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Best 5 Acts Of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas Night 2

Kylie Nicholson |
December 11, 2013 | 2:47 p.m. PST

Contributor

Although Arcade Fire headlined (and were phenomenal as expected), here are the 5 best acts of night two of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas:

1. Phoenix

From beginning to end, the band's performance was solid. Their catchy, high-energy songs "1901" and "Listzomania" had the crowd on their feet dancing through the entire set. Lead Singer Thomas Mars's showmanship was shining as he crawled out through the pit to show his fans some love, his voice unfailing through the foray. The entire band did their part to hold the set together, delivering their distinctive sound and a headline-worthy performance.

The "Pompeii" rockers owned the KROQXMAS stage. (Kylie Nicholson/Neon Tommy)
The "Pompeii" rockers owned the KROQXMAS stage. (Kylie Nicholson/Neon Tommy)
2. Bastille

If you've never seen them perform live, do so. The band's live performance packs even more energy than their recorded sounds. Lead singer Dan Smith is a multitalented musician, playing the keys and steel drums and even taking a stroll through the crowd while crooning with his distinctive British accent-laden voice. 

3. Curt Smith (Tears for Fears)

Didn't see him on the bill? Me either. But as he says, everybody want to rule the (KROQXMAS) world. One half of the Tears for Fears duo came out and sang his hit with Portugal. The Man. Such an unexpected surprise from the classic '80s star. 

4. Fitz and the Tantrums

Their unique sound (think funk-synth-pop) and catchy music had the crowd engaged the entire time. Vocals, shared between Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs were spot on -- the combination of Fitzpatrick's pop and Scaggs' soul was unlike any other act of the night. Scaggs' tambourine skills were amazing: who knew that a lead singer could keep up such a pace while jamming?

5. Capital Cities

The band that graced SpringFest 2013 is back in town again, full of energy, syn th beats and live trumpet. Though their covers get mixed reviews,  the groovy & recognizable "Stayin' Alive" was a hit -- for its notoriety if nothing else. They closed the show with "Safe and Sound," a crowd-pleaser. They then looped the song, encouraging the crowd to remove and wave articles of clothing in the air. They kept the music going, ending the show with an unexpected mini-rave that left no audience member sitting down.

ALSO READ: USC SpringFest 2013 Does Not Disappoint Attendees

Reach Contributor Kylie Nicholson here.



 

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