Milwaukee is also known for its hospitable citizens, and in keeping with their own kindness, it seems only right to take this chance to thank them for sharing Vinyl Theatre with the rest of us. Vinyl Theatre created an EP independently, which only months later was transformed into their first album, “Electrogram” under the Fueled by Ramen label. This band has proven that their success can be found independently, based on their own raw talent, and it is no more evident than in their live performances.
Vinyl Theatre’s Ones to Watch tour boasts multiple sold out shows. Vinyl Theatre played at the Brighton Music Hall, but they did not leave without playing their hearts out. The energy they have on stage is like watching twenty one pilots live, a band that has garnered a reputation for a respectably entertaining live performance. This match has been made in more ways than one, especially since Vinyl Theatre has actually toured with twenty one pilots. It was evident that this connection expanded the fan base in attendance at their show, but it was their own talent that really brought people through the doors.
The cohesion on stage is certainly a direct result of their old-school music writing process of recording the music together, as opposed to laying the instrumental tracks separately. However, not everything about the band has been able to remain as cohesive as their writing process. The alternative electronic band itself was a quartet the last time they came through the Boston area, but are now a trio consisting of Keegan Calmes on guitar as well as lead vocals, Chris Senner on keyboard and synth (just to cover their bases), and lastly, Nick Cesarz on drums. Bassist Josh Pothier parted ways the very month that they performed in Boston, and Keegan thanked the crowd for their continued dedication despite this change in the line-up: “The last time you saw us we were a four-piece band, so thanks for sticking with us.”
While it is sweet that they thanked their fans for their loyalty despite the recent changes, as one would expect from a band from Milwaukee, it is not entirely necessary because their audience is still getting an amazing show. In keeping with all of the pleasantries, the only one who should be apologizing is Zayn Malik for his song “Pillow Talk” of the same name as Vinyl Theatre’s—Vinyl Theatre did it first. Speaking of old songs, Vinyl Theatre performed “Friends Have Changed,” which is a song from before they switched their name from Alchemy to Vinyl Theatre. In fact, “Friends Have Changed” was one of the very first songs they ever recorded as a band. Throwback time—because who isn’t a sucker for that good ol’ nostalgia?
While Vinyl Theatre played some of their older songs, they also played a brand new song that has not even been released yet, and it’s called “My Fault.” The good news is that it means that another album is on the way and word has it on the street/stage that it might be released come summer, just in time to be the summer jam session album of our dreams. “My Fault” has everything a live audience member could want in a concert—catchy hooks to sing along to, and crowd participation—because everything else can be enjoyed at home. However, the song that required no invitation for participation from the audience was Vinyl Theatre’s performance of their recent single “Breaking up My Bones” that had everyone singing along. In this silent agreement of audience assistance with the uninvited chorus, it became more of a question of who would stop them from singing. According to the band’s Facebook page, the crowd participation was so loud at one point that Brighton Music Hall’s neighbors even complained. In the music business, that’s a sign that you’re doing something right.
Keegan sings “What’s my name?” as a part of the song “If You Say So,” and it is impossible to divorce this poignant question from the reality that everyone is going to know the name Vinyl Theatre very soon.
Set List
- Welcome
- If You Say So
- Summer
- Stay
- Viva La Vida (Coldplay cover)
- Tokyo
- Pillow Talk
- Breaking Up My Bones
- My Fault
- Friends Have Changed
- Shaking In The Dead Of Night
- Shine On
- The Rhythm Of Night
