If San Francisco ever doubted that Passion Pit could bring the party, then their show on April 15 at The Warfield theater certainly discredited that assumption. Passion Pit, along with Bear Hands and Mayer Hawthorne and the County, kept the sold out crowd at the 2,300 seat-theater on their feet the entire night.

Starting off the night was Bear Hands. The Brooklyn-New York outfit got the crowd nice and warmed up with the blend of psychedelic rock and new wave synth feel. Thanks to the heavy back beat supplied by the drums and the extra floor tom, the crowd couldn’t help but keep moving to the quartet’s music. Their second time in San Francisco, the group seemingly charmed more fans with their dance grooves and pleasant manner.

Though Passion Pit may have been the headliners, it was certainly Mayer Hawthorne and the County that stole the show. Hawthorne and his blend of different musicians brought the feel of the early rock blended with the soul that made jam bands so entertaining to watch. With the rest of the band outfitted in matching black cardigans, white button up shirts and red ties, Hawthorne himself came out in a red suit jacket and pants with a black shirt with red pinstripes. His James Brown-inspired entrance, complete with a MC, brought the audience back to the days of rock concerts being larger than life. The band powered through their set, blending the early rock and rockabilly sounds with the live piano and the soul/funk styling with their guitar work. Hawthorne proved to be a blend of the early rock singers Buddy Holly and Bill Haley, but had enough funk with his vocals that would make Isaac Hayes take notes. The crowd certainly responded to the unique sound by cheering and nonstop dancing.

By the time Passion Pit made their appearance, the crowd was antsy with anticipation, chanting “Passion Pit” until the lights dimmed and the light show began. Using every inch of the massive stage with added lights and light panels, Passion Pit made sure that not on single person was standing still. Starting off the set with “I’ve Got Your Number,” the group—made up of singer Michael Angelakos, Ian Hultquist (keys and guitar), Ayad Al Adhamy (synth), Nate Donmoyer (drums), Jeff Apruzzuse (bass and synth)—certainly had beats to spare with everyone singing along and clapping.

The band played songs from both the EP Chunk of Change and their massivly successful full length Manners, making sure that the crowd was content and did not let up the energy. Angelakos’ high pitched vocals never once waviered as Donmoyer’s steady drum beats had the entire crowd movin’ and grooving’. At one point Angelakos gave a shout out to the PS22 children’s choir, who sang on three of the album’s track and then launched onto what he called his “favorite song” from that session to play live “Let Your Love Grow Tall.”

The night could have no been complete with the hit that has made the band’s career. During the wait the for the band’s encore, the crowd began chanting “Sleepyhead,” the song that was visibly absent from the main set. But always ones to oblige, the group ended out the night with the smash single. Though a pet name for someone who feels tired, the crowd in the massive theater was anything but sleepy as the band ended the night with the popular track, giving the crowd one last chance to dance.

Fans who wish to relive the awesome night should keep their eyes peeled for the recording of the show. Details to come later.

Filed Under:
Electronic, Genre, San Francisco, San Francisco Event Reviews

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