At House of Blues this past Sunday, April 7th, fans trickled into the classically-designed venue to see Beach Fossils take the stage. It was their second time returning to North America with 2023 album Bunny, which secured the band their first Grammy, rightfully so. Frontman Dustin Payseur formed Beach Fossils in 2009 after moving to NYC to pursue his interests in music. He is now joined by Tommy Davidson on guitar, Jack Doyle Smith on bass, and Anton Hoccheim on drums making a hit dreamy indie-Lofi-rock DIY masterpiece.
Brooklyn-based Indie synthpop band Nation of Language joined Beach Fossils on this leg of their tour as the opener. The group consists of Ian Richard Devaney (lead vocals, guitar, synthesizer, percussion), Aidan Noell (synthesizer, backing vocals), and Alex MacKay (bass guitar). While having a less head-thrashing beat to their music, Nation of Language made the room feel like a new wave alternative dancefloor. From fooling around on a keyboard to becoming a mainstay of ‘20s synth-pop music, Nation of Language had a outgoing stage presence and balanced chemistry facing a rainy Sunday night audience.
They opened with ‘On Division St,’ which Devaney announced he did not know was actually a street in Chicago. There is in fact one in New York but let’s just say it’s an ode to the windy city as well. With strobe lights, warm-toned background lighting and lots of fog mixed with the band’s groovy post-punk synth melodies, Nation of Language set an unforgettable atmosphere.
Beach Fossils opened with the upbeat mesmerizing song “Sleeping On My Own” from Bunny. After, Payseur applauded their friends, and opener, saying ‘Y’all (mess) with Nation of Language? Man, they’re so good.” They performed a wide range of discography, from ‘What a Pleasure’ and ‘Moments’ from 2011 album What a Pleasure to songs from 2013 album Clash the Truth and 2017 album Somersault to their most recent hits. Fans showed the most excitement when they played their older songs. The song ‘Don’t Fade Away’ made me happy I had my friend with me, with its’ dreamy tempo and passionate lyrics about missing old friends, being on tour, longing, anxiety, and having fun. Those standing alone around us still sang their hearts out at the lyrics: “She’s Novocaine / It’s all I need to ease the pain / Don’t fade away / I know you know anyway.”
The band ended with ‘May 1st,’ and then after a cheered-on drum solo by Hoccheim, Payseur, Davidson and Smith were applauded back on to perform their most-streamed song ‘Down the Line,’ which every mouth in the audience appeared to sing along to. Not ready to leave the stage just yet, they strummed into ‘Crashed Out’ and then finished off with ‘Daydream.’ It was a successful night of “vibemaxxing” and “1234 hell yeahs!” (Davidson 2024). Thanks to Jack for the guitar pick!