As if the Weezer and Pixies co-headlining tour couldn't get any more epic, Sleigh Bells joined them to open one of the most anticipated shows of the Summer.
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| Sleigh Bells @ The Shoreline Amphitheater 8/7/2018 photo by Marc Fong |
It was a sunny August evening in Mountain View as people trickled into The Shoreline Amphitheater. There were fans of all ages there that night and seeing parents (or aunts, uncles, etc.) bring their kids to concerts, introducing the next generation to the music they grew up listening to always makes me smile. The family friendly event drew show goers old and young to the merch stands whose lines stretched long and far well before the first band of the night. I bypassed the lines and headed straight to my seat as to not miss any of Sleigh Bells' opening set.
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| Sleigh Bells @ The Shoreline Amphitheater 8/7/2018 photo by Marc Fong |
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| Sleigh Bells @ The Shoreline Amphitheater 8/7/2018 photo by Marc Fong |
The noise-pop rockers from Brooklyn New York have released four albums since 2010 but they're still pretty obscure. Being on a bill with two popular alternative-indie bands that have been around since the late 1980's and early 1990s, it wasn't surprising that seats out-door arena was sparsely filled in time for Sleigh Bells' 7pm set.
Sleigh Bells is known for their juxtaposition of loud beats and shrieking guitar riffs against dreamy vocals and Krauss' over the top delivery definitely brings the music to life when you see them live. The spunky front-woman glowed as the setting sun beat down, washing out pulsating strobe lights that fans usually blindly swim in at their shows. Sandwiched between Derek Miller and a second, touring guitarist she was a pop of bright energy as they shred beside her. It's a piece of cake for her rile fans into a frenzy when they're the headliners but it took a little more work to pump up the sparse crowd that night in Mountain View. And she delivered with the same intensity that she would have to a packed house.
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| Sleigh Bells @ The Shoreline Amphitheater 8/7/2018 photo by Marc Fong |
"Crown On The Ground" off their first album Treats, "Come Back Kid" off their second album Reign of Terror, title track Bitter Rivals from their third album were included in their set which seemed to be over before it even really began. They also played a couple new songs from their latest releases and between all of the head-banging, Alexis Krauss sure does sing pretty.
Pixies were up next after a super quick change over and they mellowed things out a bit before Weezer took the stage.
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| Pixies @ The Shoreline Amphitheater 8/7/2018 photo by Marc Fong |
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| Weezer @ The Shoreline Amphitheater 8/7/2018 photo by Marc Fong |
It was refreshing to see good ol' Rivers Cuomo in jeans and a cardigan over a collared shirt and tie (especially since the last time I saw him when they played with Blink 182, he Rivers, was wearing eyeliner). His "Buddy Holly" style even matched the Happy Days/"Buddy Holly" music video inspired stage design. It was like taking a step back in time back in time, back before being a nerd was cool and Rivers Cuomo was the coolest nerd there was.
Weezer nostalgia thrived as they played all the hits, including favorites from the Blue album which are always my favorite to hear them play. Weezer is always fun to see and that nostalgic feeling is a big part of it. They still write hits that kids and their parents love and they also play the classics that got parents hooked when they were kids themselves.
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| Weezer @ The Shoreline Amphitheater 8/7/2018 photo by Marc Fong |
As different as the three bands on this line up are, they're really cut from the same alt-rock fabric and that's what made this show so special. From loud, bratty pop-rock, to sad indie-rock to straight up pop indie-rock, Weezer and Pixies with special guest Sleigh Bells was a well rounded and possibly a one of a kind show.
