On Saturday, November 3rd, the LA-based indie rock band Grouplove preformed at Royale Boston. They were preceded by the band MS MR (pronounced Miss Mister) who infused the pint size club with synth and pop beats and framed the mood for the ridiculousness that was Hannah Hooper. The wait for Grouplove was tantalizing as I watched the crew string leaves around the microphones, strew suitcases across the stage and test rainbow strobe-lights on splatter painted, fluorescent, hay bail size glass orbs.
I knew I was going to like this show, the moment the band walked on stage to “Monster” by Kanye West, Jay-Z, etc. This energetically transitioned into “Itchin’ on a Photograph.” It was obvious that they all enjoyed each other’s presence, which amplified the energy they projected to the crowd. Hooper bobbed her double-bunned head and Christian Zucconi flailed his guitar to songs on their album Never Trust a Happy Song as well as their self-titled EP. They also played a couple of songs off their upcoming album, including “Flowers” and “Everyone Gets High,” which did not disappoint.
Resounding cheers pulled the band back on stage for an encore. Whether or not we were as special a crowd as they proclaimed, or if this was the first time they had ever tried this, the all-acoustic, no-microphone version of “Cruel and Beautiful World” was an amazingly intimate addition to an otherwise animated set of dance jams. The crowd of 200 managed to quiet their beer cheers and sway to the twangy melodies. This gem was the crowning glory of the show.
After that beautifully quieting spectacle, Grouplove triumphantly played their biggest hits, “Tongue Tied” and “Colours.” They also threw in a little bit of Whitney, when they played “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” at the end of “Tongue Tied.”
Overall, it was a fun show. I find that shows of bands I don’t know very well always impress me the most live. By the finale of the show I was convinced that Grouplove was easily one of the top three best bands I have ever seen live. A little word of advice to concert-goers: don’t not go to a show because you don’t think you know enough of the music to enjoy it. The shows where you don’t know the music might turn out to be the most enjoyable, and you’ll discover new music in the process. Not knowing what to expect and then being surprised by a band’s creativity and enthusiasm is the reason why I love going to concerts.
By: Carole Ann Vetter and Moira Poje