Now this review is gonna be as rough as possible. I tend the sugar coat reviews because I want to do the best job I can for the bands and for their people. I have to learn that the majority of the time when people read my reviews, they must think I only see positive shows that I like. So I have to try and get out of that habit. I believe it is my job to be to the point and not send you guys to see shows you don’t want to see or send you to a show only to have you have a horrible time and stop using me as a resource. That being said the Neon Trees show, how do I put this… ROCKED! Fooled ya, didn’t I? You thought I was gonna be a Debby Downer but I got ya. Just like most of my girlfriends/wives I’ve had, you got fooled!
Two reviews in my own town on back to back nights were great. But this one was a little more on the difficult side then the last show. This show took place at Stir Concert Cove on June 26th. For those of you who don’t know the Stir, it is a venue outside of a casino on the river that separates Iowa and Nebraska. SO that right there shows some of the issues the show presented for me. Bugs and heat. Now I know what a lot of you are saying, “Wow, Lonnie, what a baby.” Well, let me tell you something, me-pretending-to-be-other-people! You are 100 percent correct. I am a baby, but I always know what can distract you from having an amazing time at a show, turning it from a good show to an incredible show. And on a personal level, I have had issues with Stir regarding business matters, as well as I can hear the shows from my front yard most of the time. Once again, you are thinking, “What a baby, free shows!” Let me remind you, not all shows I want to hear! But I digress.
- Songs I Can’t Listen To
- Sins of My Youth
- Calling My Name
- Your Surrender
- In the Next Room
- 1983
- Animal
- Moving in the Dark
- Lessons in Love (All Day, All Night)
- Mad Love
- Still Young
- Love In the 21st Century
- First Things First
- Sleeping With a Friend
- Everybody Talks
- Come On Eileen
The Neon Trees hit the stage right as the sun started to set over the bluffs and the light show that the Neon Trees put on was one of the highlights of the show for me. As a photographer, the light was tending to pose a problem or two with pics, but it made a mood to the show that made it all feel like a fairy tale. Front man Tyler Glenn made this moment even that more powerful with his emotion filled lyrics and stage presence that I could only describe as a mixture of Freddy Mercury and David Bowie. The rest of the band were truly mind blowing as well, filling all the space that only a truly amazing band is able to do. The mood and the music was one of letting the music fill you and make you just want to move along with every strum of the guitar or beat of the drum. Now that is one of the issues that I had with the show. For a very dancy band I feel like the Stir might not have been the best choice of venues for this show. The fan base would feel a lot better at one of the many other venues than at a casino. That is only my thoughts though, so take it as you will.
I had a great time for this show and would highly recommend next time you are able to see the Neon Trees, treat yourself and give them a chance. For more info on the Neon Trees, check out their website, www.fameisdead.com, for tour dates and a chance to hear them if you haven’t. But if you haven’t heard them, why are you reading this review? Go listen to them!!
