Bleachers and Misterwives Close Out Concert Season 2014

With the exception of Young the Giant, there was no band I saw more often in 2014 than Bleachers. Their free show at Jannus last month marked the 4th time I caught Jack Antonoff's new group on their first year of touring. This followed up seeing their sets at GovBall, Lolla, and Coral Skies throughout the summer and fall. I didn't necessarily feel the need to see Bleachers again, but the free show was tempting and I was very curious to see opening band Misterwives.

Overall, I was very happy that I attended. Misterwives starting the show was absolutely fantastic. I first heard of this group back in June, and their popularity has since catapulted. Their first single "Reflections" recently spent something like 15 days on top of the 97x "8 at 8," which is actually a current record. They also have announced plans to release their first full length album this upcoming February.

The group itself is comprised of 5 members and is based out of NYC. Their energetic lead singer is a female by the name of Mandy Lee. Lee is the catalyst for the band, belting out the vocals and actively patrolling the stage. She spent the entire night jumping, acknowledging the fans and showing off some dance moves that were not up to her own standards. Her voice was excellent and it doesn't hurt that she happens to be quite attractive.

But enough about the singer, since the backing band deserves just as much praise. The indie pop band featured a solid rhythm section and a superb brass section that showed off multiple saxophone and trumpet solos throughout the performance. The group provides a solid base for Lee to compliment. It works well both on the bands first EP, as well as their live show. For first time listeners of Misterwives, check out "Twisted Tongue" and "Coffins."

Misterwives got the crowd warmed up nicely for Bleachers, who were quite the busy band in 2014. They released their debut album - Strange Desire, over the summer, and have toured extensively to support it. They've hit the big festivals and have also played some small gigs along the way, including a stint with Misterwives opening up for them.

All the touring experience has definitely worked in their favor, at Bleachers put together the strongest of any show of theirs I've seen this year. Jack Antonoff was his usual self, encouraging the crowd to get into it, and showing off some solid guitar skills. I find myself more and more surprised with how good Antonoff is at guitar each time I see him. He leads a musical group comprised of two drummers, and another talented brass section, that at times even rivaled the electric instruments.

Bleachers showed off Strange Desire well, playing the album almost in its entirety. The opening to the show featured strong tracks "Wild Heart," "Shadow," and "Like A River Runs" to get the crowd jumping. They also mixed in a familiar cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way," before moving into current single "Rollercoaster."

On set closer, "You're Still a Mystery," Antonoff took some time introducing the band and giving everyone some jam time. He spoke briefly about their year on the road, which must have taken a toll on him. Jack said how this was their first time playing in Tampa, even though they were in the Bay area just about two months prior. Some of the other band members were shaking their heads in the background but nobody dare stop Jack's thunder.

The expected finale to their encore was "I Wanna Get Better," leaving the crowd quite satisfied. For being a free show at Jannus on a Monday night, both bands certainly made it worth it for everyone that came out. Bleachers are keeping their foot on the petal, touring this spring including a stop in St. Pete in late March. Misterwives will be back too! They're playing Coastline Festival on February 20th, right before releasing their debut album on the 24th.

Misterwives Concert Rating: 3 Stars

Bleachers Concert Rating: 3 Stars