Monday night turned out to be serious fun at First Avenue, thanks to a quartet of bands headlined by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
LOLO
Lauren Pritchards aka LOLO just released her EP “Comeback Queen” and flew in from New York City for this show. Her first time at First Avenue was an impressive showing. I enjoyed her raw energy on stage and liked her powerful alto.
The Griswolds
Australia’s The Griswolds only played a short set but it was jam packed with hits from their their debut album “Be Impressive” that have been playing on alternative stations since it’s release. For good measure they threw in a cover of fellow Aussie Vance Joy’s Riptide. We covered The Griswolds in the spring when they opened for Walk the Moon and 6 months of touring turned them into a tight band that delivers a great show.
Set List:
Right On Track
16 Years
If You Wanna Stay
Riptide (Vance Joy cover)
Mississippi
Beware the Dog
Heart of a Lion
New Politics
This Danish invasion was more fun than one by the “Vikings” the title of New Politics current album. The Trio always has a blast on stage and their set comes with a “fun guarantee”. Break dancing, crowd surfing and spectacular lights are just part of the mix.
Set List:
Everywhere I Go (Kings & Queens)
Give Me Hope
Tonight You’re Perfect
50 Feet Tall
Berlin
Aristocrat
Just Like Me
Overcome
West End Kids
15 Dreams
Fall Into These Arms
Stardust
Girl Crush
Yeah Yeah Yeah
Harlem
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Andrew McMahon’s stage included a plethora of pianos and keyboards. The full piano center stage had green shag carpet, a goldfish bowl and a couple of other decorations. McMahon started the set creeping around the piano with a balloon sporting a face. Keeping his first song pretty dark he used solid color lights to set the mood for his music. The opening cords of Rainy Girl were almost drowned out by fans singing along. His set included a number of songs from his previous bands Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin. A fan favorite was the acoustic version of Punk Rock Princess.
Set List:
Rainy Girl
Dark Blue
Canyon Moon
The Resolution
High Dive
I Woke Up in a Car
Halls
Swim
Bloodshot
Maps For The Getaway
Punk Rock Princess
All Our Lives
La La Lie
Cecilia and the Satellite
Synesthesia
