The locks clicked precisely at 7 p.m. to the Madison Theater. A line of fans stretched down Madison Avenue half way to the Ohio River, awaiting their beloved, much anticipated Passion Pit and the Cults. Girls, boys, men, and women hustled, and packed in like sardines, to find the perfect spot on the open dance floor.
The lights slowly faded to darkness and silence was replaced by a mob of clapping and cheering. “Hi. We’re the Cults,” Follin introduced their first song, triggering the show with their Slow Song, always the first at their shows and a must see, as you will not experience it anywhere else but live. As they were promoting their self titled album, Oblivion and Follin continued the party and second song, with one the audience was more familiar with, Abducted.
“We’re here to warm you up for Passion Pit, so let’s have as much fun as we can!” instructed Oblivion, and the Cults did just that. As the crowd transformed their motionless bodies and jammed to the beat, they chanted along to Outside, Rave On, and my personal favorite, You Know What I Mean. Digital backgrounds changed with each song, creating a virtual kaleidoscope that encompassed the entire venue and entranced the audience. The duo ended with Oh My God and a boasting, “Thank youuuuuuuuu!”
With the crowd warmed up for the headliners, it is no surprise a loud roaring “Woooo!” bellowed out of the audience as soon as the lights dropped a second time for Passion Pit. One at a time, each member strolled across the stage, with a simple wave to the audience. Flickering, busy, city lights energized the stage as Passion Pit rocked their first song, I’ll Be Alright, and fans continued the dance party, bopping and swaying like ocean waves to each beat.
“You guys are amazing. Thanks so much,” Angelakos acknowledged the spirit of the crowd, as they got “carried away” singing along with every song, which was easy to do with the high energy and interaction from the group. They rocked out to a Twilight-fan favorite, Where I Come From, Constant Conversations, and of course Carried Away, told by the ROOOOOAAARRR between each song. “Everyone, put your hands up, like this, even up top,” Angelakos commanded, throwing his hands to the sky to introduce Take a Walk. Fans were quick to oblige; a room full of dancing fingertips took a walk in the crowd.
The dance party ended with Sleepyhead and Angelakos “cheersing” the night with microphone stand. The band exited the stage just as they entered, remembering to take care of their fans by handing out bottles of water. As the lights made their dawn, a slow chant surfaced, “One more. One MORE. ONE MORE!” Moments later, hearing the pleas, Passion Pit returned. Once again, they kept their fans at heart, drenching them with water and thanking them. They ended the night, saving the best for last, my personal favorite, Little Secrets. One last time, hands danced “higher and higher and higher.”
Best. Show. Ever.
Check out the full photo gallery HERE!
