Concert Review: Young the Giant - Milky Chance
The Young the Giants 2023 world tour has provided an extraordinary platform for every artist on the lineup, allowing them to embrace their individuality and showcase their remarkable personal and musical evolutions. With the dynamic contributions of both Milky Chance and Talk, the artists delivered an exhilarating and introspective performance that left Bridgeport attendees captivated and enthralled, despite the initial weather issues that plagued the show.
As can happen with outdoor venues, weather can prove to be unpredictable. The concert was originally supposed to take place a week before, however, due to smoke from the recent Canadian wildfires looming in the air, it was clear the show needed to be postponed. Despite the shift in dates, the amphitheater filled with fans excited for the thrilling performances to come.
Talk, as an opening act, delivered a captivating performance that showcased his exceptional musical talents and charismatic stage presence. With an operatic yet deep voice, he effortlessly conveyed the emotional depth of his lyrics. Throughout the set, he maintained a casual and laid-back demeanor, connecting with the audience through numerous fun quips which constantly interrupted his singing. From discussing what the audience was eating, to his love for Mystic, Connecticut, to reinforcing why he loves rock & roll, Talk displayed his colorful and quirky personality. His engagement with fans was remarkable, as it helped create a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Despite the weight of certain songs, Talk’s fun and vibrant demeanor added a unique charm to the performance, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and eagerly anticipating the next act, Milky Chance.
For Milky Chance, this show was a testament to their musical evolution, seamlessly blending their signature acoustic indie sound with an avant-garde, sci-fi-inspired twist. While they explored new sonic territories with their latest album, “Living In A Haze,” they included remixed elements of psychedelic rock, house, and club beats, which skillfully maintained the essence of their earlier work. Many of the beats felt reminiscent of that one would find in a club back in their home country of Germany. The band's performance was marked by their deep connection with the audience, constantly inviting them to participate in call-and-response moments that added an interactive and engaging dimension to the show. If anything was uniting the band and their audience that night, it was their lead singer, Clemens Rehbein, whose silly dance moves mid-song got the audience to match the pace of his on-beat footwork. They later invited fans to bring their excited energy over to the merch table to the side of the stage for an impromptu meet-and-greet, a very kind gesture by the band. Moments like that are what remind artists why sharing their art and talent is so necessary. It was a night where the boundaries of the genre were pushed, and the audience was taken on a captivating, welcoming journey through Milky Chance's musical evolution.
Fans were especially eager in anticipating the headliner of the night, Young the Giant, who was known for igniting the atmosphere from the stage with their electrifying presence. Known for their infectious blend of alternative rock and indie pop, the band has solidified their place in the music industry with their mesmerizing melodies, introspective lyrics, and the charismatic vocals of lead singer Sameer Gadhia. With a repertoire of hits that have garnered widespread acclaim, Young the Giant embarked on a sonic journey that would leave a lasting impression on the concert attendees.
The first thing I noticed as the lights rose from black was how stunning the set dressing was for the stage. Decorated with bright orange streamers alongside set backgrounds with intricate, bold designs lit by the largely blue and reddish orange lighting, the set dressing truly brought the audience into Gadhia’s world for their opening track, “American Bollywood.”
A number of the tracks played on this tour derive from their latest album by the same name which paints an especially vulnerable and honest perspective about life as a first-generation Indian-American. In an Instagram post announcing the release of the album, Sameer writes, “So much of me is imprinted into this music; so much of myself and my identity has fused with this project that it’s hard to know where I end and American Bollywood begins…This record is about identity, belonging, family, sacrifice, love; mysticism. It’s about mythology; the power of a story; about brotherhood; redemption. It’s about the good and evil in all of us. About the country and world, we saw in the mirror of our deep isolation, and our fight to reclaim who we are; who we deserve to be.” These themes were heavily reflected in the setlist, as the show was broken down into 4 acts. Although they weren’t strict with following the exact tracklist coordinating with the album, the selection was comprehensive and vital in displaying the band's journey thus far, both personally and musically. From the moment Sameer’s powerful and resonant voice began to echo through the venue, it was clear that an unforgettable musical journey was about to unfold.
The crowd's excitement and passion reached a fever pitch when the band unleashed their high-energy hits like the iconic "Cough Syrup" and the infectious "Dollar $tore." The entire venue seemed to come alive as the audience fervently sang along, their voices merging with Gadhia's captivating vocals. The band's energy was contagious, creating an electric atmosphere that surged through the crowd. However, it was during the hypnotic and somber moments, such as the unreleased track "Metropolis" and "Tonight," that Young the Giant truly showcased their dynamic range and highlighted the vulnerability they graciously shared throughout the night. In these moments, the band's instrumentals expanded beyond the confines of indie rock, morphing into an experimental soundscape. The audience was mesmerized, as the band effortlessly navigated the intricate melodies, inviting listeners on an introspective journey through their world. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between high-energy anthems and more contemplative tracks was a testament to their artistic versatility and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their sound.
The concert encore embodied the band's love of funk in a fun selection of tracks including hits like Superposition and Silvertongue. With a giant, shining disco ball coming down from center stage, it is hard not to break out and dance. Just as Sameer was shuffling across the stage, the audience too fell under the spell of their funkadelic beat. There was so much love in the air that night. After a difficult journey of introspection and self-realization, this encore had been some much-needed fun to end the night in the best mood possible.
On this tour, attendees find more than just an extraordinary musical experience; they find a haven, a place where they can unapologetically express their emotions and feel a sense of belonging. As Sameer beautifully stated, "Young the Giant was created out of a desire to create a home, a place to belong." Young the Giant nurtures a welcoming atmosphere that empowers audience members to embrace their true selves, not only during the show but also in their own lives.
Be sure to check out Young The Giant, Milky Chance, and Talk this summer in a city near you!
