On Saturday, July 6th, Viejas Arena was loud and ecstatic for the long awaited return of alternative band, Cage the Elephant performing in San Diego after a years long hiatus from touring and a new album. The group is several weeks into its tour for their sixth studio album, Neon Pill, which released earlier this year on May 17. The band didn’t disappoint as it became apparent that I would see one of the more gripping energetic performances going to a concert. The lineup for the night was a stacked one, featuring the likes of Young The Giant, Bakar, and Willow Avalon.

Each artist’s stage design felt personal and unique to make each set stand out from one another. That began with country singer Williow Avalon as her vine wrapped mic stand and acoustic guitar welcomed showgoers into the venue as music started at 6:30. Avalon was a pleasant surprise, as I’d be lying if I didn’t think a country singer opening alongside a few of the most acclaimed alternative rock and pop bands wasn’t a little odd. By the end of the set however, I caught myself writing in my notes, “I really like this one!” to many of her songs. One of which was “Gettin’ Rich, Goin’ Broke” a cute song about Avalon’s money from song making, and it all winding up back to family wanting new shoes or a couch. 

As the night continued, attendees were taken to a genre shift when a cloud of smoke filled the stage, Bakar appeared. Behind him, stood a massive glowing ramp that the British indie artist performed on. This was my second time seeing Bakar and in both instances, has felt personal, and that’s represented in the studio and live. At one point in his set, the singer exclaimed to Viejas Arena, “You look so freaking beautiful tonight” before moving end to end of the stage pointing out those in the audience singing along. Flashlights from phone filled the arena as “NW3” was performed while his by far biggest song, “Hell N Back” sent Viejas in loud roars for the viral laid back tune. Bakar then jumped into the front row of the floor general admission area, singing along with the crowd, and brought attendees to a easy going, relaxed level with his music.

The venue was close to a full crowd, by our third opener, to the point it was hard to make out any empty seats. Coming out on stage in all white, with a row of fans blasting the band behind them, were Young the Giant. The group gave a exhilarating performance, that rounded out to 13 songs. This was my third time now seeing them perform, and each time, they perfect knowing how to mesmerize a venue with crowd favorite songs. Green lighting and smoke had filled the stage at one point before the band performed a standout from their catalog, “Cough Syrup.” The sea of concergoers were all singing along, and brought energy levels for a high for the aforementioned main act. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia mentioned the ten year anniversary of their album, “Mind over Matter” before playing a few songs in celebration, including the title track and “It’s about time.” 

The night continued to grow in anticipation as people were shuffling in their seats, and eagerly awaiting the act of the night. Once 9:30 came around, the lights dimmed and the crowd went into enormous cheers the moment the band came on stage. The band’s set began with “Broken Boy” that set the audience into an ignited enthusiasm. Flames blasted from across the six pyrotechnic devices at the front of the stage that made the spectacle of seeing the band live that much bigger. Lead singer Matt Shultz brought the energy, with his Mick Jagger like antics, jumping up and down, mic stand above head or in between legs, there was no shortage of poses. The raw intensity carried over to his brother and lead guitarist, Brad Shultz as his guitar work throughout the night was completely captivating, and constantly interacted with the crowd. Whether that was leaning over the barricade to share a moment with fans, or pointing and playing out to the fans who don’t have the best view than others. 

At certain times in the night, I felt like I was a classic rock show compared to a Cage The Elephant concer, due in part to the amazing to the band’s special effects. The atmosphere of the show featured fire and lasers in a way that felt appropriate and now forced in the least bit. Particuarly during the song “Rainbow” from the newly released album, lazers and lights created am illuminating rainbow effect all around the arena during the performance. 

The setlist was a mix of old favorites and newer tracks from the “Neon Pill” album, although surprisingly only four tracks from the new album were performed. 

Nevertheless, songs like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and “Social Cues” had the audience singing along to every word. A favorite of mine from the set was a song titled, “Good Time” one that’s a good summary of the show overall. From the new album, the song has a upbeat tone, but lyrics read reminiscent and reflecting on those good times and jumped out as a standout performance for me. 

The encore to end the night was a perfect one. The sentimental, “Shake me Down” played first before the iconic and soulful “Cigarette Daydreams” played, and closed with “Come a little Closer.” Each song didn’t lack any energy and captivation as when the set began, and the band’s tight playing and chemistry displayed a one of a kind rock performance. As someone who wasn’t entirely versed in their discography before the show, consider me a fan now.

Written by Roman Aguilar
Photos by Vanessa Chan