The ultra-cool ambiance of First Avenue, the hundreds of devoted fans lined up in the cold outside of the venue before the doors opened, the impressive opening act DAGNY; but nothing could prepare downtown Minneapolis for the vibrant, unforgettable show that LANY performed on Oct. 23.
Wielding a drum kit, piano, guitars, and a magical sound board, and energy that could light up the entire earth, this trio is equipped with organic musical talent.
There’s something special about LANY that you can’t quite figure out, but it is truly spectacular.
LANY’s eclectic sound is stacked with dreamy sensations, killer beats, 80s R&B pop undertones, and heart string pulling lyrics. The trio sounds better live than their recorded tracks, due to the sophisticated beats occurring immediately in the moment, contributing freshness to the group’s music.
I have been a fan of LANY since their 2014 debut onto the music scene. The L.A. based trio found their claim to fame on SoundCloud, after uploading “Walk Away” and “Hot Lights.” The group was signed to Polydor Records shortly after.
One could say I'm a fangirl, guilty of obsessing over alternative groups like The 1975 and The Neighborhoud. LANY’s music is good, unique, and sonically cohesive, but I have always identified as just a fan of their music. However; This concert just may have morphed me into a new LANY fangirl.
This is the band’s third time performing at First Ave., but their first time as the headliner. The band sweetly expressed their gratitude multiple times — they were interactive and engaged with the crowd.
The energy that frontman Paul Klein brings to the stage is extraordinary. As mentioned previously, LANY’s sound throughout the album is rather simultaneous. The group does not let this fact bring their show down, but rather, they take advantage of it. The avant-garde lights and contemporary effects, like a recorded phone call from Klein’s mother, add a unique flare to the act.
Bursting with energy, the trio came to the stage ready to perform, instantly enlivening the crowd. With a 19 track setlist, the crew knew how to adjust from an upbeat song to a somber ballad. There was one point throughout the act where all three of the member’s eyes were closed; focusing carefully on the music; putting a plethora of effort into their final product; producing musical perfection.
The boyish, grungy aesthetic of the band’s clothing choices impacted the show, creating a fun and youthful ambiance.
Must-see performed songs:
1) Pink Skies
Fun, upbeat, and energetic; “Pink Skies” was a joy to experience live and the group was equally as excited about it as the audience was.
2) Hericane
A chill-provoking, heart-wrenching ballad, showed off frontman Paul’s killer vocals, and ability to connect emotionally with the song and the audience.
If you haven't given LANY a listen, I strongly urge you to. The performance was one of the best shows I've seen in a while, and I will definitely try my hardest to check them out in-person again soon. Their synthetic sound and L.A. character creates an enthralling elegance that will move you at your core.
