With a tour entitled the Back & Better Than Ever Tour (Part 2), indie band The Wrecks leave much to the imagination. They have implied that fans will see them at their best, putting on a show that would be one for the books. This could involve crazy stage productions, a setlist filled with all the hits, vocals that could rock your world, and an energy that is just too good to forget. There is a lot at stake, but when the pressure is on, The Wrecks deliver.
Opening act Arlie did an incredible job warming up the crowd, even though the crowd was already pretty hyped. The moment the indie pop band took the stage, fans exploded with applause and excited screams, sending out a giddiness that was super contagious. Sporting white sunglasses, bright red boots, and a bright red outfit to match, lead vocalist Nathaniel Banks made quite an impression as he moved about the stage. You did not want to look away, especially when the band played fan favorites like “big fat mouth,” “didya think,” and “sickk.” As they performed these tracks, their enthusiasm came in the form of various sways, jumps, kicks, and spins, bringing a rock ‘n roll element to the set. The highlight of their set came towards the end, though, when Nathaniel broke out the saxophone between “barcelona boots” and “break the curse,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.
It wasn’t too long after Arlie left the stage that The Wrecks came out, ready to give the crowd what they wanted. Everyone in the room was jumping and reaching out towards the stage the moment the first song began, their lively spirit matched by charismatic frontman Nick Anderson. Nick was all for the crowd being as involved as possible, encouraging claps, arm sways, and the lyrics being sung back as loud as possible. It was such a beautiful scene, made all the more special with the setlist, which included old favorites like “James Dean,” “Freaking Out,” and “Out Of Style,” and new tracks like “I Love This Part,” “Where Are You Now?” and “Sonder.” A touching moment came when the band performed their introspective hit “Normal” as fans held up homemade signs that read, “you make us feel normal <3.” The Wrecks definitely felt the love, and you could tell they wanted to give it back. During the last song of the night, “Favorite Liar,” Nick jumped into the crowd to belt out the final portion of the track with the people who made this “one of the best nights of the tour.” The Wrecks really were back and better than ever, and hopefully Tampa won’t have to wait too long for their return.
THE WRECKS
ARLIE
Photos + Review by Christine Sloman | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!
