When The Band Perry took the stage at Artpark last Tuesday, there was a familiar roar shared by many in attendance. The three sibling country pop band has enjoyed great success since their debut album in 2010. Kimberly on lead vocals, Neil on guitar and Reid on bass have transitioned to pop music recently and brought a well-aimed effort to the outdoor arena.
Many fans in attendance knew the words to every song and sang along with the band as if they were part of the show. Kimberly lead the crowd through a fast-paced line up of hits starting with “Better Dig 2″,”Chainsaw” and “You Lie.” As a nod to the new direction of their music, they covered no less than five bigs hits from the likes of Justin Beiber’s “All Your Life,” Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” and a medley of The Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams,” C-Lo Green’s “Crazy” and Justin Timberlake’s “Bring Sexy Back.” A talented back up band gave a fresh sound to the songs and Kimberly’s dance moves (in high-heeled sneakers) made the night feel like a boy (or girl) band concert.
Their biggest hit “If I Die Young” was given a bit of a pop make-over. This new direction away from their country roots needs more originality. The cover songs were nicely done, but the true test is whether The Band Perry can produce those kinds of hits for themselves. Time will tell.
Setlist:
Better Dig 2
Chainsaw
You Lie
All Your Life
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight/Love Yourself (Justin Bieber cover)
Sweet Dream (Eurthymics cover)/Crazy (Gnarls Barkley cover)/Sexyback (Justin Timberlake cover) medley
In It Together
If I Die Young
Stay in the Dark
I’m a Keeper
Fat Bottom Girls (Queen cover)
Encore:
Best One Yet
Live Forever
DONE.
We would like to thank Maria Hays from Artpark for the credentials to review the show.
