It was a sea of skinny jeans as hipster rockers united at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston to see Kings of Leon shake the stage with We Are Scientists and the Whigs. Keith Murray, guitarist and lead vocalist of We Are Scientists, joked that the benefit of playing between the Whigs and Kings of Leon is that “We are the guys with the baggy pants” (and Murray’s pants are pretty skinny).
A sold out show, attendees hailed from Boston to Ireland and England, and most were, drink in hand, dancing and singing their hearts out, and befriending those around them. It was a magical scene to witness, and the crowd was on its feet and cheering before Kings of Leon even took the stage. The strength of the applause was enough for Caleb Followill (lead vocals, guitar) to tell them that this was one of his “favorite shows on this whole tour” and that “you guys have been a breath of fresh air tonight…we really appreciate it! You guys sound like y’all are having fun out there…I’m having a ball!”
KoL opened with “Closer,” off of their fourth and latest album Only By The Night, a raw heart-wrenching ballad filled with gritty guitar riffs, but the band was sure to include some more danceable sing-along classics such as “The Bucket,” “Molly’s Chambers,” and “My Party.” And perhaps the most anticipated song of the night, recent single “Sex On Fire,” received a gigantic wave of approval as nearly everyone in the audience was singing at the top of their lungs and bouncing up and down to the flashing lights and sexy croon of Caleb.
After a drawn out period of cheering for an encore, the band returned to the stage for four more songs, including a stunning rendition of “Knocked Up” and the high-pitched, scream-filled “Charmer.”
While there was some disappointment that “Ragoo” was not played (even after signs bearing the song’s title were passed amongst a section of the audience and held up for the band to see), everyone was thrilled with the lengthy setlist and the evening’s soulful performance.
Tim Deaux (bass) of opening act the Whigs told Amplifier that this has been the most fun he’s ever had on a tour. We are Scientists and Kings of Leon are “amazing bands to be on tour with,” he says. “We are Scientists are the funniest guys ever. It’s like being on tour with Kids In The Hall!”
--Rebecca Schiller [November 26, 2008]
