Nashville – With more than just a spring in their step, the upbeat indie-pop MisterWives played a sold-out set at the High Watt as a part of their 2015 spring tour. Their tour dates follow swiftly behind the release of their debut LP, Our Own House (via Photo Finish Records), which dropped a little more than a month ago. Already, however, the band has generated significant amount of buzz surrounding the album, and even before their tour began, MisterWives had already kicked things off on a high note.
Earlier this month, Best New Bands reviewed Our Own House and described its sound as nothing less than vibrant and full of the band’s undeniable chemistry—which is what every indie-pop outfit should aspire to achieve. Not only did I reach this same conclusion after watching the band live, but I also witnessed how MisterWives really went above and beyond for the audience. It was as if they used their recorded work as more of a loose guide, and their show was spontaneous and improvisational in all the right ways. Lead vocalist Mandy Lee led the band into a highly energetic set and talked to us in between songs as if she were performing in front of her close friends.
Whenever artists pass through Nashville, they always exhibit a perfunctory sort of reverence for the city. Customarily, they acknowledge the history or the legends that played on the stage before them, and maybe offer an anecdote or two about the last time they found themselves here. MisterWives, however, were more than excited to be performing in Music City and insisted over and over again how truly great it was to be here. They strived to build a connection between all of us packed into the narrow concert hall and their bold arrangement on stage, making absolutely sure that the show would be a unique and memorable one for everyone who came out that night.
And memorable it has remained. Lee continued to build the connection before launching into “Vagabond,” which, she said, was written when she felt very alone and very unsure about her future. It was a sensitive and tender piece to hear, but an explosive act to witness in a live setting. The band went all out for this one, and Lee couldn’t help but jump all around the stage. It was clear that she poured herself into this song, and that she was inextricably tied to its content and performance.
But before the band said goodnight to Nashville, they treated the audience to their undisputed hit off Our Own House, “Reflections,” which is a song that was made for dancing. The punchy rhythm and electric energy that bursts forth was felt tenfold on the floor, and MisterWives had absolutely everyone bouncing to the beat by the song’s chorus. It’s the perfect anthem and the perfect pump-up song.
It seems the group has lingered in Nashville for longer than just one night. At least, maybe, in my little corner of Music City—I can’t seem to stop myself from playing “Reflections” on repeat. In any case, the band’s meteoric success is nothing if not totally warranted. Their music is upbeat and wild without being syrupy, and their kinship as a band only serves to highlight how fun it is to listen to their songs and watch their sets. Starting off and continuing into 2015 with quite a bang, MisterWives are undoubtedly a band to watch over the next few months.
Luckily for fans, MisterWives aren’t even close to completing their U.S. tour. Check out the list of planned dates via the band’s Facebook.
Amaryllis Lyle
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