Grouplove have recently made their way onto Billboards Alternative charts with their hit “Tongue Tied” from their first studio album Never Trust a Happy Song, but there is so much more to the band than that. I was fortunate enough to see Grouplove, along with Superhumanoids and PAPA, perform live at the Wiltern in Los Angeles on November 17th and to be quite honest, it changed my life.
One of two of their opening acts, Superhumanoids, turned out some relaxing dreamy pop songs with an amazing songstress who also plays the keyboard. This foursome performed about a 45 minute set but indeed, their slick new-wave electronics was a crowd pleaser. Up next, were the alluring trio PAPA from Encino, California. Their much talented drummer/singer Darren Weiss sang along during their 30 or so minute set while Danny Presant played bass, and Alex Fischel as their keyboardist. If you are into a clever mix of soul, blues, & indie rock with a hint of new wave, PAPA and the Superhumanoids are for you.
Grouplove, the band that the majority of the audience was there for, opened up with “Itchin’ on a Photograph.” It immediately got everyone on their feet, singing and grooving along; as well as clapping their hands in sync with the band. Their happy-go-lucky energy and dancing kept everyone’s attention. “Don’t Say Oh Well” and “Lovely Cup” followed. Those two songs in particular are so fun & uplifting; it’s nearly impossible to resist the urge to move and throw your hands in the air. Next was “Love Will Save Your Soul” and “Flowers”, a song off of their new upcoming album. “Betty’s a Bombshell”, “Gold Coast”, “Naked Kids” & “Spun” were among other songs they sang. “Chloe” put bass player Sean Gadd in a clear view for us all. Grouplove’s final song being “Slow”, was accordingly, a slower song. It pushed Hannah Hooper’s voice at center stage. Everyone seemed relaxed, but it still kept the crowd pumped nonetheless. In total, they performed eighteen tracks.
Of course that wasn’t their last song. During their encore set, they performed an A Capella version of “Cruel & Beautiful World” with no mics or amps, just their guitar and flawless harmonies. Before they even began, they asked the audience to be completely silent until the first chorus, which we all obliged. It was just them & us, the audience. It was truly a beautiful thing for anyone to witness. After, they sang “Borderlines & Aliens”, then the ever so famous “Tongue Tied” which every person jumped & moved their hips to. They slowly but surely merged into their partial rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, which had everyone dancing by no surprise. It was by far my favorite moment of the night. You could feel everyone’s merriment & feel-good vibes flood the room. “Colours” was their closing song which was a very good choice on their part. During a break in the song, it went pitch black & then suddenly, confetti shot out at different directions. Coming back into the song, the stage lights went perfectly with the mood. Grouplove definitely gave me a show to remember.
Needless to say, it was an amazing night & certainly worth the trip to Los Angeles. I recommend seeing Grouplove at least once in your life if you like experiencing happiness.
