An Evening Under the Neon: The First Stop on the Afterglow Tour
Under the mesmerizing glow of a plastic crescent moon and the nostalgic flicker of a full-size street lamp, the stage was set for an unforgettable night. Michelle Joy of Cannons spun gracefully, her ethereal vocals weaving over an upbeat disco beat, while the crowd swayed, transfixed by the musical magic around them. The venue transformed with light—a shift from a gentle sparkle to massive light bars illuminating the night—and the music transitioned from disco to a pulsating EDM sound, propelled by Tom Howie’s shoegazey vocals and a rumbling bass that commanded the dance floor.
A Promising Start
The evening marked the kickoff of a four-month North American tour, aptly titled the Afterglow tour, featuring co-headliners Cannons and Bob Moses. Cannons had barely settled into the spotlight, having released their latest album, Everything Glows, just days before. However, they wasted no time in showcasing their talent, launching their set with the instantly recognizable 2023 single “Loving You,” which opened with a catchy whistle that drew loud cheers from the audience.
Michelle Joy stepped into the limelight with palpable energy, singing, “Waiting for the night to come / ‘Cause I’ve been hiding from the sun,” her voice mingling with the audience’s excitement. Wrapped in a white silk corset that reflected the pink-hued lights, she seemed to glow under the stage’s enchanting atmosphere. The visual harmony complemented her mesmerizing presence, making it impossible for the crowd not to be swept away.
A Journey Through Their Discography
As the night unfolded, Joy seamlessly danced through Cannons’ captivating discography. The indie-pop anthem “Starlight” and the crowd-singalong favorite “Hurricane” from their Fever Dream album kept spirits high. The playful shift to reggae with “Purple Sun” was invigorating, leading back to vibrant disco pop that can only be described as joyful. Joy even revisited her roots, performing her first-ever song “Up All Night,” the small bar reminiscence now transformed into a thriving theater moment.
The heart of her performance shone through with “Take Me to Tokyo,” a song that encapsulated the emotional pulse of the new album. “Lost in the glow of city streets / the night is soft it sings to me,” she sang, the lyrics both reflective and uplifting, drawing on the energy of the audience dancing beneath the artificial street lamp’s glow.
Cannons concluded their powerful set with the fan-favorite “Fire For You,” prompting the crowd to chant, “on fire, on fire.” By the end of their 65-minute set, it was clear that Cannons were far from mere openers; they commanded the stage with a force that held the audience in a trance.
Transitioning the Vibe
After Cannons stepped off, the theater buzzed with anticipation as crew members hurriedly reset the stage. The elegant aesthetics of the previous set had shifted as they comically battled to remove the floating moon, a stark contrast to the elegance of the performance just minutes before.
As the lights dimmed again, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation. Bob Moses took to the stage, their entrance punctuated by the thumping bass of “Time of Your Life.” The sound reverberated, shaking the metal panels of the venue and driving the energy higher. With their signature darker, more primal tones, Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance kicked off their set on a note that promised intensity.
Bob Moses’ Hypnotic Performance
Bob Moses began with tracks from their upcoming album, showcasing an intimate yet energetic vibe. After introducing an “oldie,” the crowd erupted into movement with the infectious chorus of “Inner Light.” The floor was alive with energy, each body swaying as if connected by an unseen force.
Midway through their set, the pace took a breather with an evocative electronic interlude. The lights shifted focus to the floor, creating an unexpected lull that left the crowd awaiting the return to their familiar rhythm. When Howie returned with “Last Forever,” the ambiance transformed again, as soothing visuals of crashing waves played behind them. It was a moment of tranquility amid the pulsating madness of the night.
Even as the energy peaked and flowed, the duo couldn’t resist a nod to nostalgia, diving into a cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.” The crowd’s laughter and enthusiasm created an electric atmosphere, as howls of joy echoed through the venue—everyone reveling in the stark contrast of the rock classic amid their original electronic beats.
The infectious chorus of their original track “Keep Love Waiting” signaled a return to the dance party, bringing everyone back to life with vibrant energy reminiscent of Cannons’ earlier set.
The Finale and Lasting Energy
As the clock approached 11 p.m., Bob Moses concluded their performance, but there was a lingering expectation of an encore—a moment to stretch the joy just a bit longer. However, the house lights came on instead of the customary band return. With Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams” echoing through the theater, the sudden shift felt like a tease.
Though some voices expressed disappointment at the lack of an encore, most attendees remained undeterred, continuing to dance as the realization set in. The joyful energy enveloped them as they wove through the crowd, making their way towards the exits, eager to keep the merriment alive even as the smoke began to dissipate.
In a world of fleeting moments and dynamic performances, the opening night of the Afterglow tour reminded everyone that the party can— and often should —continue long after the music stops.
