Alt-J Experience 'The Dream'

Alt-J performing at Crypto.com Arena, LA by Jacob Alvarez

HEAVY WEIGHT BOUT ALSO FEATURED CHERRY GLAZERR

I’d like to thank everyone that has helped me get to this point with MMC*. Crypto.com Arena (aka Staples Center) was the largest venue I got to shoot at to date. And to top it off, the band headlining has been a favorite of mine since their debut LP, An Awesome Wave in 2012.

There’s not one skip on that album, but ever since then, I haven’t been able to catch Alt-J live. The timing was always not quite there, so to get to see them with heavyweights Portugal. The Man and Cherry Glazerr was apt. The latter band kicked off the show, and although I didn't get escorted into the venue in time to watch Clem begin, I was able to catch new tracks “Big Bang” and “Rabbit Hole.” It was amazing to hear one of my favorite tracks of last year “Soft Drink” live as well. As soon as most of the photographers gathered at the meet-up area, we were escorted to the tunnels which led to the GA floor section.

The walls were painted purple and gold, and it was surreal to be walking the halls of those who make the Lake show what it is. I walked to the front of the stage and watched the audience fill the arena which I admit was too large for this event in my opinion. However, by the end of the night, only a few seats were left open.

John Gourley of Portugal. The Man performing at Crypto.com Arena, LA by Jacob Alvarez

Portugal. The Man continued the show, with a rather dark lit set, showing mostly silhouettes of the band with a full screen of visuals. They began a jam of Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” with an introduction by none other than Beavis and Butthead. The band showed a lot of momentum but also showcased their smoother side with lowborn “Waves.” Of course their radio hit “Feel It Still” brought the crowd to their feet. Portugal. The Man ended their set with a rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2” before transitioning to fan favorite “Purple Yellow Red & Blue.” Check out their set list here!

All the photographers and I assume some of the audience began talking about the now infamous Will Smith Chris Rock slap at the Oscars before Alt J had the arena turn pitch black. It was surreal to be heading back to the photo pit with an even larger audience growing with every minute as Alt J took the stage, with my father also being in the audience as my plus one. Back in 2013, my dad took me to one of my first shows at Staples which was Red Hot Chili Peppers. Times weren’t the best at that moment so we had nosebleeds and to be right in front for one of the best indie bands today was mind-blowing.

The band started with new track “Bane,” performing in a three-dimensional unit that had LED screens as its walls. It was reminiscent to the unit Kids See Ghosts performed in at Camp Flog Gnaw in 2018. The screens filled with candles burning through the first couple of tracks, and eventually changing to static pixels and even a simulated water tank which filled up to the top along with a shark swimming. Having never seen the band, I was fulfilled to hear An Awesome Wave tracks like “Ripe and Ruin,” “Matilda,” and “Something Good.” One of my favorite moments came when they played my favorite track off the record, “Dissolve Me.”

Joe Newman of Alt-J performing at Crypto.com Arena, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The band mentioned how they preferred to be at Crypto.com Arena as opposed to at home watching The Oscars and thanked the crowd for coming right before performing “Fitzpleasure” with a flood of green strobes dancing around with all the fans doing the same. They exited after the track with the front screen of their chamber showcasing the flag of Ukraine which got the audience to cheer in support. Alt-J took the stage once more, saying thanks to the audience and also dedicating the remaining three songs to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins who passed away two days prior. It was a wholesome moment, with the band performing “Left Hand Free,” “In Cold Blood,” and finishing strong with their most popular track, “Breezeblocks.” I was easily transported to my high school years when I discovered that track, and it was great to gear that my pops enjoyed it as well. “Their set up was sick. More bands should do that,” he quipped after buying himself a poster to remember the night. The cherry on top was the exit music of the arena, aptly chosen “My Hero” from Foo Fighters that brought my eyes to tears. Music is a crazy art of emotions and the show made me feel them all to the highest degree. Check out their set list here!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!