Concert Review: Young the Giant Energizes a Packed Showbox Sodo

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Arriving at the Showbox Sodo last Friday night, it was clear that a few people were kicking off their Halloween celebration a bit early.  The celebration moved inside and began with Ra Ra Riot, who is becoming a favorite in Seattle because of their awesome live performances.  The group has been on tour supporting Young The Giant since September on their North America dates.  We caught them last at their own headlining gig at Neumos earlier this year when their latest album,  Need Your Light was released.

The packed venue was dripping with anticipation as the eager YTG  fans waited excitedly for the headliner to take the stage, who were also here a few months ago at the End’s Summercamp.  When they emerged from the darkness, the space trembled from the cheers which created a stage full of smiles at the welcome. It looked like lead singer Sameer Gadhia and guitarist Eric Cannata were the only ones dressed up but it’s being debated as to whether the orange jumpsuit Gadhia was wearing was a costume to celebrate Halloween or not.

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The band kicked off their set with new songs “Jungle Youth” and “Something to Believe In” as Gadhia showed us his dance moves that extend to some serious mic stand action.  The stage had a drop down in the back of the stage displaying mountain art, along with flags on each side, featured in their latest record “Land of the Strange”.  After the popular “Apartment”, the fans had a chance to sing along to “Cough Syrup” bringing the energy level just a bit more.  During “Firelight” Gadhia noticed some commotion on the floor and actually stopped singing to ask if everything was alright.  As soon as he got the thumbs up he started the song again and continued his set.

Before going into “Mind Over Matter” Gadhia shared how much he likes Seattle and that the last time they were playing here he actually broke his wrist after the show.  The main set ended with “Nothing’s Over” and “Home of the Strange”, while the enthusiastic fans screamed for more.  The band came back for an encore that included “Amerika”, “Silvertongue”, and the high energy “My Body”.

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The audience gave everything they had because that was they received from the band.  The crowd reflected exactly what everyone was projecting on stage making a unified entity.  Before ending the show that was exactly what Gadhia emphasized as well.  “We’re lucky because we have been honest to ourselves and honest to our music.  These songs begin in our bedrooms and studio and to see them come alive and matter because of you guys is something incredible, thank you for your support”.  It feels like no matter how big they are getting they find a way to have a special bond with their fans and show them just how much they matter.  It’s always a pleasure to catch YTG live.

Check out more photos from the concert HERE

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Sophia Barkalakis

Music is probably the most important part of her life. Sophia is constantly searching for new material, old and new. Always looking forward to the next live show she can attend, ready to immerse herself in the sound. "There is something so magical about attending a live show that you cannot possibly feel from a recording itself that makes it worth going to", she says. She also says she's lucky to be able to combine her passion for music with her obsession of capturing moments. She finds that being able to look at a photograph and be transported to that second of your life is indescribable and she's so grateful for all those great moments.

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