It is all but impossible to not enjoy a Briston Maroney concert. From the moment you step foot in the venue to the sight of a stage adorned with whimsical figures and googly eyes, Maroney makes one thing clear – his shows are a place of joy and entertainment.
Minneapolis-based synth pop band WHY NOT opened up the evening with an energetic performance from musicians Henry Breen, Isaac Dell, and Joshua McGregor. The band noted that the New Haven concert meant that they were nearing the end of their stretch opening for Maroney, and were truly sad to be leaving, having had the time of their lives. They delivered an electric set packed full of bright indie rock that would find its home on a playlist alongside artists like COIN and The 1975, a perfect appetizer for the evening.
Before taking the stage, Maroney made an announcement over the speakers; he shared that at every night, he would be raffling off a signed setlist, which fans could enter for a chance to win by donating to Everytown for Gun Safety. This was met with enthusiasm from fans, many of whom quickly took their phones out to text the prompted number to donate.
Maroney then took the stage for his headlining set, to the delight of the devoted fans waiting eagerly from the front row all the way up to the last rows of the balcony. The singer noted how this was the second leg of his Ultrapure tour, meaning he and his band had the chance to hit some cities they hadn’t played in a long time, or ever – including New Haven.
The band played songs spanning Maroney‘s extensive and varied catalog, including “Freakin’ Out on the Interstate,” “Caroline,” “Under My Skin,” “Fool’s Gold,” and “Freeway.” They also performed a new, yet-to-be-released track, titled “Swimmer,” which Maroney dedicated to his and much of his band’s home of Tennessee.
For the encore, the band brought out WHY NOT for a cover of Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova,” which was zealously received in light of the English rock band’s recent reunion announcement. They continued with a few more songs before closing out the evening with the fan favorite “June.” Though the band may have departed the stage, an air of jubilation lingered in the room, as fans slowly filtered out, their wide grins and sweaty bodies telling the story of an evening well spent.
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