A great big ‘Congratulations’

From the unmistakable first chords of “Someone’s Missing,” the MGMT concert Wednesday, October 27, at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater marked their first ever performance in the Tampa Bay Area.

Andrew VanWyndgarden and Ben Goldwasser’s performance captured the duo’s eccentric early stages while gracefully incorporating mellowed tracks from their sophomore album Congratulations. MGMT’s psychedelic dance-rock sound, intricate lighting, and special visual effects enhanced the spiritual experience of their work. Additionally, the intimate setting offered a sense of unity between the fan and performers.

Ruth Eckerd is an unlikely venue for a band better suited to a grimy indie club. And at first, the crowd was not sure whether to sit or stand, dance, or look dazed. But after a surf-space sprawl-out that merged angst with the harmonic cooing of a Charlie Brown holiday special, MGMT launched into 2007’s “Time to Pretend, ”a strutty pop gem fueled by a loopy keyboard line courtesy of Goldwasser. And like that, everyone arose and boogied.

Academy concert attendee Jackie Stine said, “Electric Feel” had the auditorium on their feet and dancing.”

Other popular songs such as “Kids” and “Time to Pretend” also made the lineup.

The unparalleled ability to successfully mesh genres into a generation-defining concert performance earns MGMT “a great big congratulations.”

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

For us to post your comment, please submit your name and email with the comment. Thanks!
All Achona Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activate Search
A great big ‘Congratulations’