This was my first (and likely last) show of the season at Everwise Amphitheater, as the cooling weather shifts the majority of upcoming shows to indoor venues. This was my second time seeing TDCC live (the first being at Chicago’s Riviera Theater in 2019), making this one of my most highly anticipated shows this concert season. The crowd was primarily made up of people in my demographic (late 20s/early 30s nostalgia chasers who were at some point big into MySpace or Tumblr or both).
Wonder if She Even Thinks of Me Swearing
Quarters of Change delivered a solid, if somewhat uneventful performance at, showcasing their indie rock sound with moments of brilliance but lacking consistency. Tracks like “Chloe” and “T Love” had the crowd moving, thanks to catchy guitar riffs and lively energy, but other parts of the set felt a bit more lackluster, with a few awkward transitions and the set as a whole just felt like it was an entry for a battle of the bands. While the band’s chemistry and stage presence were clear, the night didn’t quite reach its full potential, leaving the audience entertained but not entirely captivated.
Stand Up, Take a Bow, You’re Wonderful
Two Door Cinema Club took the stage with a confident energy that set the tone for the evening. Opening with crowd-pleaser “This Is the Life” they immediately had the audience on their feet, creating an electric atmosphere that only built as the night progressed.
The setlist was well-curated, heavy on tracks from Tourist History (comprising nearly half of their set)—with songs consistently being met with deafening cheers, as fans sang along to every word. These early hits showcased the band’s infectious indie pop charm and gave the crowd the feel-good, danceable moments they had come for. The shift between their older and newer material felt seamless, with each song flowing effortlessly into the next, keeping the energy levels high throughout.
What truly made the night special was Two Door Cinema Club’s undeniable stage presence. Alex Trimble’s vocals were spot-on, as he consistently hit his signature high notes, while easily transitioning to more subdued, intimate moments of their set. His understated charisma, paired with the dynamic guitar work of Sam Halliday and the rhythmic backbone provided by bassist Kevin Baird, created a tight and cohesive sound.
Visually, the band’s performance was complemented by a mesmerizing light show. A mix of neon lights, strobe effects, and abstract projections pulsed to the beat of the music, creating a vibrant, almost hypnotic backdrop for their infectious tunes. The lights danced in sync with the band, amplifying the energy of tracks like “I Can Talk” and “Are We Ready? (Wreck),” turning the venue into a full-on indie disco.
The band’s connection with the crowd was palpable. Alex Trimble took moments between songs to engage with the audience, expressing gratitude for the years of support and reminiscing about their journey as a band. Fans responded with enthusiasm, clapping and cheering at every opportunity. One of the night’s most unforgettable moments came during “Something Good Can Work,” when Trimble encouraged the audience to sing along. The result was a beautiful, communal moment where every voice in the venue seemed to join together, creating a wave of energy that washed over the room.
The crowd’s energy never waned, even during the band’s more subdued tracks like “Changing of the Seasons” and “Sun” These quieter moments allowed for brief respites before the next burst of upbeat rhythms and disco up-beats swept everyone back into the high-energy euphoria.
As the night drew to a close, Two Door Cinema Club returned for a much-anticipated encore, leaving the audience with one final burst of energy. They kicked off the encore with “Sun,” a song that perfectly encapsulates their ability to blend catchy melodies with emotional depth. The night ended on a high with a triumphant performance of “What You Know,” a track that has become synonymous with the band’s live shows.
Two Door Cinema Club’s concert was a reminder of why they have remained a beloved staple in the indie pop scene for over a decade. The band’s ability to blend upbeat, danceable rhythms with thoughtful, introspective lyrics made for a concert experience that was both energetic and emotionally resonant. Their tight musicianship, coupled with dazzling visuals and genuine crowd interaction, created an atmosphere that was equal parts festival-like fun and intimate connection.