WALK THE MOON DON'T HAVE TO TELL THE SOLD OUT BOWERY TO "SHUT UP AND DANCE"

When Walk The Moon announced they were playing an intimate show at Bowery Ballroom, I knew tickets would sell out immediately. Just as I suspected they were gone in minutes and all the lucky fans that managed to snag one were camped outside the venue 5 hours before the show started on Sunday night. Considering it was bitterly cold out, count that as a true testament to the astounding popularity of the band these past few years, with anticipation at an all time high, merely 1 month away from their sophomore release, “Talking Is Hard.”

With the venue packed to the gills and overflowing from the balcony, the night began with Finish Ticket, an indie pop band from the Bay Area, boasting killer vocals and catchy choruses, they were extremely high energy – bouncing around the stage and interacting with the crowd at various turns. Lead singer Brendan Hoye seemed a bit taken aback at the enthusiastic response the band received, commenting on how “awesome” we all are. We were all rewarded with a tune that they band only brings out on special occasions. Finish Ticket better get used to this type of response because I predict they’ll be playing to the same sold out crowds in no time.

Easing us into the second set, pop band Public got off to a rousing start, donning colorful silken vests with butterflies and winning smiles. The band was in great spirits throughout the night, sharing the same enthusiasm and great stage banter that Finish Ticket led the night with just moments before. This 3-piece band specialized in upbeat, danceable melodies and strong hooks that helped us forget the chilly weather and pretend that summer is still hanging on by a thread. The guys even stuck around to take photos, autograph memorabilia and talk with fans for quite a while after their set. All around great group of guys, and I could definitely see why Walk The Moon wanted them on their tour.

Finally, Eli, Sean, Kevin and Nick bounded out onstage to deafening cheers and applause. The stage reflected their personalities and music to a tee – colorful, dynamic and stimulating. Their show is the kind that leaves you so wired that you have a hard time falling asleep afterward. The kind of show that makes you yearn for the next time they stop in your town again, just so you can feel that sense of euphoria and elation. The band is infectious; you can’t help but feel great while you’re there, and taking a page from their newest hit song – you have to just “Shut Up and Dance!“

I remember the first time I saw the band about 4 years ago, playing a Communion club night in Brooklyn. 3 of their fans ran up to the front of the stage, covered in face paint and bright neon outfits. When they started playing I looked to my friend and said, “these guys are amazing… they’re going to be huge!” Fast forward to Sunday night – a packed house with everyone singing along word for word. Although the band played a surprising amount of new material, looking around the room you would have never known. Their new songs blend seamlessly with the original faves that paved the way for Walk The Moon’s astronomical rise. I don’t see anywhere else for Walk The Moon to go except up.

Article by: Lesley Keller