The band's on-stage setup was simple but vibrant. (via Brianne_Howey/Twitter)

ALSO READ: Coachella 2014: Weekend One Recap 

On tour for an inexplicably strange and rewarding self-titled album which garnered even more mixed reviews and confused reactions from critics than their daring sophomore effort “Congratulations,” the band had no problems convincing fans that their newer material is more than worthy of sharing a set with the hits that made them big. 

Their newest single “Cool Song No. 2” contained an infectious tribal beat and uncharacteristically low singing by Andrew VanWyngarden, making the vocal harmony breakdown extremely resonant. Another new song, “Mystery Disease,” featured the heaviest bass of the night and distorted vocals which shepherded the audience through the trippy and threatening landscape that makes up one of the band’s darkest songs. 

Proving that the band is right to ignore the pleas of disappointed critics and fans who yearn for an “Oracular Spectacular” 2.0, the performance of their twelve minute epic “Siberian Breaks” was an incredible thing to behold.

A song which overall represents their inability to pander to easily frustrated listeners, it also is a showcase for their talents as writers of beautiful harmonies and unexampled arrangements. 

Their biggest hit to date, “Kids,” was elevated with a mid-song jam session which kept the audience on their toes, literally. Another song that featured a big change was the first single from their new album, “Your Life is A Lie,” a usually fast and zany track which was slowed down to become something more melancholy in tone to match the lyrics. 

One of the greatest things about MGMT is that they have not yet succumbed to the loudness wars. Their sound and volume dynamics change as expertly as their notes and chords, creating a more holistic live experience than many acts today which are afraid to deviate from their constant levels in fear of losing the audience. Notably, this is the first concert I’ve been to in a few months where the drums and bass didn’t make other parts inaudible throughout the night. 

Though they had performed on Conan earlier this week donning cow costumes, funny hats and masks and a checkered blanket (???), the band was dressed in normal garb for this concert. Their stage set up was also simple with only a big screen in the back with psychedelic imagery being projected behind the band. There was no crazy light show of any kind.

Of course, these things didn’t keep them from putting on one of the most unique and awesome acts in music today. Their music speaks for itself. 

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Reach Contributor Daniella Lollie here.