CALIFORNIA — When a shaggy-haired, folky alternative band starts off their live set with a cover of T-Pain’s “Booty Work,” complete with auto-tune and twerking, you know it’s about to be a memorable set. Judah & the Lion did not disappoint this expectation, entering the stage at Ace of Spades in Sacramento with unabashed high-energy swagger, launching into a set that was as raucous as it was heartfelt. Lead singer Judah Akers’s hyperactive enthusiasm propelled the show throughout the night, injecting every song with a joyous energy. He and his banjo- and mandolin-wielding band buzzed with lively spirit that the audience could not help but mirror, loudly singing along and dancing to songs like “Reputation,” “Suit & Jacket,” and “Green Eyes”. The band included a cover of “Mr. Brightside,” a boisterous performance that left the entire audience in wide smiles. Akers raved about “the tangible energy” in the room, promising a swift return to Sacramento. After hit single “Take It All Back,” Judah & the Lion ended their set with a beautifully sincere performance of “Lean on Me,” bringing the opening bands onstage to perform the final song. It was a fitting end to what was an exuberant, unforgettable show.
Openers Tall Heights and Colony House were standouts in their own right. Tall Heights deftly incorporated both catchy folk pop with ethereal soundscapes, while Colony House brought frenetic, explosive energy with a thumping rock sound. Both bands were perfect complements to Judah & the Lion’s upbeat, genre-bending style. Make sure to check out the supporting acts photos tomorrow- Feb 18.
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By: Dana Jacobs | Exclusively for @Music, Why Not! | All Rights Reserved |
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