BPD member 2s On sent us this review:
In a move that sparked a combination of backlash, excitement and confusion, the band asked show attendees on this leg of their tour to arrive in formal attire or a costume. About a third to half of the audience obliged, and my buds and I were peppered with girls in sparkling silver pants, guys in suits, and all manner of costumes, from Christmas elves to dancers from "What Does the Fox Say?" It was a throwback to the band's small venue gigs last September, taped for the world to see in a concert documentary that ran after the season premiere of SNL, and a testament to the their ability to create an aesthetic (or is it a brand?) for their music.
The band took the stage wearing the same white disco suits and face paint that they donned in the "Reflektor" music video, flanked by large, fragmented mirrors and multicoloured lights. They were joined by several extra musicians, including two percussionists, two saxophonists and Owen Pallett on violin and keys.
After a short excerpt from "My Body is a Cage," they they kicked into a set that emphasized the new album, Reflektor, and their debut LP, Funeral. The only other Neon Bible song that raised its head was "No Cars Go," originally written for their self-titled EP. Their coverage of The Suburbs was limited to the big numbers: "Ready to Start," "The Suburbs" and "Rococo," with Win Butler singing Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball" over the opening chords. "Sprawl II" served as a perfectly chosen, upbeat set closer.
The show empathized a combination of band's new material and their old, road-tested fan favourites. Songs like "Reflektor" and "We Exist" sparked dancing from the crowd, and anthems like "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" and "Wake Up" took on a whole new scope in a big arena. The added instruments also allowed the band to reinterpret songs such as "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)," which began with a steel drum solo.
At one point, Win Butler pointed to the back of the general admission crush and told the people there to start dancing. "There are so many pretty girls here," he said. "Ask a pretty girl to dance with you!" A dance party ensued and lasted for the rest of the set; fans in the stands swayed and watched.
Keeping with the exclusive nightclub theme, attendees with BPD passes were treated to a red carpet upon entering and had access to the Platinum Club area which was the band hung out pre and post-show. They even performed an acoustic mini-set just for us.
What more can I say. BPD delivered!!
