Written by Kayleigh Mill
Atlas Genius, an Australian indie rock band who recently released their first EP and snagged a place on the upcoming FIFA 2013 soundtrack, opened for Silversun Pickups at the Orpheum Theater last week. This highly anticipated show marked my first time at the Orpheum – which is quite beautiful – and proved to be slightly more confusing than I was expecting. The traditional seating of a theater made the experience more formal than other concerts I’ve been to recently, which made the band’s ability to interact with the audience that much more crucial.
Atlas Genius did not disappoint. After arriving a few minutes late, I was impressed that the band had started right on time, instead of the usual 15-minute wait I’m accustomed to. With catchy indie rock songs you feel like you already know, witty banter in between songs, and endless energy, the band put on a good show. Keith Jeffrey’s vocals were smooth and emotional at the same time, and at one point he suggested facetiously that the crowd should mosh in the small aisle in between seats. He also announced the band’s placement on the FIFA soundtrack and played the song, “If So,” for the audience. The hard, steady beat of the electric guitar paired well with the contrasting lighthearted feel of the song. It’s no wonder it was selected for the game’s soundtrack. Although the energy of the crowd was inhibited because of the seating, not once was I bored or waiting for their set to end. In fact, I was somewhat disappointed when the last song was over.
Not only does this band play a great show, they’re willing to get dirty and do the hard work too. In 2009, the band began building their very own studio to write and record their songs, which they say are inspired by The Beatles, The Police, and The Rolling Stones. Two years later, they recorded their first single, “Trojans,” which then became an iTunes single of the week in Australia and catapulted to the number four spot on Hype Machine. With the success of their first release, the band traveled to the US, signed with Warner Bros. Records, and is currently touring with Silversun Pickups and Cloud Nothings. I’d be willing to bet that you’ll see great things from Atlas Genius in the near future.
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