AWOLNATION Keep Everyone On Their Toes

AWOLNATION w/ Nothing But Thieves and Irontom
Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
03.09.18

You may have heard AWOLNATION’s songs serving as the soundtrack to internet memes, but the LA-based alt-rock band fronted by Aaron Bruno has chart-topper written all over them. Supporting the recent release of their third full-length, Here Come the Runts, the band brought out some friends for a live performance at Showbox SoDo.

To open the night, wild three-piece Irontom (with AWOLNATION guitarist Zach Irons) took the stage. It’s been a minute since these guys were in Seattle—last opening for Finish Ticket in the fall of 2016—but their return was greatly celebrated. With a pretty substantial number of fans in the crowd singing along, these guys brought back their charismatic indie rock show for more laughs and fun. With intense dance/miming breaks during instrumental moments in tracks, Irontom’s performance never gets boring to watch.

Next up, UK band Nothing But Thieves took the stage. Quieter and less showy than Irontom, that had a beautifully delicate performance. There were moments that banged out some solid Brit rock, but “Particles,” one of the slow, echoey tracks on their newest album, put lead singer Conor Mason’s voice on display perfectly. Hearing the song, and watching Mason sing it, is an intense experience—as you can see the emotion just pouring off the band—its truly incredible.

As AWOLNATION’s Bruno walked on stage, it looked like a scene from a movie. Clad in a giant brown poncho-like situation and back-lit so he was literally glowing, it all seemed like a dream. With a pretty short, 15 song set, AWOL’s performance flew by in a rush of energy. A mix of familiar tunes we’ve been jamming to for almost seven years and new ones that had been released a week before the show, the set flowed easily and effortlessly as the crowd jumped and sang along.

AWOLNATION brings an unfamiliar genre—a bit pop, a bit electronic, and very experimental. Songs will change pace halfway through, pick up again, and keep everyone on their toes. The same happens live, and it created an exciting show with each fun banger topping the last.

Review and photos by Lulu Dawson

AWOLNATION