It's always a wonderful experience when you go out to see a band you love and the opening act absolutely blows you away. Saturday night at The Opera House I had my mind blown by Rich Aucoin, Space Cowboy.
The set had a high power psychedelic school spirit assembly energy, full of positive vibes, audience participation, fantastic visual accompaniments, a rainbow parachute connecting the folks on the balcony with the crowd on the floor, and a sing-along. By the next morning, The Release had made its way into my Spotify rotation.
Lights pulsed and video rolled with lyrics for the crowd to call out. As I left the show, I said on Twitter, that I felt like I'd been orbitally bombarded with optimism, and I spent a good chunk of my night wondering just how much of the crowd realized we were also applauding ourselves after Rich lead us through Bohemian Rhapsody at the end of the set.
Between the two acts that positive energy stayed in the air. People lined up at the merch tables, while Rich greeted people in his silver jumpsuit and cowboy hat, and the crowd eagerly awaited the moment when TWRP would take the stage.
Appropriately opening with Back In Town from the new album, Return to Wherever, they proceeded to absolutely melt our faces off with both new songs and crowd favourites, including an over 20 minute long, high energy medley late in the set. They lean hard on positivity, with Generous Dimensions and Hidden Potential. Songs came fast enough that no matter how many songs Doctor Sung and Commander Meouch said they'd played, 'for the ladies', I was ready to go with it.
There was smoke, there were strobing and sweeping lights, the band roamed the stage, they stood together and swayed in unison, and ran to the wings for props and equipment, holding our attention locked front and centre.
Closing with All Night Forever, Doctor Sung, nunchuck master, couldn't conceal his joy at us knowing all the words, and singing our hearts out. Even after 2 encores and a saxophone solo, the crowd seemed happy to continue to dance with the house lights up, as people slowly made their way out to the street.
TWRP are currently on tour in the US with The Protomen, visit their website for more information.
