The Sounds are band that I’ve seen more than a handful of times and each time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them they’ve always put on a stellar show and their show this past week at the Belasco Theatre was no different. The show marked the end of a short run of dates right before the release of the band’s 5th album, Weekend, this coming Tuesday. Supporting them on this quick little run was Gemini Club from Chicago who weren’t half bad but I’ll get to them in a minute.
When I first showed up to the venue I actually had no real expectations considering up until a few days ago I had never heard of the place yet little did I know that show in question would be in a familiar place as the Belasco is right next to the Mayan Theatre. For a second I became a bit nervous as The Belasco’s neighbor is known for not having the best sound from time to time and part of me felt that this could be the case for the night. So to help soothe my jangled nerves over the thought of sub-par sound quality for the night as well as to help get myself ready for an interview my camera man and I got some pizza and a little bit of liquid inebriation.
After our quick little detour we went to go pick up our credentials while running into some friends of mine who were extremely excited for the show. A few quick minutes of waiting in line and a brief qualm with the security we made it into the show ready to have an awesome night. We then touched based with the band’s tour manager and I conducted my interview with Jesper which will be up here on the site later this week.
Just as I finished my interview Gemini Club had started their set and weren’t half bad. I thought they were a fitting opener and if they came through again I would more than likely check them out. You can actually check out some of their music over at their soundcloud page. So give em a listen and if you’re into them toss them a few bucks.
As they wrapped up their set the dreaded pre headliner wait came and was it absolutely horrible but well worth the wait. Even if I was stuck next to the most annoying women in the world I had a great view of the band. No really, they were the most annoying “woo” girls I ever had the misfortune of being in the presence of. At one point they were drunkenly bumping into me to the point I wanted to scream, luckily I think they got extremely winded by the 3rd song and eventually stopped. However, not even they could ruin my night as The Sounds played hit after hit throughout the night, they even opened with “Living in America”. At one point I ventured to a different spot only to run into a friend of mine who brought me into the VIP balcony. Not without some trouble from the security of course, a guard practically tried to crush his wrist for giving me a wristband that was from part of The Sounds crew. Thankfully things worked out and I was able to get a fantastic view sans “woo” girls.
As the band wrapped up their set I have to say this may have been the best time I have seen the band over the past few years. At the very least it was definitely the most interesting. Check out the set list below.
Living in America
Hit Me!
Song With a Mission
Shake Shake Shake
Something to Die For
Painted By Numbers
Seven Days a Week
Wish You Were Here
Weekend
4 Songs & a Fight
No One Sleeps When I’m Awake
Ego
Hurt the Ones I love
Hurt You
Rock ‘N’ Roll
Outlaw
Dorchester Hotel
Encore:
It’s So Easy
Tony The Beat
Hope You’re Happy Now
All photos are courtesy of Nick Serrato