The Soul Dynamic

Dynamic Show Review | NYC |11.9.11 | Fun.

Fun. That’s the name of the band. For serious. And a band that makes a conscious decision to take the best noun known to man and turn it into a sentence better be exactly that. FUN they were.

On a 60 degree night, straight smack in the middle of fall, Fun. got together in front of a STAR-studded jam packed house at the Bowery Ballroom, to deliver on their one word sentence moniker. And we’re not kidding about the stars homies: Sara of Tegan and Sara was in the house hanging with Andy (better known as hip-hopper Astronautalis), and for those of you who are up on your TV, even that dude (Josh Charles) who plays the bad boy on the Good Wife was in attendance. Fun. was in high demand.

“Some Nights” on the upcoming album of the same name, got the crowd warmed up and it was pretty much a sing-a-long from the get. Lead singer Nate Ruess’s band, accompanied by a wicked full string orchestra and a super polished mini light show, then lead into one of their better known tunes, “Walking the Dog.” From that point on, Fun. was bobbing and weaving their way through an indie rock filled pop set that had a loyalist fan base singing their poor lil hearts out.

Rolling through new song “All Alone,” they then dialed up “Barlights.” Ripping off authoritative riffs at the beginning of this track, guitarist Jack Antonoff ignited some good ole rock n roll into the building, while the mere sound of Nate’s voice made the air sound like Billy Joel was in the house. That he was not, but it quickly became apparent as the set went on, that Fun. is indeed in the business of providing it when rocking out. This was especially true when getting into “At Least I’m Not As Sad,” when Nate took his Billy Joel persona to a Freddie Mercury level in the span of three songs. Live Killers man!

Spirits of Billy and Freddie aside, the big kumbaya moment came when they closed out the set with their anthemic rising hit “We Are Young.” Minus one Janelle Monae who is featured on the song, the warm and fuzzies were being felt all-around and the only thing missing was hand holding. On to the Encore…

…Consisting of “One Foot” and “Take your Time (Coming Home),” the crew took care of business. Again, they had stars and enthusiasts alike moving and singing to every word. Having seen a bunch of shows here lately, we can say that the super electric buzz in the air before, during and after the show was justified. If fun pop rock is what you’re looking for, this is the feel-good band for you.

Writer: Del Toro Alma

Photographer: Katie Henry