Capital Cities & Night Terrors of 1927
Showbox Sodo, Seattle, WA
11.16.14
Ain’t nobody gonna tell me how to live. But when Capital Cities told Sunday’s SoDo audience to dance, we happily, indulgently obliged, and with some serious (and some seriously questionable) dance moves. Despite the group’s quick two-step instructional, this crowd let loose with abandon and thoroughly participated in what may have been the dance party of the year.
The show opened after the group starred in a quick big-screen ad for Xbox’s new game, Forza, after which the screen was removed and a blindingly colorful light show began. With the full band in tow, these guys ripped into their big hits, as well as a perfectly selected and ingeniously assembled handful of covers. Trumpeter Spencer Ludwig grabbed some serious kudos for his horn-blowing chops, and the band as a whole sounded crisp and well-rehearsed.
To make the whole affair even sweeter, they brought gifts! During a quick break between songs, front men Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian took it upon themselves to toss the audience some locally purchased swag (i.e.: Chinese finger-traps, kitten figurines, and a copy of the aforementioned Xbox Forza game).
Capital Cities closed out an extended encore with the Cash Cash remix of their smash hit, “Safe and Sound,” calling for everyone to remove whatever shirts or jackets they might have and swing them through the air. Rather than actually performing the song, instead the band chose to simply play the track and danced along with the crowd.
If you haven’t already been sold as a Capital Cities fan, take a shot and get yourself a ticket to their live show. Given that they’re on their last leg of touring for some time, you will have to act fast… or buy a ticket to South America. If you do luck out and catch the show, I bet you’ll be an easy convert to the synth-pop side of things.
Night Terrors of 1927
The first opener of the night, Night Terrors of 1927, officially captured Seattle’s heart. Singer Jarrod Gorbel and guitarist Blake Sennett, both industry vets, appear to be meshing quite well with their new partnership, presenting a solid set that felt buttoned-up and emotionally raw at the same time.
They opened with the mesmerizing (and dare I say romantic), “Fall Into You,” setting the stage for their pure, electro-pop vibe. Set to release the duo’s first full length album in 2015, the guys were accompanied by a solid touring band, including two female vocalists who did an admirable job of covering Tegan & Sara’s parts in the poignant “When You Were Mine.”
After joking with an audience member who had managed to bring in a pineapple for the next group, Cherub, the guys joked that they were still working their way up on the ladder to tropical fruits. FYI: they prefer kiwis. Their sense of humor about their cred status serves them well, maintaining a sense of somewhat studied mystery, though Sennett’s floor-writhing guitar riffs proved he’s got the chops of a not-so-newcomer to the game.
The dark air of Gorbel’s stage presence dissipated when he wished the crowd goodnight, only to realize they still had two more songs. He then proceeded to hop offstage and head right to the crowd for a skillful cover of The Romantics’, “Talking in Your Sleep.” Night Terrors leave the impression that they have plenty more to bring to the table, definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Review by Stephanie Dore
Photos by Sunny Martini
Capital Cities
Night Terrors of 1927
Capital Cities Set List:
Tell Me How to Live
Chartreuse
Origami
Center Stage (Michael Jackson’s Remember the Time remix)
Kangaroo Court
Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees)
Love Away
Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast
Lazy Lies
I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo
One Minute More
Safe and Sound
Encore:
Farrah Fawcett Hair
Nothing Compares 2 U (The Family)
Holiday (Madonna)
Safe and Sound (Cash Cash Remix)
Night Terrors of 1927 Set List:
Fall Into You
Always Be One
Young and Vicious
Dust and Bones
When You Were Mine
Talking in Your Sleep (cover)
Always Take You Back
