Neon Indian lead singer and former Dentonite Alan Palomo seemed genuinely surprised by the turn out at the band's concert Thursday night at the Bomb Factory in Dallas.
"For not having played here in well over three years," Palomo told the crowd, "I can't believe there's this many people here."
Disbelief, however, was likely the last feeling attendees felt -- this was a homecoming of sorts that entailed good times and new tunes. The Brooklyn-based indie band is touring in support of a forthcoming album, VEGA INTL. Night School, due out Oct. 16, and for Palomo, recording it was less a departure from the old than a return to his roots.
He recently told the Dallas Observer he wasn't going to write an album until he had something to say. Based on Neon Indian's performance Thursday, that something includes shedding expectations and letting loose.
Palomo and his trio of backing musicians put the new album on parade, its funky sound and thick bass lines leading the crowd a dance party through much of the evening. The single "Annie" lured fans into the groove early in the set, and Palomo's energy -- not to mention suave moves -- kept them there.
The difference between Neon Indian's old and new versions of electro-synth-pop is stark, which isn't surprising considering Night School is the band's first release since 2011's Era Extraña. Newer tunes such as "Slumlord" featured a distinct confidence and clarity, but that's not to say hazy favorites like "Deadbeat Summer" and "Polish Girl" had any lesser effect on the dance floor.
Neon Indian's performance marked the 2015 finale of the Red Bull Sound Select concert series, which procures national acts for the cost of a gas station hot dog. Thursday night's concert cost $3 for entry, and attendees got their money's worth.
Austin musician Roger Sellers, who recently started performing under the moniker Bayonne, kicked off the evening with a set equal parts art and interpretive dance. His build-a-beat style often began with a piano riff or bass line and, through a series of track looping and live percussion, turned into an electronic symphony that he conducted with hand motions.
The second act, Dallas rap group the Outfit, TX, was less riveting. But what the rappers lacked in appeal they made up in sonic force -- it was loud, to say the least.
VEGA INTL. Night School is sure to renew Neon Indian's status as staple among indie music. If you didn't catch the show at the Bomb Factory, the band will be returning the Lone Star State in early November for Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin. So grab the album later this month and prepare -- your funky bone will thank you.
