If Peter Bjorn and John joined forces with Janelle Monae, they could still learn a thing or two from Fitz and the Tantrums. The indie dance pop band turned the Danforth Music Hall into a wicked dance party on Sunday night, which made me forget my Queen’s Plate FOMO.
Fitz and the Tantrums (FATT) may not be a local band, but the sincerity they expressed during their commentary convinced me that they’d fit right in with polite Canadians. Their fans aren’t necessarily hipster enough for Parkdale, but maybe they biked over from the Beaches.
After FATT dedicated Out of My League to the audience, everyone stood up — including the relatively introverted fans with balcony seats. The band inspired fans to put down their phones and dance like no one’s watching. It was awesome.
I heart Fitz and the Tantrums.
My favourite part of the evening was when FATT surprised us with a cover of Sweet Dreams Are Made of These. Their 80s tribute was lively and timely in a #ThrowbackThursday kind of way. If Fitz and the Tantrums made a workout DVD, I would buy it.
For a band with such enormous appeal to young adults, I was surprised that t-shirts were available in toddler sizes only. Their poster has a cool pattern, but that kind of decor has no place in my condo anymore. Maybe it’d be suitable for a desktop background.
Noelle Scaggs’ playful use of a tambourine reminded me of Walk Off The Earth’s winter show at Sound Academy. Jumping around in metallic gold sneakers, Noelle proved she knows how to rock the athletic chic look while projecting an edgy vibe. Her confidence was intense, yet admirable.
Lead vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick’s dad calls Toronto his hometown, so let’s hope that family history will encourage Fitz and the Tantrums to return to YYZ soon.
Want to listen to Fitz and the Tantrums?
Want to see Ellen dance to their hit single The Walker? Click here to watch the video!