Concert Review: I Don't Know How But They Found Me, and I’m Sure Glad They Did
Entering Brighton Music Hall on March 29th felt like stepping into a surreal dreamscape. Each mic stand was adorned with delicate flowers, casting a mesmerizing glow of orange and red hues across the stage. The anticipation among the crowd was palpable, heightened by the sheer happiness buzzing in the air, all eager for the arrival of I Don't Know How But They Found Me (IDKHow).
The lights dimmed and the collective roar of the crowd reached a deafening crescendo as the band exploded onto the stage, launching into “SPKOTHDVL,” off of their new album, Gloom Division. The opening line, “Your front page boy is finally here,” felt like a direct response to the fans' earlier frenetic energy.. IDKHow followed this up with the iconic 2018 track “Do It All The Time,” another tune that allows the band’s charisma to shine through their clever lyricism. The anthemic "Clusterhug" (a Brobecks cover- Weekes’ previous band) caused the venue to reverberate with the unified screams of fans, creating a sense of of pure musical euphoria.
Lead singer Dallon Weekes, a towering figure with a magnetic stage presence, wasted no time in establishing a deep connection with the audience. With a cheeky grin, he declared his love for Boston, proudly asserting Massachusetts as “his state,” instantly endearing himself to the crowd.
During the tune “Downside,” Weekes set down his bass in favor of some good ol’ crowd interaction, engaging in playful banter and forging genuine connections. From kneeling to hold the mic up to his guitarist, Anthony Purpura, to stepping away from the mic to be closer to the fans, Weekes's interactions were filled with charm and authenticity.
Weekes's towering stature was matched only by his larger-than-life personality, as he strutted across the stage in acasual, yet refined beige and white ensemble, his eloquent speech weaving tales about anything from … to … that captivated the audience's imagination. With tracks like "Gloomtown Brats" off Gloom Division, the crowd was transported into a groove-filled frenzy, dancing and singing along to every beat.
Weekes's favorite track, "INFATUATION," became a standout moment, with its infectious funk groove and the lead singer’s electrifying stage presence. As he spent countless moments at the front of the stage, breaking down barriers between himself and the fans, it felt as though an intimate bond was forming, with Weekes effortlessly conducting the crowd in a mesmerizing symphony of sound.
During "SIXFT," Weekes took center stage, literally towering over the crowd with one foot on the barricade, as the drums and bass shook through the venue like a heartbeat. With shouts of "Fuck around and find out," Weekes's showmanship was on full display as he commanded the stage with the finesse of a seasoned performer, flirting with the crowd in a subtly magnetic manner.
The seamless transitions between songs showcased the band's musicality, with tracks like "Leave Me Alone" and "Visitation of the Ghost" taking the audience on a rock-filled journey through time and space. During the former song, Weekes parted the crowd and walked through it, snapping and waving in slow, dramatic fashion, the crowd erupting into chants of "HEY OH," creating moments of pure magic.
Throughout the night, the band effortlessly balanced musical moments of high energy with heartfelt intimacy, culminating in an unforgettable encore that left the audience craving even more. With tracks like "Kiss Goodnight" and "SUNNYSIDE," the band delivered a master class in musical storytelling, each song a testament to their ability to evoke emotion in their audience.
As the final chords of "Razzmatazz" faded into the night, Weekes stood alone on stage, basking in the adoration of the crowd, a moment of pure, silent, unfiltered link between performer and audience. With a toss of his pick and a wave, Weekes bid farewell to a night that will forever be etched in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to bear witness.
In the end, I Don't Know How But They Found Me delivered a concert experience that transcended mere entertainment, leaving a 6 foot 4 mark on the hearts and souls of all who were present. With their infectious energy, charismatic stage presence and undeniable talent, IDKHow proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating their next performance.