REVIEW: Tigers Jaw Bring the Love at a Solid Sold Out Show

Apr 2

03/29 @ No Fun, Troy

“‘Every city in the country should have a venue like [No Fun] in it!’”

There are few times I love the Capital Region more than when I am standing in a crowd with only breathing room between me and the next person and the touring band on stage talks about their love for the venue, the city, or the crowd. Standing on the black and white floor of No Fun for a sweaty and sold out Tigers Jaw show, I felt that love.

Hailing from Scranton, PA, Tigers Jaw came to the iconic No Fun on the third date of a tour supporting their newest album, Lost On You. The album is an impressive addition to Tigers Jaw’s discography, giving the band new life while sticking to their magnetic, powerful sound. Tracks like “BREEZER” showcase the solid, soothing voice of keyboardist and vocalist Brianna Collins over Tigers Jaw’s standard heavy bass and emo sound. These impressive vocals and captivating writing were on full display as Tigers Jaw took control of the stage.

During the set, Tigers Jaw’s lead singer Ben Walsh took time to praise Troy and No Fun. This show was special for the band, the first in this tour to sell out across a couple dozen shows. The No Fun crowd responded loudly, matching the energy cultivated by the band. Walsh discussed the group’s day in Troy, highlighting local businesses Love of Fuzz and Alias. The sentiment was solidified when Walsh stated that “every city in the country should have a venue like [No Fun] in it!”

Preceding Tigers Jaw was California’s Hot Flash Heat Wave. The moment this power pop styled band came on stage, they had the audience captivated. The group had a new-wave rock vibe to them, reminding me of a lighter-hearted version of The Smiths. The energy got heavier later on, with one of the vocalists jumping into the tight crowd in a way that was akin to a hardcore performance. Hot Flash Heat Wave also treated Troy to newer songs, giving everyone, both existing fans and new listeners alike, something to look forward to in the band’s career. A pleasant mix of post-punk and smooth emo, Hot Flash Heat Wave were a solid complementary act for the headliners.

Tigers Jaw were also joined by Creeks, the solo project of Jon Simmons from Balance & Composure. Simmons played a raw, personal set composed of songs from Creeks’ newest release, The Pain You Took On, while also showing off some new, unreleased songs. Simmons’ style had an earnest emo edge to it, being fully exposed to everyone in attendance. He spoke fondly of Tigers Jaw, saying he has known the band’s members for years. (Balance & Composure released a split album with Tigers Jaw in 2010.) The mutual admiration Creeks and Tigers Jaw had for each other was obvious and added to the already welcoming energy of the night.

Tigers Jaw, Hot Wave Heat Flash, and Creeks brought a stellar show to No Fun laced with a raw, genuine emotion and music that connected every person in that room together. Shows like this one are why places like No Fun and bands like Tigers Jaw are so special. There is something so fulfilling about being a part of a crowd like that, watching a band celebrate an impressive new release. I hope Tigers Jaw’s visit to Troy was enough to convince them to come back soon.

Find Tigers Jaw on Instagram at @tigersjaw. Listen to Lost on You wherever you get your music. Follow Hot Flash Heat Wave on Instagram at @hotflasheatwave. Follow Creeks on Instagram at @itscreeks.

Keep up with upcoming shows and events at No Fun on their website nofuntroy.com and on Instagram at @nofunshows.