Crystal Ballroom’s historic floating floor was already bouncing well before Phoenix hit the stage, with 1,500 people buzzing with anticipation. It had been nearly 4 years and one huge breakthrough album, 2009’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, since they had played Portland. That show was at the Wonder Ballroom, with a capacity of 700. Phoenix had easily doubled its audience since then.
From the opening notes of “Lisztomania,” the band was on fire and the crowd was in a rapturous frenzy. Phoenix had a punch to them that just doesn’t come across in any other medium but a live show. Even their quieter songs had an extra energy to them. The band had pulsating rectangular white lights behind them that, at times, made them look like black shadowy figures on stage. Combining infectious beats, catchy songs, throbbing lights and the bouncing floor, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable night. “Lasso,” the third song of their set, was a catchy sing-along and it really ought to be their next single. For a generation of people that have almost no attention span for full albums any more, this audience was singing along to even the more obscure tracks. It shows how blogs and downloading (legal and illegal) have become the medium by which people discover bands. In early 2009, Phoenix had made their track “1901” a free download on their website, and by summer it was a hit. Of course, it probably didn’t hurt to also have the song in a Cadillac commercial either.
Phoenix’s set list covered all 4 of their releases, but well over half the set was dedicated to their most recent release. About the midway point of their show they played the gorgeous, nearly 8 minute “Love Like a Sunset.” Ironically (or probably not), this is also the centerpiece of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. This was a concert that could have kept going and the audience would have stayed all night. The band stepped off for a brief break, and then came back with “Playground Love” that was accompanied with just guitar. With their final song, Phoenix stormed through an absolutely raucous version of “1901” that left everyone hoping it’s not another 4 years before they play Portland again.
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