As the sun went down in Charlotte, N.C. on a typical muggy August evening, Neon Trees took the stage at the Skyla Amphitheater as the first band to play on 311‘s Unity Tour — and they delivered a show that perfectly set the mood for the evening. With multiple awards to their name, like their first hit single “Animal” taking the Billboard ‘Top Alternative Song’ award in 2011, they’ve been a staple in the pop and rock scene since the 2010s. 

While not the first band I would associate with 311, their performance was a perfect start to the night, in fact, I found myself wishing they had a little bit longer to play. From the moment lead singer Tyler Glenn started singing the atmosphere in the amphitheater hit a new level of excitement — not only can this band play great music, they know how to engage a crowd, which isn’t always an easy thing to do. One of the things I noticed the most (and is apparent in some of the photos), is how much everyone in the band seemed to genuinely love making music and playing to a crowd. 

Even when you love your job it can be hard to go in every day with a smile on your face — it didn’t seem like that was an issue for Neon Trees. I’ve heard it 100 times before at shows, the band gets onstage and says something along the lines of ‘We’re so happy to be here in Charlotte tonight!’ but a lot of the times it feels obligatory — but not for Neon Trees, and it really was a refreshing change of pace. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from the fervent 311 fans when I saw the lineup, but as it turns out, if you’re a fan of 311, then you will probably be a fan of Neon Trees as well. The crowd sang along to the songs, danced, and crowded the barricade at the pit from the first note, and didn’t give up their spots for the entire evening. 

The 311 Unity Tour wraps up at the end of August so there is still time to catch Neon Trees along with AWOLNATION and of course, 311 as they head out west wrapping up in Washington. 

Review & photos by I’m Music Magazine Photographer Michael Praats