Cage the Elephant erupted with an ironic start as singer Matt Shultz rolled out onto the stage on his scooter, sporting a leg cast, to the song “Broken Boy.” His muted ability in movement didn’t diminish the energy, however, as a line of fireballs burst up from the stage as they began.
Shultz wasted no time stating the obvious about his injury, and explained how it made him analyze his stage presence in a new way. “I like learning performance dynamics and toying with how to elevate different elements of a show, and discovering how you can make a crowd go crazy when you yourself are sitting,” he said.
And he managed to do just that at Cage the Elephant's Blossom Music Center show on Monday, Sept. 9, a stop on the band’s tour supporting its latest album Neon Pill.
RELATED: Mitski Dazzles at Sold-Out Cleveland Show: Review
The band’s Cuyahoga Falls setlist had songs peppered in from each album, from their 2008 self-titled album through their most recent additions to their discography. Two-thirds of the way in, “Trouble,” “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” “Skin and Bones” and “Rainbow” were a thunderbolt of hits, all energizing — yet none being from the same album.
Shultz made time between tracks to thank the fans for their continued support over their career, especially within the past five years where new and unforeseen challenges were thrown into each person’s life. “It takes commitment to find a place in your heart for something,” he admitted.
RELATED: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's Cleveland Concert Shows a Band at Peak Powers: Review
The show lost no momentum, as the latter portion contained a cluster of songs where the guitarists each took turns shredding. The sustained sheer volume was then matched with more fire spurts and Shultz’s edgier, screaming vocals. “In One Ear” and “Sabertooth Tiger” released the band’s true rock elements without relinquishing control of the performance as they wrapped up the show — one of the most anticipated concerts of the summer, in Northeast Ohio.
But any Cage the Elephant fan knows that it’s not over until their fan favorite, softer indie rock hit “Cigarette Daydreams” is sung. This, they gave in a trio of an encore, preceded by “Shake Me Down” and followed by the memorable “Come a Little Closer.”
Beforehand, openers Bakar and Young the Giant catalyzed the venue’s energy. Bakar took the stage individually, putting the crowd on their feet with his hit song, “Hell N Back.” Young the Giant followed with a passionate set filled with crowd favorites like “Cough Syrup” and “Mind Over Matter.” With sentimental remarks about being unapologetic in their music and lead vocalist Sameer Gadhia’s powerful belts, the band created the atmosphere’s buzz that welcomed in Cage the Elephant.
Cage the Elephant Setlist, Sept. 9, Blossom Music Center
1. “Broken Boy”
2. “Cry Baby”
3. “Spiderhead”
4. “Too Late to Say Goodbye”
5. “Good Time”
6. “Cold Cold Cold”
7. “Ready to Let Go”
8. “Neon Pill”
9. “Social Cues”
10. “Halo”
11. “Mess Around”
12. “Trouble”
13. “Ain't No Rest for the Wicked”
14. “Skin and Bones”
15. “Rainbow”
16. “Telescope”
17. “House of Glass”
18. “Back Against the Wall”
19. “In One Ear”
20. “Sabertooth Tiger”
Encore:
21. “Shake Me Down”
22. “Cigarette Daydreams”
23. “Come a Little Closer”
RELATED: Missy Elliott Goes Big With Cleveland Concert: Review
For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.
Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.
