Concert Review: Bandits On The Run Steal Hearts At Mercury Lounge
At times, I realized that BOR are gaining a stalkerish fandom (lol!). Yet, that is one “price” you pay when you build a music and community that is so warm and welcoming. Not everybody has somebody or, at least, there are moments when you will feel so alone, despite being surrounded. In those times, music feels like your friend and, at Mercury Lounge, Bandits On The Run were the best of friends to their crowd.
There is a definite, “This Is Us” quality to Bandits On The Run’s style. They might as well call themselves The Big Three with all viewers watching their songs like they are episodes in the fantastical life of “Bobby Jean” or the “Cowboy On The Run.” Nobody can beat a song that is a story. There is something magical and invigorating about listening to a life’s beginning, middle, and end; as if you could transfer a novel into a 4 minute song.The result is a show that feels like a living book of fables and includes characters like, Roadie or the band’s ex mismanaged manager that loves making balloons and bubbles.
As balloons flowed over the crowd and people put their Bandit scarves over their mouths, all we needed were some super-soakers and a bouncy castle and this concert was a big kid party. Yet, that is NOT a problem. In fact, I, sometimes, miss being a kid. I wish I could freely go the park and play in jungle gym without looking like a total creeper. Unfortunately, as you grow up, playing kid games, running to theme parks, and even having toys is made as silly and unserious. I saw this as grown adults AVIDLY asked for a balloon animal. Yet, Bandits’ music taught us that fun is a serious adventure; the goal to be happy is a long, winding road filled with bumps that their voices smooth.
“Paris” by Bandits on the Run (Official Music Video)
Clarissa, Bonanza Jellyfish, and Roy Dodger all have voices that pump details with vivacity. They make you see the plot, setting, and character development of through every note they hit, even opening their mouths like a lion ready to throw a wide roar. Add on they are exceptional multi-instrumentalists, and their show feels like a night out. At the end of the day, people are who make a night fun, and Bandits On The Run are good people to have around. Click Here For More Information and To Buy Their New EP, Live From The Power Station.
