Kelsey Heng on March 21st, 2014

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Words and photos by Kelsey Heng

Jack Antonoff’s newly public New York based-side project Bleachers played their first show Wednesday night (aside from SXSW showcases) at the Troubadour to a sold out crowd of already dedicated younger fans. The fun. co-founder, former Steel Train leader and Grammy award-winning Antonoff is again in the stage spotlight alongside four backing bandmates with a handful of pop-rock powerhouse hits.

Fast-paced and high-energy, the first two songs flew by as Antonoff paused to explain they’d have to slow things down considering they only have so many songs written. With only nine songs for a headlining setlist, the fans still seemed to get everything they wanted – Antonoff up-close and personal, the fist-pumping pop finale of single “I Wanna Get Better,” and a Lena Dunham sighting for their Twitter feeds. The lively cover of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ “Don’t Come Around Here No More” mirrored the same relational angst laden in the band’s new material.

As the night ended young fans rushed the merch table for a chance of an Antonoff autograph and others lingered behind, commenting “Man, that was fun.” Gladly, that good-humored joke may never die. The full album from the group is set for a release later this spring and an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Myers” on March 26.

Yoya opened the show with a surprisingly appetizing combination of folk-country meets modern electronic. The duo of Alex Pfender and Noah Dietterich will be back next Monday night joining Moses Sumney on the last night of his March residency at the Bootleg Theater. The band will also be joining HOTT MT, Kera and the Lesbians, and LA Font to headline Brokechella festival April 19.