Autoheart Beats for Chicago in an Energetic Finale to The Heartlands Tour

Article by Audrey Strand

London-based indie rock group Autoheart performed the final show of their tour on Thursday night at Concord Music Hall here in Chicago. Fans lined the block in anticipation, dressed in bundles of coats and scarves to brave the inclement weather. Once begun, though, the show was surely worth waiting for.

Opening for Autoheart was Wild Party, a Texas band that sang enthusiastic indie anthems while warming up the crowd. Their energy spread across the room as they jumped around the stage, highlighted especially by the band’s lead singer, Lincoln Kreifels. His stage presence grabbed the audience and held it tight as they performed their hits “Chasin’ Honey” and “Outright” from their 2014 album Phantom Pop. New tracks from their latest album Cheeky Giants also captivated listeners, opening with the high-energy “RWWLI”.

After Wild Party wrapped up, Autoheart took the stage to a buzzing crowd. Opening with their song “Indigo Chateau,” the venue glowed with colorful lights and smiles radiated from the band members. Lead singer Jody Gadsden’s vocals were earnest and powerful, translating from record to stage incredibly well. Starry-eyed fans jumped and sang with one another, transfixed on the disco-esque indie rock ballads spilling from the stage.

After performing some of their new Heartlands tracks, the indie rock trio ventured back into their discography with hits like “Stalker’s Tango,” “Moscow,” and “Lent.” Fans of Autoheart clearly connected with the music on a personal level, as the crowd sang joyously along with the band.

Fans of Autoheart, deemed “Heartheads,” also had ample time to enjoy the headliners, with a run time of around two hours. A variety of their songs were played, including songs from their albums Punch, I Can Build a Fire, Hellbent, and obviously, Heartlands. Accompanying the band’s lead singer Jody Gedsden are Simon Nielson (keys, piano, saxophone) and Barney JC (guitar, bass). Together, the group formed an electric trio, clearly enthusiastic to be sharing not only their music, but a good time with concertgoers. 

According to an interview with Babystep Magazine, lead singer Jody commented that the Heartlands album is like “crying at the disco,” and “blending contradictions.” He said that the record dealt with “heavy emotional terrain” while maintaining “something glittery and danceable.” These characteristics were artfully reflected in their live show, which was full of vulnerable lyrics, a colorful stage presence, and a glittering audience that could have danced till dawn. 

Listen to the Heartlands album here and find Autoheart’s website here.