Michael Fitzgerald describes his band as “Indie pop soul.” Fitz and the Tantrums brought this unique sound to the Thursday night Canalside Concert series in Buffalo, NY last week and the crowd never stopped dancing. To describe Fitz and the Tantrums as a high-energy act would be an understatement. Opening with “Get Right Back” from their 2016 self-titled album, Fitz did not stop pumping out the hits for two straight hours. Barely stopping to say hello to the crowd, they launched right into “Spark” from 2013’s “More Than Just a Dream” album. It was a party and the packed-in crowd was loving it. Always at Fitzgerald’s side is singer Noelle Scaggs, who brings a sexy, urban vibe to the stage with her animated dancing and powerful voice. She and Fitzgerald shared the spotlight and connected in some great vocal trade offs and harmonies throughout the night. Since their inception in 2008, Fitz and the Tantrum’s have built a growing following by constantly touring and promoting their three albums. They have appeared in the area, “Six or seven times in the last few years,” according to Fitzgerald in a short break between songs. He was very thankful for the warm welcome and promised a great show and did they deliver!
The dance party did not stop as the band broke into fan favorites such as “Out of My League,” “Run It,” and “Break the Walls.” A cover of the Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams” was a highlight as the band stretched out with a spotlight solo for each member. Notable is the fact that Fitzgerald has built a sound without a guitar as the lead instrument. The resulting sound is a full, brassy, pop, funky beat that doesn’t copy the Motown or Stax model, but stands on it’s own. A fan favorite “MoneyGrabber” is a perfect example of this unique sound they have created. Ending the set with “L.O.V,” each band member enjoyed the solo spotlight again in an extended version of the song that had everyone in the place moving. A double encore of their biggest hit “Handclap” and “6am” left the crowd exhausted. Fitzgerald promising to return soon as the crowd shouted for more. As much as the band has been here over the last few years, its seems the fans still are clamoring for more. Lets hope Fitz and The Tantrums keeps giving it to them.
Setlist:
Get Right Back
Spark
Don’t Gotta Work it Out
Out of my League
Run It
Break the Walls
Walking Target
Complicated
Fool
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (Eurythmics cover)
Fool’s Gold
MoneyGrabber
Roll Up
Burn it Down
L.O.V
Encore:
HandClap
6AM
We would like to thank Paige Gress from Canalside for the credentials to review the show.
