This was a hell of a lineup: JJAMZ, Penguin Prison and Neon Trees at Webster Hall!! It was the second of four Neon Trees show this year for me and the first without Elaine Bradley, their drummer, who gave birth to her first child, Bryce, the previous day. More on that later.
JJAMZ is a side project of various members of other bands, with the first initial of each band member making up the name. J (James Valentine from Maroon 5) J (Jason Boesel from Rilo Kiley) A (Alex Greenwald from Phantom Planet) M (Michael Runion) and Z Berg (The Like). Their sound is fun and upbeat and Z Berg is the personality of the band, prancing around in her short dress. But James and Alex, the guitarists, provide the basis of JJAMZ’s sound, and are the stars behind Z Berg.
Penguin Prison is a NY based electro-pop outfit that was definitely the favorite of my daughter and her friend. To be honest, I don’t remember enough of the music.
Neon Trees’ singer Tyler Glenn debuted his new blonde crew cut at this show. Every time I see him, he has a different look, different hair, and fancy shoes. John Buckner, the replacement drummer as Elaine is on maternity leave, was solid but could not replace Elaine’s background vocals nor her lead vocals on Mad Love. One lucky fan was asked to sing those vocals on stage with the band. The show was as energetic and fun as every Neon Trees show. Good times.
NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography
Videos
JJAMZ – LAX
Penguin Prison – The Worse It Gets
Neon Trees – Everybody Talks
Neon Trees – Lessons In Love
Neon Trees – Pretend for the Weekend
Neon Trees – Sins of My Youth