Opening set duty by PVLMS was a energetic, young and full-body mix. The four-four house rhythms thumped vibrantly with bouncing synths and bass lines, livening up the growing crowd of Dada.
Second opener and Dallas-based Nite followed for their signature performance. We’re all too familiar with the bros, who put on an impeccable display of dance rock and a lot of hair.
Finally Small Black walked up to the stage. Their setup was notably small than their previous visit – which boasted an impressive light display and fuller instrumentation – but each member, guitar and keyboard was still accounted for. Songs from their latest album Best Blues played well, such as the ghostly synths on “Boys Life” and “Personal Best,” but Small Black continued to stretch the repertoire.
Playing from across their discography, like the expected “Despicable Dogs“, the atmospheric “Breathless,” or the emotional “No Stranger,” Small Black put forth a well rounded and energetic show. Lead singer Josh Kolenik danced to the rhythms often, flashing hands and pumped hard on down beats. The crowd reacted back with swells of dancing throughout the concert. Fan favorites like “Boys Life” and the encore performance of “Photojournalist” prompted to most movement and in good time and taste they concluded the set.
