and lasers.
Frontman Matt Shultz was, as always, the heart and soul of the performance. Despite an injured foot, his stage presence was electric, and he seamlessly incorporated his mobility scooter into his dancing and interactions. Whether he was thrashing around the stage during the more upbeat numbers or delivering the hauntingly introspective lyrics of their new material, Shultz’s performance was both cathartic and deeply personal. The new tracks from Neon Pill, an album shaped by the band’s personal tragedies and triumphs, resonated powerfully with the audience, adding a layer of emotional depth to the concert experience.
The band’s musicianship was equally impressive, with each member contributing to the cohesive yet chaotic sound that has become their trademark. Guitarists Brad Shultz and Nick Bockrath, bassist Daniel Tichenor, and drummer Jared Champion played with a ferocity that matched Matt Shultz’s intensity, creating a wall of sound that was both overwhelming and exhilarating. The band’s ability to balance moments of intense noise with softer, more introspective passages is a testament to their growth as musicians over the years.
This show truly is evidence to Cage the Elephant’s enduring appeal. The band continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of their sound while staying true to the raw energy that has defined them since their early days.