Less than a week after Hurricane Beryl thrust over 2 million people into darkness, tonight’s music enthusiasts, many whom still had no electricity at their homes, gathered under a starlit Texas sky on a Friday night at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands Texas for a lineup that promised a sonic journey through indie rock's finest. Willow Avalon, Bakar, and Young the Giant set the stage for the main event: Cage the Elephant.

  Starting off the evening, Willow Avalon enchanted the audience with her soothing melodies and delicate vocals. 25-year-old Willow Avalon comes from a long line of musicians in rural Georgia, and while she grew up on a steady diet of country singer/songwriters, her own music toes the line between Americana, folk, pop, and alternative. After signing her first record deal at 19 Avalon independently released her debut single “Drivin,” a song she had written when she was just 16 years old, in 2021. To close their performance for the evening the crowd happily joined Willow in wishing Happy Birthday to her Mother over the phone as well as singinng Happy Birthday to her drummer Noah as he was presented with a birthday cake on stage.Their set served as a perfect prelude, setting a mellow yet captivating tone for the night ahead.

  Bakar took the stage next, injecting a dose of infectious energy with his dynamic blend of indie rock and hip-hop influences. Abubakar Baker Shariff-Farr better known as Bakar, is an English singer. Known for his experimental indie rock style, he made his professional solo debut with the mixtape Badkid in May 2018. In 2019, he released "Hell n Back", the single he is most commonly associated with. The crowd responded eagerly to his hits, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation for what was still to come.

  As twilight descended, Young the Giant delivered a standout performance that solidified their status as masters of alternative rock. Formed in Irvine, California in 2004 Young The Giant released their eponymous debut album in 2010. The band's first three singles, "My Body", "Cough Syrup", and "Apartment", all charted on the US Alternative Songs chart. The band's line-up consists of Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass guitar), and Francois Comtois (drums). Their set was a seamless fusion of introspective lyrics and soaring instrumentals, leaving the audience spellbound and primed for the headliners.

  By the time Cage the Elephant emerged, the Pavilion was pulsating with excitement. From the opening chords, the band's raw charisma electrified the crowd as flames shot up from the front of the stage. Lead singer Matt Shultz's frenetic stage presence was a sight to behold, as he danced and leaped across the stage, connecting effortlessly with fans. Since the late 2000s, Cage the Elephant has been a fixture of modern alt-rock. After a multi-year hiatus, the band is back with renewed energy and a new album.

  Sporting a sequin button-up, an LA Dodgers hat and moves that would make any concert goer smile, Shultz was the highlight. With his definitive voice, light falsetto he’s become known for and impressive breath control (especially given his sheer amount of movement), it’s difficult to not be impressed and feel the force he creates as an entertainer.

  The setlist spanned their eclectic discography, from the anthemic "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" to the introspective "Cigarette Daydreams," each song resonating deeply with the audience. The band's chemistry was undeniable, with every riff and beat delivered with precision and passion. Cage the Elephant was formed in 2006 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They then moved to England and settled in London in 2008, shortly before their self-titled first album was released. The band currently consists of Matt Shultz (vocals), his older brother Brad Shultz (rhythm guitar), Nick Bockrath (lead guitar), Matthan Minster (guitar, keyboards), Daniel Tichenor (bass), and Jared Champion (drums).

  Highlights included the explosive "Come a Little Closer," which transformed the Pavilion into a swirling mass of euphoria, and the poignant "Trouble," which showcased Shultz's emotive vocals against a backdrop of haunting guitar melodies.

  Throughout the night, Cage the Elephant's energy was infectious, creating a communal experience where fans lost themselves in the music. The concert was not just a performance but a journey, a testament to the band's evolution and enduring appeal.

  As the final notes of "Come A Little Closer" echoed through the Pavilion, there was a collective sense of fulfillment among concert-goers, a reminder of the power of live music to unite and uplift. Cage the Elephant had delivered an unforgettable evening, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating their next tour.

  In conclusion, the Cage the Elephant concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on July 12, 2024, was a triumph, a celebration of music, passion and connection that will resonate with attendees for years to come.

Cage The Elephant Setlist:
Broken Boy
Cry Baby
Spiderhead
Too Late to Say Goodbye
Good Time
Cold Cold Cold
Ready to Let Go
Neon Pill
Social Cues
Halo
Mess Around
Trouble
Ain't No Rest for the Wicked
Skin and Bones
Rainbow
Telescope
Tokyo Smoke
House of Glass
Encore:
Shake Me Down
Cigarette Daydream
Come a Little Closer

Young The Giant Setlist:
Jungle Youth
The Walk Home
Cough Syrup
Waves
Elsewhere (First time in six years)
Dollar $tore
It's About Time
Call Me Back
Apartment
Superposition
Mind Over Matter
Tightrope
Silvertongue
My Body