THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT ROCKS REGENCY STAGE
The Airborne Toxic Event are masters at keeping things fresh. First, they’ve put a new twist on their signature sound. Then, they release not just one album as expected, but two dynamic full-lengths. Now, they’ve embarked on a tour where fans can experience their music like never before.
On Mar. 21, TATE transformed the grand Regency Ballroom into an intimate rendezvous with a crowd of familiar faces. One of my favorite things about being a TATE fan is also being a part of its tight-knit following; everyone is welcoming and every show feels like some sort of distant family reunion with all the charm, minus the awkwardness.
The band kicked off the evening by playing Dope Machines from front to back with full force and finesse. In the low light, everything came off both energizing and mystifying. Silhouettes of the band were outlined by the glow of a large backdrop, projecting scenes of dancing skeletons, cityscapes, and everyday obscurities — such as dressing in nylons or spacing out behind a window.
From hearing quite a handful of the album live from last fall, the band has noticeably grown into these new songs over the course of the Dope Machines tour. Everything from the electronic beats to the multi-part harmonies were executed confidently and on point. The title track especially had its way of fueling the crowd with intense energy. Even songs I was initially unsure about, such as “One Time Thing” and its hoarse whispers of a fleeting and drunken romance, won me over upon experiencing them live.
The color and kaleidoscopic lights came back when TATE closed off the night with a myriad of favorites. I don’t think there’ll ever be a day when hearing “Elizabeth” live won’t make me melt to the ground (along with “The Graveyard Near the House,” which wasn’t a part of the setlist). I now also feel that way about Thing About Dreams,” with its saccharine, yet melancholy tones and themes.
The night brilliantly came to a close with “All At Once,” which we all know as an album-opener that only left us wanting more. Stimulating all senses, Dope Machines in the flesh was like a haunting and nostalgic dream, while the latter part of the night was an energetic surge back to reality. Thank you, TATE, for doing what you do so well and wholeheartedly.
To view the full setlist, visit This is Nowhere.
Dope Machines is available on iTunes and Amazon.
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