The Presidents of The United States of America

Whilst my ears are still buzzing I wanted to put e-pen to e-paper on the Presidents at House of Blues in Vegas. I've been lucky enough to have seen them before in 2006 in New Zealand in a club not dissimilar to HOB. Small, slightly cramped but atmospheric. Intimate I suppose you could say. And I think that's exactly the sort of close up setting that a band like this thrive on. Sure, they've got the the energy and playlist that could fill and rock much bigger settings but I think after all these years on the road they know their sweet spot.

From the opening Kick Out the Jams they had the audience in the palm of their hand. Not that they abuse that position. Quite the opposite in that they seem to know exactly what journey to take everyone on. Chris, as charismatic as he was when I saw them 8 years ago, appeared to be having more fun than anyone else - which says a lot given how much the floor was bouncing. The mix of new songs from the latest album, which sounded right on point if you're already a fan, with some of the classics (Dune Buggy, Old Man on the Back Porch, Peaches, Lump... ) was pitched perfectly.

It never slowed at any time throughout other than to have Chris chat with the audience which, again, went down a storm in such a small venue.

Presidents would not be one of my top 3 favourite bands from a discography perspective but would definitely rank in my top 3 to see live. If you're even marginally into some of their songs - go see them live if you have the chance. You won't regret it.

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