Augustana

Augustana provides a show full of energy and passion. Something unique about the performance was that Dan Layus (lead singer) spoke maybe a few sentences to the audience throughout the show. The setlist was 26 songs with few breaks. The lack of audience interaction did not hamper the stage presence. The performance of the songs were spot on, with Dan holding high and low notes throughout the night. "Sweet and Low" was very notable live. There were a few modifications to the pauses, notes, and beat, but the energy put into the instrumentals was incredible. I think back to the live performance when I listen to my iPod and for that reason it is now one of my favorite Augustana songs. While Augustana's more recent hits have been guitar focused, the keyboard was an essential part of the live performance. "Remember Me" was performed solely by Dan on the piano. The emotion he put into this song was incredible. He almost looked as if he were tearing up towards the end. With just the piano, Dan's voice, and the fans singing along, you felt even more attached to this strong performance. His voice had power here and I'd say this song by far was the highlight of the show. Augustana played all of the classic favorites (even though the current members of the band were not around then) and plenty of newer songs as well. It is a long setlist but the show just flies by. This was an excellent night and I'd recommend seeing Augustana to any fan of piano rock. Definitely a memorable show.

Phantom Planet - a band whose name is indelibly etched into the minds of all T4-watching-teenagers of the past decade. Who doesn’t hear that name and immediately hear a voice at the back of their mind wailing ‘Califoooorrrnniiiaaaa’?? This California four piece, consisting of Alex Greenwald, Darren Robinson, Sam Farrar and Jeff Conrad, reached near-star status with their song ‘California’, made famous by the TV series ‘The O.C’ But are they more than a one hit wonder? Well their live shows tell you that they definitely are! Pedaling their own brand of surfer-rock pop, they have a talent for writing amazingly catchy pop records that translate very well to a live setting; so much so that they have chosen to release several live albums over the course of their career. It’s fair to say that ‘California’ will be the highlight of most Phantom Planet gigs, just because every audience member knows the words and loves to get involved with the show by belting out the chorus at the top of their lungs. However, more recent songs, such as ‘Do The Panic’ from their 2008 album, are just as fun to listen and bob along to. If you get the chance to see all four members of Phantom Planet play live together, just do it! Embrace the West Coast and just let loose!