The Struts @ House of Blues - Houston
July 23rd, 2024: The Struts @ House of Blues - Houston, TX
Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Álvarez
Rock 'n' Roll Revival: The Struts Electrify Houston
After Hurricane Beryl's devastation that left over 2 million Houstonians without power for weeks during a record-breaking heat wave, the city was desperately in need of a pick-me-up, this concert was the perfect remedy for the city's weary spirits. On July 23, 2024, the British rockers, The Struts kicked off their Pretty Vicious Tour with a bang at Houston's House of Blues. Despite a looming flood watch, fans packed the venue, eager for a night of rock 'n' roll magic, bringing a much-needed dose of excitement to the Bayou City. And OH WOW, The Struts delivered!
From the moment the band hit the stage, the band's energy was magnetic. The band launched into "Bulletproof Baby," performed for the first time since 2019, the audience sang along to every word, creating a unified wave of voices that echoed through the venue. Frontman Luke Spiller, ever the showman, strutted across the stage with his signature moves, igniting the crowd with his charisma. The band draws influences from hints of Queen and David Bowie, which shone through in their performance, but The Struts have undeniably crafted their unique modern flair of sound and style.
The stage setup was nothing short of spectacular. A backdrop featuring iconic London historic buildings added a touch of the band's roots, while rows of illuminated amps lined the stage. Pillars of light and smoke effects created an atmosphere that was both intimate and larger-than-life. The dramatic stage lighting transformed the venue, giving it a stadium-like feel but without losing that cozy vibe.
Guitarist Adam Slack was on fire all night, his solos reaching new heights. The rhythm section of Jed Elliott on bass and Gethin Davies on drums provided a rock-solid foundation for the band's performances.
One of the most touching moments came when Spiller asked everyone to raise their phone lights, creating a sea of twinkling stars in the crowd. As he led the audience in a singalong, the connection between the band and fans was electric. Throughout the night, the House of Blues staff could be seen dancing along and I even spotted one of the security guards who couldn't resist playing air guitar. A particularly touching moment was when a father and son duo danced together, the young boy perched on his dad's shoulders, both lost in the music. It was a beautiful reminder of how music can unite people, transcending generations.
The setlist was a perfect mix of new tracks from their latest album "Pretty Vicious" and fan favorites. The crowd went wild for classics like "Could Have Been Me" and "Kiss This," while also embracing new gems like "Better Love," which made its live debut.
Thank you, The Struts, for bringing your shining light to Houston. This concert was exactly what the doctor ordered. After weeks of heat waves and power outages due to Hurricane Beryl, this was exactly the energy we needed. Your music and vibrant performance reminded us of the power of rock 'n' roll to heal and uplift. Houston can't wait to welcome you back!
Vampire Weekend @ 713 Music Hall - Houston
June 6th, 2024: Vampire Weekend, La Lom @ 713 Music Hall - Houston, TX
Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Álvarez
Vampire Weekend Brings Their Vibrant Music Exploration to Houston
Kicking off their new tour in Houston on Thursday night June 6, 2024, Vampire Weekend delivered a captivating performance that spanned their eclectic catalog of indie rock and world music influences that was a music exploration. From the moment LA opener La Lom warmed up the crowd with their surf rockabilly sound, the atmosphere at 713 Music Hall buzzed with anticipation.
When Vampire Weekend took the stage, they opened simply as a three-piece in front of a giant backdrop bearing the band's name transitioning to a grand production as Vampire Weekend dived into their repertoire. Their expanded lineup, a seven-piece touring ensemble, infused the venue with a chamber orchestra of indie rock world sounds. The addition of an interpretive dancer, combined with the band's diverse instrumentation including piano, violin, saxophone, pedal steel, bass, acoustic and electric guitar, and two drummers, produced a dynamic symphony of sound that fully engaged and captivated the audience.
As the night unfolded, Vampire Weekend's music traversed their sound from one vibe to the next - a bit jazzy here, an 80s electronic tinge there, next grinding out an edgy indie rock sound oozing NYC attitude, to haunting melodies that tugged at the heartstrings then back to their world indie pop twangy surf sound. Lead singer Ezra Koenig's tender pop vocals were highlighted by the band's masterful instrumentation, creating a dynamic interplay of sound and emotion.
An equally imaginative stage design and lighting complemented the varied musical ensemble. The crew, dressed as construction workers, created a visual backdrop resembling an underground tunnel construction site. The lighting effects brought about dramatic phase shifts, from bathing the band in blue to green-hued melancholy to synchronizing strobes with pummeling rhythms.
