Last Monday night, viagra 40mg an eclectic crowd of Bostonians gathered at Paradise to see Night Moves and Django Django perform. Although it wasn’t a sold-out show, the venue was filled with a diverse gathering of fans.
Minneapolis natives Night Moves started off the show, opening with “Country Queen.” Although the crowd did not seem familiar with this up-and-coming Midwest four-piece, it would have been hard for them to not be captivated by the band’s psychedelic country charm. Night Moves have developed a distinct sound for themselves – their music blends country twang with sun-soaked reverb to give their songs a melancholic sound reminiscent of the 60s and 70s.
Night Moves’ songs often transform from slow-grooving ballads into infectious pop melodies as the band’s instrumental momentum snowballs and John Pelant’s lead vocals reach smooth, high peaks. For example, “Old Friends” slowly built until the song’s climax during which Pelant repeatedly cooed, “I never wanted your love.” Splashes of Mark Ritsema’s electric guitar add a surfer-y layer to Night Moves’ songs; Ritsema’s sugary riffs combine with moving bass lines, acoustic guitar, intoxicating vocals, and a steady driving beat to create Night Moves’ neo-psychedelic sound.
What captivated me the most about Night Moves’ set was how Pelant was able to give the performance a personalized feel. Pelant has a distinct stage presence – when he sings, it’s as if the person he is singing to is in the crowd staring back at him. His eyes squint as he looks into the audience with a snarling face, howling the lyrics with passion. The richness and accuracy of his live vocals is extraordinary. And when Pelant wasn’t seducing the crowd with his voice, he was dancing around the stage with his guitar.
Night Moves closed their set with “Colored Emotions,” their album’s title track. “Colored Emotions” filled the air with an undeniably sexy wave of sound — it was hard not to sway along. Although Night Moves is not headlining their tour with Django Django, they definitely put on an impressive and captivating performance. Fortunately, I was able to catch up with the band after the show and ask them a few questions. Check out the interview below!
With much anticipation in the air, Django Django finally made their way to the stage. The British four-piece were rocking matching button-up shirts. As the band began playing, the lights were fully down and the atmosphere within the venue instantly shifted. While Night Moves left the crowd swaying in a dreamy haze, Django Django was about to wake the audience up with their quirky, experimental rock. Keeping the psychedelic vibe alive, Django Django’s set was enhanced by mind-blowing lighting. Throughout their set, eerie sound clips resonated–birds were chirping as white lights flashed on blindfolds set up on the stage.
This being Django Django’s first show in Boston, the band of London natives was determined to get the crowd moving despite it being a Monday night. Although the crowd didn’t dance as much as they could have, they definitely warmed up as the set went on. The entire set was a multi-sensory experience, made up of trippy lights and mind-bending experimental pop. As “Fireworks” played, lights displayed colorful prisms floating and spinning on the blinds. Not only did the Django Django guys match outfits, but the four-piece also had an incredible stage dynamic. The guitarist and bassist moved about the stage, at some points banging on the snare drum or joining on the keyboard.
Although Django Django has a distinct sound, they still manage to be somewhat eclectic with their songs. During “Hand Of Man,” Django Django transitioned from chaotic to more calming, as Vincent Neff (singer & guitarist) switched from electric to acoustic guitar. This song got the crowd moving and clapping along. Next was “Skies Over Cairo.” Neff introduced the song saying, “Come up high with us!” And as the heavy percussion began, Neff added, “All the girls dance like Cleopatra!” As the room filled with Egyptian vibes, the crowd continued to groove. The excitement burgeoned as the next song, “Default” (Django Django’s more well-known hit), began. Smiley faces flashed on the blindfolds as Django Django lit up the room. One of my favorite songs of the night was “Life’s a Beach.” The staccato style verses paved the way for harmonious ooh’s and ah’s, all layered with undoubtedly catchy instrumentals.
The band ended their set with “WOR.” Orange lights glowed on the stage as sirens rang. Energy crackled in the crowd and on stage when the band finished. The audience begged for an encore, and Django Django came back to play “Silver Rays.” With their arms in the air, the crowd moved with the music until the set finally came to a close. Being fairly unfamiliar with Django Django’s music before the show, I didn’t know what to expect. The flashing lights and zany sound clips were mildly offsetting for a Monday night, but I enjoyed myself regardless.
Interview with Night Moves:
Brittany Bosacker: Do you prefer a venue like Paradise or a more intimate setting like Great Scott where you played last time you were in Boston?
John Pelant: I don’t think we prefer either, but both are nice. Both have their positives and negatives.
Mark Ritsema: We like our DIY shows…the do-whatever-you-want, get-crazy shows. I would say those are my favorite.
Are there a lot of basement shows in Minnesota?
John Pelant: Oh yeah, definitely.
What’s your favorite song to perform off of Colored Emotions?
Jared Isabella: I like “Headlights”…and “Colored Emotion” – drummer-wise it’s really fun to play.
John Pelant: Yeah, I like both of those.
So this being your third time in Boston, what’s your favorite thing about Boston?
Night Moves: Well, we’ve only been on like a 5 block radius.
Mickey Alfano: I like that record store over there…In Your Ear.
John Pelant: A long, long time ago, we did the freedom trail, and we saw the glass harmonica. That was my favorite thing.
How did Night Moves form? Did you guys grow up together?
Mark Ritsema: We grew up together – Mickey, John and I. We skateboarded a lot. We went to high school together, and then we met Jared later on.
What’s it like being a band from the Midwest and coming out to bigger cities? Is it intimidating?
John Pelant: No. It’s fun…because it’s like the same music scene as Minneapolis. When we go to New York or Philadelphia or any other place, it’s like the same local music scene with the same variables.
People are nicer in the Midwest though, right?
John Pelant: Nicer in the Midwest? Not necessarily. I think that’s a stereotype. They honk less, but deep down they’re the same.
Where are you guys looking forward to going to next?
John Pelant: San Franscico. That’s the one.
Jared Isabella: Portland.
Mickey Alfano: We’ve got a sold-out Minneapolis show. That’ll be fun.
Anything else you guys want to share?
Night Moves: We’ve never been more nervous to cross a border than Canada’s border tonight. Tonight is the night. We’re just going to drive there. Look confident. Be nice. We’ll wash our hair, cut Mark’s hair…give him a business cut. Put a bible on the hood of the van. Supposedly if you say you’re a Christian rock band, they’re easy on you. We’ll let Allston Pudding know how it goes.
Photo Credit: Graham Zinger