PHOTOS/REVIEW: Alt 92.1’s opening acts steal Snow Show from sleepy Giant in Wilkes-Barre
Radio shows are usually an eclectic bag, and Alt 92.1’s second annual Snow Show at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre was no exception.
Young the Giant headlined on Sunday, Jan. 27 with their sublime and beautifully played indie pop – the only band to perform with their full stage production of moody solid light, electric backdrop, and a neon-lined drum riser. Neo-psychedelic upstarts The Nude Party, ska punk rockers The Interrupters, and rap punk instigators grandson (whose live show is far superior to their recordings) all performed under the Scranton radio station’s banner, and each stole a little of the show with a youthful energy and confidence YTG could not match.
Young the Giant vocalist Sameer Gadhia performed in a long-sleeve black shirt tucked into slacks while guitarists Jacob Tilley and Eric Cannata both sported balding heads accentuated by a clear lack of haircuts and combs. Compared to the wild ’60s look of The Nude Party, the sleek black outfits of The Interrupters, and the “I don’t give a shit” T-shirt of grandson’s Jordan Benjamin, Young The Giant looked like the aging hipsters of a recently bygone era. Unless you’re in Radiohead, no band wants to look old in their 30s.
I’m not sure why this divide struck me so much. I’m not sure why I’m not writing about the music. Maybe because I’m an aging hipster from a recently bygone era. (I am.) I think I have a better answer. Four bands played live, sang live, and the crowd gave each band an enthusiastic response. Every band was great, and even if the headliner seemed a bit sluggish and out of place, they are the act that most people came to see.
I guess it struck me so much because I shouldn’t be so surprised to see a bunch of kids (and some guys my age) actually play live rock ‘n’ roll. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t hear a backing track at a show. How sad. I hope some of the young attendees left with one of the opening acts being their new favorite band. Each one deserved it.
(Full disclosure: I don’t consider the trap beat inlays of grandson backing tracks; the bassist programmed them live on a keyboard.)
