Fitz and the Tantrums - House of Blues Dallas [REVIEW]

Review/Photos by: Taylor Prater

What’s a good summer without a little indie funk? The House of Blues seemed to ask that very question Friday night by welcoming Fitz and the Tantrums, a band that boasts an energetic audience of indie fans with a little bit of a funky twist.

[We somehow missed Ivy Levan's set although we arrived around 8:45pm Friday night. Hope to catch her next return to Dallas]

Supporting the Tantrums was nearby Austinites, Saints of Valory, taking the stage just before and representing the music capitol proudly. Catchy pop hooks paired with dramatic, yet cheery, alternative influences created a unified sound that gathered together the varied audience at the HoB – people of all ages were immediately infected with the group’s constant high energy and widespread smiles.

It’s a seamless pairing with Fitz and the Tantrums, who have proven themselves as uplifting as it comes. What the constantly burgeoning music scene today needs, and greatly appreciates, are bands like Saints of Valory and Fitz and the Tantrums, who not only create vivacious, attention-grabbing music, but have a genuine love for their craft and seek to spread that enthusiasm with any crowd they meet.

We saw it at Edgefest. We see it again at the House of Blues. Fitz and the Tantrums know how to work a crowd, but not once does there seem to be any downtime. Their sets wonderfully distract listeners from any outside worries, and are a true example of living in the moment.

Besides, how can you not get excited when you see a bright red tambourine dancing across the stage and flailing in the air? Shout out to the band for all introducing a pop of red for their own – between lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick’s kicks, drummer John Wicks’ glasses, and the ever-changing digital heart behind them all, the whole stage evoked a classic jazz-noir feel, with a little modern twist.

That bari sax certainly contributes to that vibe. It’s like walking into the House of Blues and feeling its history all in one set.

Tell me now how you couldn’t be smiling just at the thought. Thanks again, Fitz and the Tantrums, for reminding the world just how fun you can be when you’re a little funky.