Silversun Pickups played an outstanding show as the penultimate set at the DC 101 Kerfuffle rock festival at Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Maryland last weekend.
The four member band, Brian Aubert on vocals and guitar, Nikki Monniger on bass, Joe Lester on keyboards and Christopher Guanlao on drums, took the stage in front of a packed seated pavilion and standing-room only General Admission VIP pit. Thousands more fans crowded on the lawn, watching the band through slits in the pavilion awning and on giant televisions, though the sound stretched well past the far ends of the field.
The set included highlights from previous albums and featured numerous tracks from new album “Better Nature”, released in 2015. Fan favorites included The Wild Kind and Tapedeck. The guitar jams over Connection reverberated throughout the pavilion and got almost everyone in the crowd on their feet – the band nearly blew the roof off.
Brian’s stage presence was evident throughout the show as he implored the crowd to get involved. Before Nikki took over lead vocals on a song, Brian asked that everyone “stare at her because she gets nervous.” This was either intended to put Nikki at ease or a sincere attempt to draw attention to his skilled band mate. Regardless, Nikki’s nerves were completely absent – she hit punchy beats and heartfelt lyrics in a flawless execution of her obvious talent, maintaining the backbone of the song on her bass as well.
The four member band, Brian Aubert on vocals and guitar, Nikki Monniger on bass, Joe Lester on keyboards and Christopher Guanlao on drums, took the stage in front of a packed seated pavilion and standing-room only General Admission VIP pit. Thousands more fans crowded on the lawn, watching the band through slits in the pavilion awning and on giant televisions, though the sound stretched well past the far ends of the field.
The set included highlights from previous albums and featured numerous tracks from new album “Better Nature”, released in 2015. Fan favorites included The Wild Kind and Tapedeck. The guitar jams over Connection reverberated throughout the pavilion and got almost everyone in the crowd on their feet – the band nearly blew the roof off.
Brian’s stage presence was evident throughout the show as he implored the crowd to get involved. Before Nikki took over lead vocals on a song, Brian asked that everyone “stare at her because she gets nervous.” This was either intended to put Nikki at ease or a sincere attempt to draw attention to his skilled band mate. Regardless, Nikki’s nerves were completely absent – she hit punchy beats and heartfelt lyrics in a flawless execution of her obvious talent, maintaining the backbone of the song on her bass as well.
The band interacted well with audience members. Nikki smiled at reporters in the photo section, waved at some fans in front and blew kisses to those farther back. Brian reached into the front rows to shake hands and gave out guitar to eager fans in the standing pit. The pair was animated and excited – and it was evident that all four band members enjoyed the show and the venue.
Overall the music was loud, punchy and catchy; the band was energized and excited to be performing; and the fans were thrilled to be there.
The final two songs saw the pavilion crowd rise to their feet, singing and jumping along with Brian and Nikki as they floated around the stage. The band finished and over 10,000 fans cheered their names, begging for more. Brian thanked the crowd and asked that they welcome Blink 182 before leaving the stage to enthusiastic shouts from dedicated and newly converted fans alike.
Be sure to check out Silversun Pickups on their tour promoting their new album “Better Nature” through November!
Overall the music was loud, punchy and catchy; the band was energized and excited to be performing; and the fans were thrilled to be there.
The final two songs saw the pavilion crowd rise to their feet, singing and jumping along with Brian and Nikki as they floated around the stage. The band finished and over 10,000 fans cheered their names, begging for more. Brian thanked the crowd and asked that they welcome Blink 182 before leaving the stage to enthusiastic shouts from dedicated and newly converted fans alike.
Be sure to check out Silversun Pickups on their tour promoting their new album “Better Nature” through November!