Cage the Elephant, known for their vibrantly expressive music and captivating performances, had much to live up to on their Blossom Music Center stop of the Neon Pill Tour. Despite lead singer Matt Shultz being in an air cast that required a knee scooter due to a broken foot, the band fully lived up to every expectation, including their signature black-and-white big screens.
Opening with “Broken Boy” and a wall of fire that went off on beat, Cage never let their feet off the gas. Rhythm guitarist Brad Shultz and lead guitarist Nick Bockrath showcased their musical expertise through solos that struck the crowd and elevated the night’s experience.
With a setlist filled with the likes of “Cold Cold Cold,” “Ready to Let Go,” “Trouble,” and “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” it was nearly impossible to find an attendee not singing along. Fan favorites were mixed with songs off their newest album ‘Neon Pill‘ released in May. “Rainbow,” “Good Time,” and “Neon Pill” while still new, gave the same impression as Cage classics with the audience response.
Matt not only got hands waving, but he also was open and honest to the crowd about the relationship between the fans and the singer, discussing his own mental health and what the journey of Cage the Elephant and its supporters have done to help him. If the music hadn’t had people crying already–and tears were very much involved for some–the testaments indeed turned on the waterworks.
Cage the Elephant was preceded by three talented acts: Willow Avalon, Bakar, and Young the Giant. Each was unique with their own entrancing traits.
Willow had soft, sweetheart melodies and the help of fans for the callbacks in “Homewrecker.”
Bakar’s soulful voice mixed with experimental beats to set a tone of collective groove.
Young the Giant not only proved their live performance outdid recorded songs, but the environment they created on stage through the dynamic of each artist, spotlight moments, and powerful lighting all likened their set to that of a perfect show.
The stage lighting throughout the evening was worthy of praise, with warm reds and golds and dramatic blues, purples, and pinks for Cage’s set. Strobes and lasers created planes of color over the screaming crowd, with lifted lights upstage framing the performers. The picture-perfect night came to a close with “Sabertooth Tiger,” though fans were delighted when the low audio tone led to an encore of “Shake Me Down,” “Cigarette Daydreams,” and “Come a Little Closer.” The evening at Blossom was easily one of the best this season, with high energy, creativity, and talent flowing from the stage to the crowd and back, start to finish.
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