The Wiltern is one of Los Angeles’s greatest Art Deco gems, tucked right in the center of Koreatown. Having housed musical and creative events of every possible nature over the years, it has built up quite a favorable reputation. It is an honor for young artists to play this legendary space; however, few new bands accomplish a successful live set in such a large venue when the odds are against them. Wednesday night, Atlas Genius and Passion Pit put up their dukes and pass a valiant effort with underwhelming results.
Atlas Genius manage to turn out a short yet productive show. Against all obstacles, they please the light crowd with their sweet, swift songs. Upon first listen, it is apparent that the venue’s sound mixing is disproportionate – a battle that both bands fight through the night. It is disheartening that frontman and lead singer Keith Jeffrey’s vocals are nearly inaudible against the wall of instrumental sound coming from the stage. Regardless, the Aussie crew livens up the room with their animated demeanor. Keyboardist Darren Sell has more bounce in his step than Tigger. He is constantly moving about and swinging his bird of paradise haircut up and down. They soften the spring in their step for a sweet and honest rendition of their greatest hit to date “Trojans” at the set’s abrupt close. It is almost too little too late as the sound only improves for that final tune.
Passion Pit, unfortunately, faces an even more daunting task – powering through a set loud enough to blow an eardrum. The sound mixing takes a turn for the worst and raises up to an alarming decibel. It feels like getting slapped in the face with reverb. Luckily, where their production staff lacks providing decent mixing, the band still holds true to a positive upbeat energy, giving the diehard fans the perfect excuse to nerd out on songs like “Little Secrets” and “Cry Like a Ghost” at the start. We are reminded of the feeling we had last time we saw them play at the Fader Fort at SXSW in Austin earlier this year. They fill up the first half of the set with a heavy helping of songs off their latest album Kindred, which only perpetuates their status as a one-trick pony. “Lifted Up (1985)” is the one ray of hope through the dismal cloud that “All I Want” and “Dancing on the Grave” cast over the record. Thankfully, they pick up the pace, breezing through the hits for the rest of their time up top. Anthemic sing-a-longs like “Take a Walk” and the quick encore of “Sleepyhead” revive them from the mid-set slump for a conclusion that is stronger than the beginning.
Surely these two groups dealt with the situation with impressive professionalism. Their tenacity alone made their performances worthwhile; though it is a disappointing way to end this leg of their tour, here’s hoping things improve on the next round.
Passion Pit Setlist
Little Secrets
Lifted Up (1985)
Cry Like a Ghost
Mirrored Sea
Where the Sky Hangs
Make Light
It’s Not My Fault, I’m Happy
Moth’s Wings
Dancing on the Grave
All I Want
I’ll Be Alright
Constant Conversations
The Reeling
Carried Away
Take a Walk
Encore
Sleepyhead
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