After an outdoor gig at Memorial Terrace this summer, indie-pop band Saint Motel returned to Madison Thursday night. Replacing Mendota’s waves with High Noon’s cavernous acoustics, they brought their up-beat sound to an energetic crowd.
The audience featured people of all ages; from older couples to groups of middle-aged women and rowdy teenagers. But age was not only a notable factor in the crowd, but also in opener The Greeting Committee’s performance.
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The Kansas City band is comprised of four teenagers, ranging from ages 16 to 18. But their young age didn’t downgrade their performance; it upgraded it.
With matching marching band jackets, three band members came on stage by walking through the crowd. Following the unique entrance, the female lead vocalist helped them pump out an impressive opening song that set the tone for the rest of their lineup.
Greeting Committee wasn’t afraid to move around by rocking out on ledges, switching instruments with each other and engaging the crowd:
“Okay everyone, jump up and down. Go crazy, okay?”
The energy payed off for The Greeting Committee; not only did they prove to the crowd that age isn’t integral to quality, but their catchy songs perfectly prefaced Saint Motel.
After a 45-minute break, the headliner emerged and the crowd again awakened. With an arousing “Alright Wisconsin,” Saint Motel began their first number.
They were immediately dynamic, especially through brass instruments, which added to their oh-so-smooth vocals, sick guitar riffs and bangin’ drums.
The visuals were also excellent. Lights of every color flashed throughout and mic stands were draped in Christmas lights. But the lighting was not a crutch; for “Ace in the Hole,” they dimmed these decorations and allowed the audience to illuminate the venue with flashlights.
Saint Motel was personable as well as talented. Humorous frontman AJ Jackson once left the stage to dance in the audience.
“Say hi to the person next to you, you only live twice,” Jackson said.
The show’s set featured their best tunes. The crowd was engaged throughout the show, yet the energy reached its peak for their most popular and closing song, “My Type.”
It lit a spark in the audience. Perhaps after widening their discography, more songs will have the same effect. With only their debut album Voyeur and popular EP My Type to draw from, Saint Motel struggled to sustain that elusive energy for the show’s duration.
Despite the limited repertoire, Saint Motel did not simply need to “have a pulse and be breathing” to once again win over a Madison audience. By the night’s end, they left the crowd thinking, “That band is my type.”
