Walk The Moon Lands at First Avenue

Last updated on November 1st, 2021 at 02:51 pm

Building up to the release of their next studio album, entitled Heights, alternative hit makers Walk The Moon performed to a packed house at First Avenue. No stranger to performing in the iconic mainroom, it can be argued that the group may soon be reaching for their name on a star.

Walk The Moon First Avenue — Walk The Moon at First Avenue. Photo by Dylan Novacek.

With a simplistic stage setup, Nicholas Petricca and company let their eighties inspired sound do all the talking. Opening with fan favorite track Portugal, the echoes of the lyric, “You are not alone,” felt powerful and memorable. The connection between the fans and the band was immediately felt as they continued their set with Avalanche and Different Colors.

Playing brand new songs can often divide audiences at a show. This was not the case as the group performed Giants and Fire In Your House. The Minnesota ‘Moon-Walkers’ embraced the new songs, surprisingly singing along to every word despite them being incredibly new.

Looking forward to their album release on November 12, I anticipate Heights finding its way into my top five albums of the year. Judging by the new singles, they have embraced their experimental side from their last album What If Nothing, my 2017 album of the year.

Walk The Moon has always been a comfort band for me. Like many, Anna Sun instantly gives me nostalgic flashbacks to college and high school. I vividly remember my first night working as a concert photographer where I had to work a show at Skyway Theater. Nervous to go downtown too late, I opted to arrive very early and grab dinner. Noticing Walk The Moon was headlining at First Avenue that night, I decided to buy a ticket. Luckily, I got the last one.

Since that night, I’ve seen them every time they’ve visited the Twin Cities. Yes, even their canceled performance at the poorly planned Chipotle Festival at Loring Park.

What makes Walk The Moon a must see performance is their positive energy. Bass player Eli Maiman is a joy to watch on stage, and he made sure to make eye contact with just about everyone in the front row. And drummer Sean Waugaman always sounds studio perfect.

Nicholas Petricca is probably the most hyperactive performer I’ve witnessed. He was always bouncing, hitting incredibly high notes, and never missing a beat. His kind persona and brilliant vocals draw you in.

The standout moment of the night came from a stripped down performance of Kamikaze followed by Tiger Teeth. Intimate moments like that in First Avenue are absolutely priceless. Closing out the main set with record breaking hit Shut Up and Dance, everyone was on their feet. Overall, their performance was a feel good night full of the jumpiest alternative rock you’ll ever hear.

Opening the show was Jany Green, who recently released the Lost In Love EP. If the theme of the night was positive energy, then Jany Green 100% fit the bill. He was a joy to watch, and my only complaint is that he didn’t play long enough. It’s rare to find an opener you want to spend even more time with.

As the night drew to a close and the band left the stage, the audience screamed and shouted for not just an encore, but for Anna Sun. Returning to their fans, the group sent us home with a memorable final sing-along. As the group prepares to embark on another era with their next album, there will surely be new fans discovering Anna Sun, Portugal, and so much more. Walk The Moon will always be an alternative rock mainstay, and have proven that at First Avenue!