Songs like "Hannah Hunt" and "Hope" emerged as poignant highlights of the evening, resonating with tracks like "Oxford Comma." Ezra Koenig's introspective lyrics struck a chord with the crowd, infusing the performance with emotional depth. The encore brought a delightful surprise as Koenig engaged the audience for song requests, resulting in spirited covers of "1901" by Phoenix, "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House, and a snippet of "Wonderwall" by Oasis, revealing Vampire Weekend's playful spirit.
Throughout the night, the crowd of fans was filled with happiness, dancing and cheering, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and excitement. From the vibrant world indie rock sound and electric energy of their anthemic pop highs to the wistful horns to tugging at the heartstrings, Vampire Weekend's Houston show captured their unique ability to deliver an unbound live sonic exploration experience that both electrified and soothed in the same breath. Their seamless shapeshifting between styles and eras made for a mesmerizing performance that electrified and delighted the devoted Houston fans.
SETLIST
Mansard Roof
Holiday
Ice Cream Piano
Classical
Capricorn
Connect
Prep-School Gangsters
White Sky
Unbelievers
This Life
Sunflower
2021
Unbearably White
Flower Moon
Campus
Oxford Comma
Gen-X Cops
Diane Young
Cousins
A-Punk
Mary Boone
Hannah Hunt
Harmony Hall
Hope
ENCORE
1901 (Phoenix cover)
Don't Dream It's Over (Crowded House cover)
Wonderwall (Oasis cover)
Walcott
La Lom
Interpol @ Bayou Music Center - Houston
May 5th, 2024: Interpol, Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado @ Bayou Music Centers - Houston, TX
Interpol - Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Álvarez
"Interpol's Euphoric Evening at Bayou Music Center in Houston"
On the night of May 5th, 2024, at the Bayou Music Center, was one to remember for music fans in Houston. Interpol who is the legendary indie rock band from New York City, came through town and fans could hardly contain their excitement. It was a rare treat to see them live, especially after their massive concert in Mexico City's historic Zócalo Square, where they played for 160,000 fans. That connection meant a lot, especially to Paul Banks' deep ties to Mexico for over twenty years.
Latin Grammy winner Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, an Argentine indie rock band from La Plata, Buenos Aires, took the stage as the second act. Their graceful and emotional performance, reminiscent of Pixies and The Velvet Underground, struck a chord with the audience and set the mood for the night.
As Interpol took the stage to a packed house, they opened a night of music that seamlessly illustrated their artistic growth over the years. From the opening song "C'mere" to "Evil" and closing with the encore finale of "PDA,". Interpol's immersive sound mesmerized the crowd effortlessly transiting between songs as the smoky haze in a trance-like atmosphere left a lasting impact.
Frontman Paul Banks exuded an undeniable swagger and coolness on stage, his haunting vocals effortlessly connecting with the enraptured crowd. He offered a heartfelt acknowledgment to the openers in Spanish which was a charming touch that delighted the audience. Alongside him, Daniel Kessler's energetic guitar work and infectious dance moves, paired with riveting drumming, added layers of dynamism and depth, anchoring the band's musical realm with precision and flair.
The visual exhibition was meticulously curated, with lights enriching the overall experience and adding to the captivating atmosphere that left the audience in awe. As the crowd chanted for an encore, Interpol reappeared, surprising fans with a nostalgic performance of "Pace is the Trick" a song revived live for the first time since 2008, sending longtime fans into raptures of delight.
As the final notes faded into the night, there was a bittersweet realization that the evening was coming to an end. Yet Interpol's nostalgic vibe rekindled cherished recollections of my days living in New York City. I was flooded with fond memories of the late 90s and early 2000s, when the iconic Luna Lounge was our sanctuary – sipping champagne in the basement with friends, hanging out on Ludlow Street, living, and breathing the very indie rock scene that Interpol played such a pivotal role in shaping. Those were the halcyon days, and for a few transcendent hours, Interpol transported us back to that magical era, reminding us why we fell in love with their music in the first place.
Interpol had once again effortlessly captivated the audience with their beautiful songs and irresistible stage presence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who were present. It was an unforgettable magical performance.
Setlist
C'mere
Say Hello to the Angels
My Desire
Take You on a Cruise
Into the Night
Obstacle 1
Lights
Pioneer to the Falls
The Rover
All the Rage Back Home
Rest My Chemistry
Toni
NYC
Evil
The New
Slow Hands
Encore:
Pace is the Trick
(First time played live since 2008)
No, I in Threesome
PDA
Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado
