When Wild Nothing took the stage before a packed Tralf Music Hall Monday night, anticipation was high as the Virginia band looked to build on what has already been a historical summer for indie shows in Buffalo. Wasting no time with introductions, the set quickly began with the uptempo dream pop jam "Shadow" from the band's 2012 LP Nocturne. The song's smooth bassline, jangly guitars, and gorgeous synths were translated incredibly well in a live setting as those in attendance couldn't help but get down with its romantic 80's vibes.
Following with "Counting Days," another track from Nocturne, frontman Jack Tatum slowed things down a bit, though you couldn't tell from the dozens of fans keeping the energy in check on the dance floor. As fellow Buffabloger Cliff Parks touched on in his post earlier today, the show attracted a surprisingly younger crowd, as the teenage indie kid demographic was fully represented. While it wasn't what you'd usually expect from a Tralf show, it made for an energetic crowd that was undeniably loving everything that Wild Nothing laid down that night.
Other set highlights included the bright pop gem "Only Heather," with its infectious jangly riff and driving rhythm reminiscent of early alternative acts like R.E.M., kept the crowd moving and reminded us that indie rock can be damn fun to dance to. The soaring beauty of the new wave inspired "Paradise" was easily one of the most well executed performances of the night, complete with an absolutely blissful breakdown that allowed everyone, regardless of age, to revel in the unabashed romanticism and see the once young buzz band, prove they are well worth the hype.
After briefly leaving the stage following renditions of the title track from 2010's Gemini and "Rheya," the band returned for an encore that included a sped up version of "The Blue Dress" and an incredible performance of "Ride," a new track from their recently released Empty Estate EP that marks a slight change in direction and showed off Tatum's growth as a songwriter. It was another memorable performance to add to this already great summer of music in Buffalo, and left us eagerly awaiting the band's return.
How is there no mention of the opener?
Yeah the openers were pretty high energy and kind of exciting. Especially that weird dude with silly string.
Steven was unable to get there until the headliner's set.