Whoever came up with the idea for Joywave and iDKHOW to co-headline a tour should get all the accolades.
Both bands, plus opener Savannah Conley put on stellar performances in St. Louis at The Pageant on August 29 on the Welcome to Hellvetica Tour. Being a Monday makes it tough to gather enough steam to go to a concert much less be the focal point but each of these bands pulled it off seamlessly.
I Don’t Know How But You Found Me secured the last slot on this night starting just before 9:30 p.m. to an enthusiastic crowd, some of who arrived before noon to ensure that front row spot. When well-known musicians from previous bands get together, it’s tough to keep it secret for long and that’s just what happened with iDKHOW. They initially wanted to make music just for themselves and nobody else, that goal was short-lived and if they keep cranking out their brand of indie/alt rock they’ll soon be recognized among the masses. It doesn’t hurt that they’re quite entertaining on stage with lead vocalist and bassist Dallon Weekes talking up the crowd and leading them in shared songs. He shared his affiliation with Missouri as he was born down south in Verona “near the Amish” before launching into “New Invention.” Other songs included “Lights Go Down,” “Leave Me Alone,” and “Razzmatazz.”
Joywave took to the stage promptly at 8 p.m. and performed a high-energy hour set to the delight of all. Donned in matching outfits reminiscent of a fireman’s garb, lead singer Daniel Armbruster continuously crossed the stage back and forth while almost serenading the crowd with favorites of their melodic, beautiful, alt/indie songs including “Coming Apart,” “Every Window is a Mirror,” “Pray for the Reboot” “Obsession,” and ending on “Destruction.” Early on in the set, Armbruster shared that their keyboardist, Taylor was brand new to the group and originally from St. Louis. After some super sleuthing we learned his last name is Dubray and he was most recently in the Nashville-based rock band Betcha.
Nashville-based singer/songwriter Savannah Conley opened the night with 30-minutes of songs she hoped weren’t too sad. However, she noted she was minus her guitarist so things might just go that way. Once the remainder of her backing band joined her after two solo songs, the music swelled and filled the room and any sense of sadness went by the wayside.
Each band brought their own style yet complimented one another completely. Those in attendance saw a concert that wont’ be easily forgotten.
See all photos from the night: https://bit.ly/iDKHJoy22cz.
In my work life, I help nonprofits and small businesses with media and public relations. In my what I love to do life, you can typically find me photographing either wild horses or concerts.
