A sold out crowd filed into one of Chicago’s staple venue’s, the Double Door, for an epic performance by one of today’s hottest bands, Fitz and the Tantrums. The Double Door, which is approaching it’s 20th year being open, has a capacity of just under 500, has a long bar stretching almost the full length of the venue, a balcony for some birds eye viewing and a downstairs “Dirt Room” with a bar and pool tables. Furthermore, the venue has a rock/dive bar motif and has seen the likes of some huge acts such as the Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco and The Rolling Stones. Anticipating the first song, most of the fans tried to squirm their way into finding the best possible view. When the band hit the stage, all hands were in the air and a roar rolled through the room.
Fitz and the Tantrums was high energy right from the first note. On the front edge of what has become a small stage for the band, Michael Fiitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs began to dance. The lights from a disco ball and beams of light passed across the stage while the crowed seemed to stand and gaze at what was happening. After the first song, Fitz took a moment to let the crowd know how much the band loves playing in Chicago. Then, it was right into Don’t Gotta Work It Out. This song hit the crowd hard and people began to find a little space to groove. Winds of Change was next on the list and gained high approval and singing along from the fans. Pretty soon the whole room began to move, but only so much that you could still watch where the real moving was happening… On the stage.
Sounds from many genres and generations intertwined throughout the show. Fitz and the Tantrums seems to have concocted a mixture of indie pop, Motown, eighties rock, and hip hop. At times it felt like Sly and the Family Stone and the Talking Heads jumped into a time machine and landed on the stage of the Double Door. An awesome cover of Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics was played before blasting into Out Of My League. The songs that were played from their forthcoming album, More Than Just a Dream, still harnessed the the soulful sound that the band developed during the making of Pickin’ Up The Pieces. But It also seems to have gained a few hints of electronic, hip hop, tribal and funk.
After a straight hour of pure sweat and energy the band said “goodnight” and retreated backstage. By this time, the crowd was was in full swing. Everyone had something to say about how awesome the performance was. Without too much delay, Fitz and the Tantrums were back on stage for another full set of explosive retro soul. In the front, Fitz and Noelle engaged the crowd and got the ever ready fans to clap high above their heads in perfect rhythm with the band. The dancing on the floor was a swanky strut to the funky flowing horns over the deep rolling drums and base. One of the highlights of the evening was the whole crowd litterally “getting down” to Money Grabber. Everyone crouched down as low as they could go. Anyone who didn’t was pointed out by Fitz!! A huge burst of energy encompassed the room as the crowd jumped to their feet with all hands in the air. Before it was all over, another smash cover of the Racontuers song Steady As She Goes transitioned into a fan favorite 6 A.M. Chicago’s radio station, 93.1 WXRT has put on some great shows in the past, but Fitz and The Tantrums at the Double Door is one for the history books.
The new album More Than Just a Dream is on full course to hitting the top of all charts for 2013. The band is high in energy and amazing in sound. The Tantrums provide the backdrop for Fitz to conduct his musical masterpiece. Noelle Scaggs sings from the bottom of her heart and dances like a queen of soul. Fitz and the Tantrums are in the middle of an extensive tour that has dates booked through the summer. If you are a festival fan, they will be playing Made In America. Go see Fiitz and the Tantrums! You won’t be disappointed.
