Indie pop duo Capital Cities broke into the top 40 radio scene in 2012 with their smash hit "Safe and Sound." Since it's release, the group has been riding the coat tails of the singles success, as well as it's backing album - In a Tidal Wave of Mystery. The California group became a regular at festivals and have toured extensively for the past two years. I caught my first Capital Cities show this past month at the Ritz Theater in Ybor.
Capital Cities haven't released new material since their 2013 debut, and the initial signs may be beginning to show. My initial reaction upon entering the venue was a negative one in regards to the crowd. The Ritz holds 1,100 spectators, and on this night the club did not appear to be half full.
However, the fans in attendance were still plenty excited when Capital Cities were set to take the stage. Their set followed a slightly corny Xbox commercial and an opening performance by the Night Terrors of 1927. (Look for their first single, "When You Were Mine," to start hitting radio waves soon.)
The Capital Cities duo is comprised of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian. Right away, they displayed this would not be a show where the crowd would stand quietly. The high energy opening tunes had everyone jumping and dancing. During their first tune, "Tell Me How to Live," the pair even showed the audience how to do the 'Capital Cities Shuffle.' (A simple few steps to the left, few steps to the right, and then a spin.)
Merchant and Simonian definitely kept the show entertaining for those who may not know more than just their big hit. Their second single "Kangaroo Court" flowed perfectly into a familiar cover of the Bee Gee's "Stayin' Alive" that had everyone grooving.
Another huge factor towards the entertainment level of the show was the trumpet player Spencer Merwin. I saw Merwin first perform with Foster the People at their Governors Ball set and he was just as impressive on this night. The trumpeter is the backing rhythm behind the albums success and he has the ability to take control of the room with his rousing solos.
One observation I made during the set was how the pair always sing simultaneously. There was never a moment when either Merchant or Simonian took a verse or even a line to sing solo. They sang each part of every song together, combining their voices into one solid performance.
The obvious set closer was "Safe and Sound," erupting the crowd into a huge dance party. The song even prompted the crowd to start the encore chant, which eventually led to a second performance of the big hit single. Merchant even jumped down into the crowd this time to dance with some fans.
Overall impressions - Capital Cities is a fun band riding the success of a fun debut album. They remind me of a more pop friendly Broken Bells and they definitely have the ability to get the crowd jumping at their shows. I'll see them when they come back to Tampa.
Concert Rating: 3 Stars
SETLIST:
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(Bee Gees cover)
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- Encore:
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(The Family cover)
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(Madonna cover)
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