When I first “discovered” Phoenix (actually, more like when I found out that I was the last one of my friends to realize how awesome they are), I was awestruck. It was like the feeling that you get when you realize that someone you see all the time but barely know is actually awesome, and you should have been best friends ages ago. Sure I had heard of Phoenix, but their impenetrable hype kept me from listening to them for some time. Once I hit play, I realized what many people already knew: no one on earth can resist the danceable grooves of these French rockers. The tracks off their 2009 album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, are way too easy to love. The first time I heard “1901” and “Fences,” I thought it wasn’t possible for songs to be that catchy from first listen. Some time has passed since then and I have fallen into the same “Lisztomania” as the rest of the world, but still haven’t seen their live act. Well, something has got to change.

On Sunday September 19, Phoenix will be playing a live show at the Santa Barbara Bowl with Neon Indian starting the party the right way. There will be enough synth-laden rock tunes to keep the crowd at SB Bowl dancing late into the evening. The choice of Neon Indian as the opening act is just icing on the cake. Fresh off the re-release of his debut album Psychic Chasms, the future is looking bright for Alan Palomo and his psychedelic bedroom recordings. When the album was first released last year, the unique sound drifted through the lo-fi recordings and showed everyone that there was something new and beautiful in Psychic Chasms.  After we heard what Neon Indian actually sounded like with a higher recording quality on the track “Sleep Paralysist,” the remastering and improved sound of the older material as well appeared to be the right call. At this point nobody can pigeonhole Neon Indian as “lo-fi,” and it should be very exciting to see where Palomo goes from here. Regardless of where the music is headed, it would be a mistake not to head down to the show and see one of the most up and coming musical acts today, especially when they are playing with the proven talent of a band like Phoenix. Looks like I know where I’ll be next Sunday.