The previous night floats back to me in pieces as I blankly throw my lunch bag onto the passenger seat. What all happened I’ll never be able to remember. I turn the key and see the enormous balloons. I put on my seatbelt and feel the confetti raining down on me. Surely this could go on all day. There’s too much to remember. Tiny pieces float back to me, and land inside my car…
Seriously. There’s confetti all over my seat.
Last night was Walk Off the Earth at Showbox Sodo. I feel like a person on the other side of a redeemed circus ticket. I am now a believer. The fire breathing, the ax throwing, and the mermaids – it was all real. Just ask the kids rubbing away the glitter from their eyes. And, while the five members of Walk Off the Earth are certainly more like easygoing hippies than scary carnie folk, they brought just as much excitement and talent to the stage. Casually sitting on top of the world, Walk Off the Earth was ready to have some fun.
Half of the instruments on stage appeared to have been fabricated, I think. I couldn’t tell you what the purpose of each one was, nor was I capable of accurately counting all of them as they flew between hands. I do know, however, that they had no problem playing every single one of them, all the while tossing them back and forth, substituting limbs, or standing on their heads (ok, I made that last one up). Combining all of these elements transformed the Sodo into a musical cornucopia, where every genre was given a seat at the table. The diverse talent among these five not-so-young souls brought four year olds and the 60-something alike together to enjoy the tunes. Surely it is a rare thing for bands to span generations and skip across time. These guys pull it off. Handily.
The lighting for the set was spectacular. To simplify: anyone singing had a spotlight, and their voices weaved in and out. Bam! You got yourself a light show! At no extra charge to boot.
The set list ranged from their originals to B.o.B and Jane’s Addiction covers. Of course, the zenith of the show was their popular hit Red Hands. Energetic and passionate, the drums blazed through the bridge and the warmth carried through the walls. Everyone was singing. Their crew was singing. Everyone, at a sold out show, was singing. Their encore consisted of Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know and was finished with Summer Vibe. Then they began giving away the instruments. Yep, I said “instruments” and “give away.”
One got the sense that Walk Off the Earth has a true love for their craft, and for their fans. Before they left the stage, they took the opportunity to jump into the crowd and take a picture for their Gang of Rhythm Tour, re: Seattle leg. Pass this one down to the grandkids…
Speaking of grandkids and lineage, this show also featured an onstage fan-to-fan proposal. Because Seattle is so rad, this proposal was actually initiated by the lady. He said yes. Tell the munchkins behind the curtain to turn up the SPECIAL factor.
The openers featured Camera2 and Parachute. Camera2 has just released their new single Appetite. These are four seasoned guys from Brooklyn embracing the new indie electronic sound. Check it out. You can definitely ride your bike or do your homework to this music.
Parachute opened without a hitch, blanketing the crowd with She is Love. Again, many faces in the crowd had their mouths open with synchronous, melodic syllables coming out. This show was so very enjoyable. It was a gem. I’m still shaking off the musical buzz.
Review by T. Monte
Photos by Sunny Martini
Walk Off The Earth
Parachute
Camera
