Concert review: Dance party broke out during Imagine Dragons’ show at House of Blues

by Brenna Rushing

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Imagine Dragons' show with Atlas Genus is one of the best tours Dallas has seen so far in 2013.

DALLAS — It’s been a very big year for Imagine Dragons: The band released its first full-length in September, flooded radio stations with two hit singles, and sold out dates across the country on their biggest tour yet. Their Monday night set at the House of Blues in Dallas was one of those sold-out shows -- a momentous feat since this was their first time in Dallas. With a heavy-hitting opening lineup consisting of LA’s Nico Vega and the Australian group Atlas Genius, the full experience made for a buzz-worthy evening.

Starting the evening were Aja Volkman’s gravelly chords, which were the sweet spot for Nico Vega. Volkman, who is the wife of Imagine Dragons’ front man Dan Reynolds, knew how to work a room with squeaky screeches and a stage presence I couldn't peel my eyes from. Their pulsing bass line and start-and-stop songs made for a hearty appetizer that set the tone for the young audience.

Last year also marks many milestones for Atlas Genius, the Australian band who blew up overnight online. Their first single “Trojans” created their brand from the get-go, and gave the humble group the opportunity to shop for the best record label and write and record their first EP at their own pace. Their cushioned harmonies and catchy riffs make this band a noteworthy group for 2013. Look for their first full length, When It Was Now, on Tuesday, February 19.

Imagine Dragons lead singer Reynolds stood front and center with a massive mallet or mic stand for most of the evening. The Sin City-based band built a thumping, pulsating beat into every track, incorporating multiple forms of percussion. With the help of two monolithic drums, one pushing 5 feet, Reynolds pounded through his signature, gut punching beats like he was swinging at a piñata.

If, at any point, Reynolds had stopped singing, the exuberant crowd would’ve taken over the words. The audience seemed to know every word and maintained enthusiasm regardless of the song. Although a track like “Radioactive” (their current single) has a catchy chorus that can hook even the pickiest listener, it’s songs like “Bleeding Out” that showed what the band is really made of. Reynolds' song-writing is complemented by back up from guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman.

Saving the best for last, the chirpy track “On Top of the World” brought the dance party this young crowd was made for. With the massive wave Imagine Dragons is currently riding, we have a feeling this dance party won’t be out of Dallas long.

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