August 24, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Review & Photography by Estelle Massry
Cage The Elephant is an American rock band formed in 2006 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Known for their energetic performances and genre-blending sound, the band has become a significant force in the alternative rock scene. Their “Neon Pill Tour” was eagerly anticipated and it lived up to the hype in every way.
I usually know all the photographers shooting the shows at PNC but tonight I felt out of place with 11 very young photographers with their point and shoot cameras. As we walked down to the front of the stage, I looked around and saw such a young crowd all eager for what the night had in store. I have to say that I went in very skeptical with an attitude that it would be a long night for me. In fact, It was the complete opposite. I didn’t want the evening to end and the night kept giving more and more with each opener.
To start the night, NJ welcomed Willow Avalon to the stage. Willow is an emerging artist known for her ethereal voice and genre-blending style. Despite being a relatively new artist, Willow Avalon has already made a significant impact in the indie music scene. She stunned with her long red hair, lipstick and boots to match and a beautiful country inspired white dress. She was sweet, gracious, amazing voice and gave off a very positive energy.
Next up was Bakar, a British singer-songwriter who has quickly become a distinctive voice in the modern music landscape. Emerging from the vibrant London music scene, Bakar blends elements of indie rock, punk, and hip-hop to create a sound that is both eclectic and uniquely his own. As a solo act, he demanded the stage and pleased his fans by performing his hits “Hell N Back” & “1st Time.”
The main opening act for Cage The Elephant was Young The Giant. They are an American rock band that formed in Irvine, California, in 2004. Their music blends elements of alternative rock, pop, and indie, creating a sound that is both accessible and deeply emotional. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s distinctive voice, combined with the band’s tight instrumentation, has earned them a reputation for delivering powerful live performances. The way they moved across the stage was like a dance and we were all here for it!
The band delivered a performance that could have easily been the main event. Songs like “Cough Syrup” and “My Body” were clear fan favorites, drawing cheers from the crowd and prompting massive sing-alongs. The lighting added another layer to the experience. The vibrant light show complemented the band’s music perfectly, enhancing the mood of each song without overpowering the performance.
It was finally time for Cage The Elephant to step out. I was overhearing a lot of talk regarding the lead singer Matt Shultz having a broken foot and fans wondering how it would affect his performance. I am here to tell you that he “rolled” out ready to put on a show…and that he did. He was a force to be reckoned with even with his broken foot. His stage presence is electrifying, blending raw energy with a kind of controlled chaos that keeps the audience entranced.
The night was a rollercoaster of energy, with the band opening with the high-octane “Broken Boy,” instantly igniting the crowd. Throughout the set, Cage The Elephant seamlessly blended fan favorites like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and “Come a Little Closer”. It was high energy the entire night from Matt as well as Brad Shultz on guitar, Jared Champion on drums, Nick Bockrath on guitar and Daniel Tichenor on Bass.
As the night came to a close with the powerful “Come a Little Closer,” it was clear that Cage The Elephant had once again solidified their reputation as one of the most dynamic live bands in the world. The audience left the venue buzzing with the high that only a truly great concert can provide.
For more info please visit http://www.cagetheelephant.com