Concert Review: Miami Horror Gives You Adrenaline Rushes
It is rare that a band could make you feel like you’re on a beach in the middle of a blizzard, but Miami Horror did just that. On January 22, Miami Horror rocked the blistering cold of New York City to make it feel like a summer’s day again. While outside the snow poured, inside the Bowery Ballroom, everyone was so happy, you would think we were never leaving this concert. That ability to take an audience to another day or another world is something few bands can do.
From the minute the electric beats and vivid colors blast on stage, Miami Horror makes sure to solidify that they are the ‘epitome of fun’ or a welcomed sugar rush. Their every instant is connected to the audience, with guitar tricks, eye contact, and smooth moves that dare everyone not to dance for joy with them. Their audience interaction is stellar because it adds to the hypnotic feel of their eclectic rhythms and carefree vibes. Moreover, it brings forth the 80’s California dream world that the band wants the audience to feel.
Although they hail from Australia, there is no hiding that this band was inspired by 80’s Miami films. From their clothing to their energy, their sole desire is to transport everyone into a decade known for its synthetic rhythms and ability to party like there was no worry in the world. This energy is dynamited by the dual personalities of its vocalists, Josh Moriarty and Aaron Shanahan. While Aaron is the smooth, quieter energy of the duo, as he swivels to the lyrics he visibly emotes, Josh is bombastic in his vocal range and dance moves. I have never witnessed an artist climb from the stage to the second floor railing of a concert hall to dance with fans, but it assured that every person in the room surged into the moment. Though dancing on the ledge, Josh did not break a sweat in his focus to enliven every person’s spirit. Not many musicians invest so much energy and desire in their audience having a good time. In addition, the entire band’s support of each other made everyone want to applaud their united showmanship.
Cellophane The setlist of Miami Horror is near perfect because each song fluidly leads into the other to make you feel like a soundtrack is being made for your night. Benjamin Plant, the band’s Dj/ producer, must be lauded for creating some of the best synthpop out there. Along with drummer Kosta Theodosis and keyboardist Daniel Whitechurch, the high talent of this band is blatantly displayed. From Cellophane (So Cruel) to Who Is Gonna Save Us, every song and visual felt clean and purposeful in its mission to just be fun. Moreover, their tunes are near addictive as each song could be played a thousand times on loop. Their 2015 album, All Possible Futures, is one of the few cd’s of last year to have every song be catchy. The album is amazing, but their live performance transcends their music into a dance party from Heaven.
I cannot recommend enough Miami Horror in concert. Their music is the best indietronica/ disco-inspired you will find. Furthermore, they, in concert, are some of the best performers you will find. Their stage presence only amplifies the audience’s vigor, and their own exuberance will make you genuinely happy. In not one second of their concert, did I feel a care, which is a major feat considering a blizzard was going on outside. They broke down every wall between performer and audience to make their concert a united moment in joy.Running Time: 90 Minutes.
Miami Horror “The Epitome of Fun’ played on January 22, 2016 at the Bowery Ballroom at 6 Delancey Street New York, New York 10002. For more information on the band, click here.
