Concert Review: Bleachers at The Tabernacle

Bleachers, the project of producer Jack Antonoff, revved into The Big A for one of the best shows of the year. A packed out Tabernacle greeted them, and they didn't fail to greet them back. Their show was jam packed with awesome music and is a must see for any music fan. Since its inception in 2014, Bleachers has been defying genre norms, mixing together rock, synth-pop, new wave, and more for a unique blend of sounds.

Blu DeTiger opened up the show. You might recognize Blu DeTiger (yes, that is her real name) from TikTok or Instagram, but her talents spread wide beyond that. This internet bass micro-celebrity is one of the grooviest performers you'll see, and this show cemented that for me. Fresh songs that appeal to a large audience are paired with creative hooks and bass grooves that step away from the TikTok-ification of modern music. Instead, Blu delivers distinct, something iconic. 

With his roots still deep in his home of New Jersey, a state rich in rock history, Jack Antonoff leads an incredible performance from center stage. Taking queues from rock greats before him such as Springsteen and Bon Jovi, there was a sense of urgency in the performance. Dynamic and in full control, Jack and company didn't struggle for even a second under the lights, instead they put on a show full of passion, drive, and outstanding stage presence. Solos, instrumental breaks, and more dotted the set, allowing not only Antonoff to shine, but his entire ensemble.

Sonically you couldn't ask for more. Backed by a quintet of multi-instrumentalists, Jack Antonoff was in great company on stage. A pair of saxophones, keys, guitar, bass, and dueling drum kits added a ton of variables to the sound. It really was incredible how the band brought to life such a musically dense production, all the while staying in sync and on beat. However, it was the numerous saxophone solos really sold it for me. They brought a bold, in-your-face sound that makes it impossible not to groove along.

There is a special spark inside of Jack Antonoff. Musically speaking, he's incredibly talented, from his work with Bleachers, Fun., and even Taylor Swift. There is no doubting that. However, what makes this show and Bleachers so special isn't something that can be taught. It is Jack and his band's pure joy of performing. Without a doubt this is one of the best performing bands touring today. Stage presence, emotion, and just plain talent made this show what it is.

Bleachers left it all on the stage for fans. Nearly two dozen songs throughout the night without a single break, truly capturing the spirit of rock that Antonoff is striving towards. "Dream of Mickey Mantle", a cover of Tom Waits' "Jersey Girl", and their current single "Stop Making This Hurt" with Blu DeTiger were easy standouts. 

          1. 91

          2. Dream of Mickey Mantle

          3. Wild Heart

          4. How Dare You Want More

          5. Big Life

          6. Hate That You Know Me

          7. Happy Birthday to You (Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover)

          8. I Miss Those Days

          9. Everybody Lost Somebody

          10. Goodmorning

          11. Jersey Girl (Tom Waits cover)

          12. Chinatown

          13. Don't Go Dark

          14. Rollercoaster

          15. Nothing Is U

          16. I'm Ready to Move On -> Wild Heart (reprise)

          17. Like a River Runs

          18. Foreign Girls

          19. You're Still a Mystery

          20. I Wanna Get Better

          21. Don't Take The Money

          22. Stop Making This Hurt (ft. Blu DeTiger)

Bleachers have a handful of shows left this summer on both costs. Notably, a Bonnaroo doubleheader and a sold out show at Red Rocks await the band in the next week. Their full list of dates is below.

          6/17 Manchester, TN — Bonnaroo

          6/18 Manchester, TN — Bonnaroo SuperJam

          6/20 Morrison, CO — Red Rocks Amphitheatre^ (SOLD OUT)

          6/23 Vancouver, BC — Orpheum*

          6/25 Seattle, WA — Marymoor Park*

          6/26 Forest Grove, WA — Grand Lodge*

          6/28 San Jose, CA — San Jose Civic Center*

          6/29 Los Angelos, CA — The Forum*

          7/22 Portland, ME — Thompson's Point+

          7/26 New York, NY — Radio City Music Hall*

          7/27 Lewiston, NY — ARTPARK*

          7/29 Cooperstown, NY — Brewery Ommegang*

          ^ with Wolf Alice

          * with Lemon Twigs

          + with Beabadoobee

Bleachers showcase what makes rock music, and live music as a whole, so appealing. A genuine drive to perform and entertain paired with the talent to make it happen, the band delivered on all fronts. How could you ask for more? How Dare You Want More? This show was perfect from front to back.