Local Natives/Suckers Concert

My ears are ringing like they never have before.  It only adds to the incredible night that was had at the Empyrean in Spokane.  Tonight the Suckers and Local Natives put on an absolutely amazing concert.  When I got to the Empyrean, the Local Natives were just finishing up their sound check.  This was the first time I've ever experienced a sound check.  It was pretty fun to watch.  After that the Suckers took the stage and did their sound check.  Once they were done that was when the waiting began.  I had read somewhere that a local band was supposed to open, but they never took the stage.  I'm not sure if they were no-shows or weren't really scheduled to play.

The Suckers were the first band to take the stage tonight.  I don't really know the Suckers that well.  They only have 4 track EP with a full length album coming out on June 8th.  When they took the stage, they looked just like regular guys until I saw the lead singer, Quinn Walker.  He decided to have war paint on his face.  I was kind of expecting it since I read many articles comparing them to David Bowie.  Once the band started playing I was no longer distracted by the war paint.  The Suckers were completely crazy up on stage.  Quinn's stage presence was awesome.  He took control of the audience and captivated them with his every move.  I can't tell you what their songs were about, but I look forward to hearing their album that comes out.  Their performance made me a fan.

After the Suckers, it was time for the Local Natives.  I am absolutely in love with the Local Natives album, Gorilla Manor.  I can listen to the album on repeat for hours and hours.  Once they got on stage you could feel the audiences excitement.  The energy in the room just exploded with the first strum of the guitar.  The bands lead singer, Taylor Rice, has one of the best Tom Selleck-mustaches in music history.  When Taylor starts playing that guitar and dancing on stage the only emotion possible is happiness and awe.  Each member of the band played multiple instruments throughout the night and did an incredible job showing how talented they are.  For me the highlight of the night was when they played "Airplanes".  I have absolutely loved this song for the first time I heard it and they did not let me down.  Hearing it live sent shivers down my spin.  Another highlight was the last song of the night, "Sun Hands".  The entire audience was anticipating this song, waiting for them to blow us away and that they did.  The Local Natives look at home on the stage and you could see how much they love what they do.

Overall I felt the Local Natives and the Suckers put on one the best concerts I have ever been to.  As I'm typing this my ears are still ringing.  If you have the opportunity to see either of these bands in concert I highly recommend it.  Until then pick up both their albums and be amazed by two highly talented bands.