Live Review: Cage The Elephant Performs in Toronto

With a burst of pyro against the end of the stage, Cage the Elephant beckoned an eager crowd to the edge of their seats and the tips of their toes. For a band in the game for as long as them, their crown within alternative rock is firmly glued to their heads. As a live act, they continue to prove themselves as a force that refuses to settle down by any means. The barricade of Budweiser Stage’s general admission was littered with eager smiles in the hours leading to the headliners and dancing as fierce as the lyrics of their opening track Broken Boy.

Although their sound continues to mold more towards the lighter end of alternative rock, their energy onstage wholeheartedly plays homage to their punk beginnings. Their set brags their breadth from the yearning prose of Tell Me I’m Pretty’s Too Late to Say Goodbye to the rebellious punchy anthem from their self-titled album track In One Ear. This band stands perfectly in tune with the wants of their crowd and their handpicked setlist reads as a love letter to the fans’ endless support through their ups and downs.

Despite a broken foot acquired on tour, frontman Matt Schultz treks forward as though there were no injury in sight. Leaning upon his scooter with foot in cast, there is no question about just how naturally he owns it and fearlessly leans into the alteration to his fiery onstage presence. Guitarist Brad Schultz matches his brother’s energy in stride, allowing the singer to shine while supporting him with the perfect amount of gusto from stage left. Running down to join the jumping crowd, he sang along the barricade with gleeful fans who only egged on the bands’ performance tirelessly through the night.

Joining them on the Neon Pill tour is Young the Giant, a match made in heaven and undeniably well received by the crowd. This powerhouse of an act warmed up the stage with a set representing each of their five albums. Taking the stage with a charisma as unshakable as the voice he wields, frontman Sameer Gadhia commands all attention with ease. With a lyrical identity drenched in the beauty of his own cultural identity and experience performed by a diverse backing of talented instrumentalists, Young the Giant is another act in the game whose prowess is incredibly needed and refreshingly confident. From their earnest tracks steeped in heartache such as Cough Syrup to odes of expectations from one’s immigrant family like Tightrope, this band’s voice is self assured and always hungry for continuous exploration.

Two other incredible acts embraced the audience as well. Willow Avalon started the night off, a lovely country performer with the charm of the genre’s 60s sound. Next was Bakar, a perfect blend of alternative and indie, smooth sentiments of neo-soul, and a dash of rock.