Kevin Bronson on April 14th, 2014

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Who: Capital Cities at the Outdoor Theatre
In 3 or Fewer Words: Safe and sound?
Memorable Because: While dance band Future Islands were having their own coming-out party in the Gobi Tent, L.A. quintet Capital Cities was affirming its place on a big stage, inspiring a massive crowd to bounce and boogie to its unabashedly old-school dance music. The band is built around the songwriting duo of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, but live they have become a force, sartorially splendid in burnt orange-and-white-striped pants, dark blue shirts and white jackets and technically vicious in the way they play (i.e., absent computer gimmickry). Cap Cities has plenty more in its arsenal than just “Safe and Sound,” although that first big radio hit got the biggest response, and they tossed in covers of “Stayin’ Alive” and “Nothing Compares 2 U” for good measure. The show-stealer was trumpet player Spencer Ludwig; you’d think he was a teen idol from the screams his solos got from the crowd. Jay-Z and Beyoncé were sidestage for this one. Everyone there had disco fever too.
What I’d Tell My Friend Who Was At Future Islands: It’s a damn shame we had to choose.
– K.B. (Photos by Bronson)