(Photo Credit: Jackie VanZelst)
A four year hiatus can seem like a lifetime in today’s music world. And the packed house on Saturday at the TLA proved that Miike Snow fans have been eagerly awaiting the bands return. And with good reason. With a slew of sold-out shows on their upcoming tour, Miike Snow must surely be feeling the pressure to bring the crowds an impressive and entertaining show. And that’s exactly what they did in Philly this weekend.
Prior to the release of their third album, aptly titled iii, the band of hit-makers had already released several tracks, including the infectious “Genghis Khan,” and the Run the Jewels-assisted “Heart is Full.” In fact, each track they released prior to the album’s debut was met with excitement and acclaim, including “The Heart of Me,” and “I Feel the Weight,” which shows a more reserved side of the band who have made a name for themselves producing energetic hits for themselves and pop stars like Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue.
Any other band returning to the stage after so long, might have seemed rusty, but Miike Snow seem to be quickly working out any kinks, taking the stage with enthusiasm and excitement. Lead singer Andrew Wyatt’s charisma proved exactly why devoted fans have been dying to see them perform again. Some travelling all the way from Connecticut to catch a show. Throughout the course of the night, Miike Snow’s catchy tracks were perfectly aligned with a visually impressive light show that ultimately made for a mesmerizing performance.
But first, crowds were treated to opening act, Beau, a duo out of New York. Heather Golden and Emma Rose Jenny may have seemed like an odd addition to the lineup, not quite jarring with the Miike Snow sound. But, the crowed at the TLA seemed delighted by their performance, with most of the night’s attendees having showed up early to catch them perform. With their debut album out this week, these girls are poised for a highly successful 2016.
After what seemed like a painstakingly slow stage set-up, Miike Snow finally took the stage after 10:15 pm. At which point, the crowd was understandably eager for their arrival. As only the third night of their current tour, it was apparent from the start that the men of Miike Snow were still perfecting the act. The setlist was significantly different from the previous two nights in NYC, but it worked. And this makes sense. Prior to kicking off this current crop of dates, the band hasn’t played together since 2012. And their brand new album, iii, was only released a day before the band took the stage at the TLA.
Even still, they opted to open the show with a brand new track, “My Trigger,” a stand-out from the recent release. And fans had obviously done their homework, as almost everyone in attendance was well-versed in the new music. The only complaint one might offer would be the stage set-up, with Wyatt’s keyboard being placed towards the back of the stage, creating an odd experience from within the audience. The live performance of “My Trigger” showcased Wyatt behind the keys, but it wasn’t immediately clear that he was even on the stage. Which meant the show starter didn’t bring quite the energy that the band may have hoped for.
In fact, each time he’d disappear to play his instrument, the crowd became noticeably distracted by his absence from the stage. Thankfully, the band made up for it with their visual aesthetics and old favorites like “Burial” and “Siliva.” Aside from the old hits, and the previously released new tracks, Miike Snow also showcased another new track, “7 Nights.” But it was “I Feel the Weight” which ultimately served as a pivotal moment in their set. The slowed-down track differs heavily from every other song in their 14 song setlist. And from a quick scan of the crowd, it was readily apparent who was truly there for the music, as it was during this song that several people in attendance turned to their neighbor for a chat, or had their heads in their phones, clearly disinterested in the track. Following it up with an old favorite “Song for No One” was a strong move though, quickly regaining the momentum of the night.
The evening culminated with the band’s breakthrough hit, “Animal,” which served as an apt reminder as to why everyone fell in love with the trio back in 2009.
Setlist:
My Trigger
Billie Holiday
Cult Logic
Genghis Khan
Paddling Out
Heart of Me
Burial
Heart is Full (with Spank Rock)
Silvia
I Feel the Weight
Song for No One
Black & Blue
Encore:
7 Nights
Animal
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