Cage the Elephant
8.24.24 Holmdel, NJ
PNC Bank Arts Center
Allison G. Insomnia Photographer
Show Review
Cage The Elephant’s concert at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, was a captivating night that spanned multiple genres and emotions, each performance adding its unique flavor to the evening. With Willow Avalon kicking things off, followed by the energetic Bakar, the ethereal Young the Giant, and culminating with Cage The Elephant’s explosive set, the night was a testament to the power of live music.
Willow Avalon opened the night with a set that brought the heart of country music to the PNC Bank Arts Center. Dressed in a sparkly silver dress and holding a glittering microphone, Avalon immediately captivated the audience with her blend of classic country sound and modern storytelling. She began her set with “Stranger,” a song that showcased her strong, clear vocals and knack for melody, setting a warm and inviting tone for the night.
Avalon’s performance was both charming and poignant, particularly when she introduced her song “Homewrecker.” Before launching into the track, she shared a personal story about discovering that a man she had been dating was married—a tale that resonated deeply with the crowd. “Homewrecker” was a standout moment, filled with emotion and raw honesty, reflecting the betrayal and hurt that inspired the song.
The rest of Avalon’s set was a journey through the highs and lows of life, with songs like “Honey Ain’t No Sweeter” and “Gettin’ Rich, Goin’ Broke” exploring themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. “Raise Some Hell” brought a lively, rebellious energy to the stage, while “Yodelayheewho” added a playful touch, showing off Avalon’s versatility and skill with traditional country elements. She closed her set with “Tequila or Whiskey,” a classic country anthem that had the crowd singing along, leaving the audience warmed up and ready for the rest of the night.
Bakar followed with a set that was nothing short of explosive, bringing his unique blend of indie rock, hip-hop, and punk to the stage. Opening with “All In,” Bakar immediately set the tone with his energetic and charismatic presence. His ability to seamlessly blend genres was on full display, making his performance a dynamic and unpredictable experience.
The crowd was quickly drawn in by “1st Time” and “Right Here, for Now,” both tracks showcasing Bakar’s knack for catchy hooks and relatable lyrics. The lighting during his set was bold and vibrant, with reds and blues adding to the intensity of his music. “Stop Selling Her Drugs” and “NW3” brought a darker, edgier vibe to the set, with Bakar’s delivery hitting hard both lyrically and emotionally.
As he moved through “Alive!” and “Small Town Girl,” Bakar’s connection with the audience deepened, his raw energy and passion palpable in every note. He closed his set with “Hell N Back,” a track that perfectly encapsulates his genre-defying style and left the crowd energized and ready for the next act.
Young the Giant’s set was a journey into an ethereal, almost otherworldly soundscape. The band opened with “Jungle Youth,” immediately immersing the audience in a dreamlike atmosphere, with the stage bathed in purple, blue, and green lights that added to the surreal quality of their performance. This visual spectacle perfectly complemented the band’s intricate sound, creating an experience that felt both expansive and intimate.
As they moved through their set with songs like “The Walk Home” and “Cough Syrup,” the band’s musicianship was on full display, with Sameer Gadhia’s vocals soaring above the layered instrumentation. The lighting played a crucial role in enhancing the mood, particularly during tracks like “Waves” and “God As Witness,” where the interplay between light and sound created a deeply immersive experience.
Before launching into “Mind Over Matter,” Gadhia took a moment to address the audience with a heartfelt monologue about staying true to oneself and pursuing dreams. He reflected on how their second album, initially criticized for being different, had eventually become revered. This moment added a personal and inspirational touch to the performance, resonating deeply with the crowd. The set continued to build with “It’s About Time” and “Apartment,” before reaching a powerful climax with “Tightrope” and “Silvertongue.” The night ended on a high with “My Body,” a track that had the entire venue on its feet, singing and dancing along.
By the time Cage The Elephant took the stage, the energy in the venue was at an all-time high. Despite lead singer Matt Shultz’s broken foot, which required him to navigate the stage on a scooter, the band delivered a performance that was nothing short of explosive. Shultz’s injury did nothing to dampen his energy—in fact, it seemed to add an extra layer of intensity to his performance, as he used the scooter to engage with the audience in new and creative ways.
The band opened their set with “Broken Boy,” immediately setting the tone for a night of high-octane rock. The song’s aggressive energy was matched by an equally intense display of pyrotechnics, with bursts of fire and explosions of light punctuating the music. This was followed by a string of hits, including “Cry Baby,” “Spiderhead,” and “Cold Cold Cold,” each accompanied by stunning visual effects that enhanced the raw power of the performance.
A particularly memorable moment came during “Too Late to Say Goodbye,” where the combination of the band’s performance and the pyrotechnics created a visual and auditory spectacle that left the audience in awe. The flames and explosions were perfectly timed with the music, creating a sensory overload that perfectly captured the chaos and intensity of the song.
Despite his injury, Shultz was as charismatic as ever, engaging with the audience and his bandmates in his signature frenetic style. The audience responded in kind, their energy feeding off Shultz’s defiant performance. The setlist was a journey through the band’s discography, with highlights including “Social Cues,” “Trouble,” and the anthemic “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.”
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when the band added “In One Ear” to the setlist, a last-minute addition that reportedly added $20,000 to their tab at the venue. The decision to include the song was met with thunderous applause from the crowd, who were thrilled to hear the fan-favorite track. This spontaneous moment encapsulated what makes Cage The Elephant such a beloved live act—their willingness to go above and beyond for their fans, creating a shared experience that feels both intimate and grand.
The band closed their set with “Come a Little Closer” and “Shake Me Down,” two of their most iconic songs, delivering them with a ferocity and passion that left the audience breathless. The combination of stunning visuals, pyrotechnics, and the band’s undeniable chemistry made for a concert that was as emotionally powerful as it was visually spectacular.
Cage The Elephant’s concert at the PNC Bank Arts Center was a night of unforgettable performances, showcasing the depth and diversity of today’s music scene. From Willow Avalon’s fun country tunes to Bakar’s explosion of energy and Young the Giant’s ethereal performance, the night was a testament to the power of live music to create shared experiences and leave a lasting impact.
Cage The Elephant’s headlining performance was the perfect culmination of the evening. Despite the challenges posed by Matt Shultz’s injury, the band delivered a performance that was as defiant as it was electrifying. The combination of stunning visuals, pyrotechnics, and the band’s raw energy made for a concert that will be remembered by those in attendance for years to come.
In an era where live music is more cherished than ever, Cage The Elephant proved once again why they are one of the best live acts in rock music today. Their performance at the PNC Bank Arts Center was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, create unforgettable experiences, and leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who witness it.
