Cage the Elephant @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 6.20

Flames shoot up from the front of the stage, emanating an intense heat as heads rock and hands fly in the air while the music blasts from Cage the Elephant. Photo: @lmsorenson

Image: Logan Sorenson

Concert

Flames shoot up from the front of the stage, emanating an intense heat as heads rock and hands fly in the air while the music blasts… But that was a little later in the evening, when Cage the Elephant opened their set. Earlier that day, hours of heat beat down on the arena as fans parked and made their way into the venue with drinks in hand.

Supporting artist Bakar took the stage alone, starting to sing from the center of the stage while the music played. He greeted the audience after a little bit, explaining how he is visiting from London and commenting on how nice it is to be on tour with Cage the Elephant. Bakar has a low-key, indie-alternative vibe with great sound and a sense of longing in his soft delivery of the lyrics.

Up next, the members of Young the Giant took their spots. As the sun shined on and a little bit of smoke popped out from the sides of the stage, lead singer Sameer Gadhia took his guitar as he approached the mic and the tunes began. Playing hits for a very appreciative crowd, “My Body” reverberated throughout the venue as everyone sang along, jumping up and down.

Last in the lineup, Cage the Elephant let the suspense build as the sun retreated and the stage got all set. Members Jared Champion (drums), Daniel Tichenor (bass) and others approached to growing cheers of anticipation as Brad Shultz (vocals) came forward in a light haze, followed by Matt Shultz (guitar) right behind him. Matt had a wireless mic in hand, sporting a sweater vest and an L.A. ball cap, and started singing. Now, there are flames shooting up from the front of the stage as the heat fends off the shouts and screams from the crowd as the music begins and Matt is jumping all over the place. The flames die down, but Cage the Elephant plays on, including some new songs like “Good Time” and “Neon Pill” from their newest album, Neon Pill. The entire set was filled with high energy and good times, and the audience was all for it.