Manchester Orchestra and Cage the Elephant Were at the Mercy of a Sold-Out Crowd, Last Night at Showbox SoDo

Manchester Orchestra

Two bands might have split the bill, but only one caught the support of a crowd filled to the brim with 16-year-olds and their parents.

Like witnessing the "Surprise!" go to the wrong person at a birthday party, Manchester Orchestra emerged to a sold-out Showbox SoDo that was cheering and singing "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" . . . by Cage the Elephant. It was all downhill from there.

The Atlanta-based indie rockers--Andy Hull, Robert McDowell, Chris Freeman, Jonathan Corley, and Tim Veny--did their best to win crowd support throughout a set that contained Billboard toppers such as "I've Got Friends" and "Shake It Out," but ultimately the mellow, passive teens killed any vibe the five-piece tried to get going. It was a massive disappointment as the only fan base Manchester had seemed to be contained to the very front and center--and even they were pathetic.

"Thank you, we are Cage the Elephant," said Hull, a joke that was possibly acknowledging the crowd's lack of enthusiasm. The line in itself was awkward, as nobody in the band actually stopped to talk with the crowd until "The Only One," the 10th song in the set.

Hull's dominating vocals--equal parts raw, harsh, sweet, and gentle--and commanding stage presence were the cornerstone of a band that was perhaps too tight and emotional for a crowd that was craving the loose, ADD-antics of singer Matthew Shultz and the rest of Cage the Elephant.

After a standing-ovation-worthy performance of "Simple Math," Manchester's set fizzled out--not for lack of passion or talent, however. Every song during the band's 12-song set radiated the over-the-top, emotional grit they have become synonymous with, but the youth of Seattle had something else in mind. With a solemn "Have a great night," Manchester ended its show without playing an encore, which was probably the first time I've seen a headliner do that in maybe 10 years.