Wild Nothing @ 9:30 Club - 11/18/2018
Wild Nothing at 9:30 Club (Photo by Amanda Molloy / @street.joy)
Jack Tatum of Wild Nothing is no stranger to the DMV music scene. Not only did he reach the beginnings of fame in his native state of Virginia, but his band opened up for Stars at DC’s 9:30 Club shortly after the release of their first record in 2010. Wild Nothing’s return back to the 9:30 Club on November 18th was their first time headlining the beloved venue, and they made sure to show their gratitude in the form of a surreal, atmospheric 90 minute-long set.
This show would be Wild Nothing’s last stop on tour in support of their latest album, Indigo. Released last August, Indigo has received praise for its ambitious blending of the iconic synthesizer sounds of the ‘80s with the band’s dream pop and indie rock roots. The new material was prominent — nearly half of the setlist comprised of songs from Indigo — but the band made sure to include a collection of stand-out tracks from previous albums, as well, making for a show that fans new and old alike could enjoy.
Irresistible rhythms and euphoric transitions from one track to another served as a reminder of why Wild Nothing is one of the biggest names in dream pop. It was impossible to not dance along to cathartic anthems like “Letting Go,” Indigo’s lead single. The band closed out the set with an energetic encore of three fan favorites: “Chinatown,” “A Dancing Shell,” and “Shadow.” Throughout the show, engagement with audience members was brief but heartfelt. Aesthetically, the stage setup was nothing special — but it didn’t have to be. Wild Nothing’s performance made it clear that this a group that doesn’t need over-the-top spectacles and extravagant displays to captivate a room full of people.
Opening for Wild Nothing was Montreal-based indie dream pop group Men I Trust, who delivered a set filled with exceptionally catchy beats and bass lines — but what really stood out was lead singer Emma Proulx’s soft, ethereal vocals. Men I Trust’s recent single, “Seven” was released on September 6th via the group’s Bandcamp.
