
Hailing from New Zealand, The Naked and Famous will not see their native Island for quite a while as they have embarked on a massive 32 city tour of the US to promote their third album “Simple Forms” just released in October. Their single “Higher” has been on rotation at Twin Cities alt radio stations and Go96 sponsored Wednesday’s show at First Avenue.
The first of two opening bands The Chain Gang of 1974 only has one name on the “official” band member list Kamtin Mohager but he brought some musical reinforcements and delivered an outstanding, magnetic performance. The live versions of his songs have very strong intro heavy in bass and synth pulling the crowd in. Mohager’s energy was as infectious as his dance moves.
Set List: Gossip / Afterlife / Get Closer / Riot / Dead End Love / Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea / L.A. Love Song / America / Fool’s Paradise
TNAF were not shy about their new album. Unlike some bands who save their current hit single for the encore, “Higher” blasted the crowd as their second song bringing any casual concert goer who did not know the band well into the fold of the dancing, singing masses. Through the set energy remained high and the dancing barely stopped. Circling back to their hits, the regular set closed with “Young Blood”. I quite enjoyed the performance, being one of those “not really familiar with the band” types.
Set List: Water Beneath You / Higher / All Of This / Punching In A Dream / Losing Our Control / Last Forevere / My Energy / Runners / A Stillness / Hearts Like ours / No Way-Alt / Laid Low / Girls Like You / Young Blood Encore: Rotten