A couple days after I wrote my Top 5 bands to see down here list, Rolling Stone came out with their 25 can’t miss acts, low and behold we had one in common Motopony. We are both on to something with this band. After being introduced to them because of SXSW get to know the artists I got hooked, making their self-titled debut album my own. Having been at The Firehouse earlier in the week I knew I was in for an intimate show, but had no idea how special a show it would be. While watching Daniel Blue, the lead singer perform I couldn’t help but make a mental comparison to Mike Jagger. Motopony covered Dr & The Medics “Spirit in the Sky” flawlessly, possibly better then the original, which I am a huge fan of as a “classic”. I could have stayed all night and watched these guys play especially after hearing “Seer” live I was craving a few others off their album to see if they were performed just as good.  I want this band in Chicago as soon as possible I see them having the ability to start making the late night TV performances and blowing up over night.

After Motopony’s performance I has tempted to go out on a high note and call it a night, but knowing Of Monsters and Men were playing down the block made me reconsider.  The crowds anticipation was apparent the second I walked in Stubb’s for the Time Out showcase.  The crowd was full of fans that hung on every perfectly played notes, especially when it came to their most well known song “Little Talks”. This band is powerful in the very best way possible. Their full orchestral sound in addition to perfectly crafted harmonies are what is going to set this band apart from others. I can see this band playing amphitheaters or better yet those of you familiar with Chicago at all our Pitzker Pavilion, a beautifully crafted outdoor pavilion where free concerts are held in the summer. This is band is a festival’s dream act and look forward to seeing a lot more of them.

After Of Monsters and Men another band the happened to make Rolling Stone’s list, Delta Spirit, took the stage to perform, what they told the crowd, was their 16th show of SXSW. That’s impressive. I have no idea how they had as much energy and passion as they did during the set. The high-energy performance was captivating and cohesively a great well rounded set. They are a strong solid working band that made it very apparent as to why they had been asked to play so many shows down here.

To end my night I needed to follow my current trend of high-energy dance parties, and that was once again accomplished, this time by the band fun.  All throughout high school The Format had been a constant band that has helped mark some key moments in my life, so when they broke up in 2008 I was not thrilled, luckily front man, Nate Ruess, started fun. only weeks later. I had bought their first album by recommendation of a friend and enjoyed it, but never really thought they would go mainstream. I was wrong, they have been breaking Billboard charts left and right.  You may be more familiar with the band then you might know seeing as their song, “We Are Young” has been featured on Glee as well as in a couple commercials. This catchy tune had the crowd in a frenzy singing along with every word. This band surely does fit its name and will likely continue to do so as they create more dancey pop songs with catchy refrains that got stuck in people’s heads. My night ended on a great note as the happy tunes carried me out of the venue along my walk back to my hotel.

All Photos (c) Daniela Montelongo