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AJR: Somewhere in Indiana
The AJR Brothers, the pop trio consisting of the Met brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan, have set out on their “Somewhere in the Sky” tour with shows spanning all over the U.S. This tour is in anticipation of their newest EP, What No One’s Thinking, giving fans a taste of what’s to come while celebrating the band’s evolution in sound and visuals. With several supporting acts joining the tour, each stop feels less like a standard concert and more like a full-fledged experience.
A Lineup Worth Showing Up Early For
Each opener brought their own style of music for the crowd to experience. With high-energy and packed sets, all four openers made a lasting impression. It was especially cool to see how each supporting act had fans in the crowd who were there just for them, singing along, holding signs, and showing up early to catch every moment. With high-energy performances and packed sets, all four openers made a lasting impression. It was especially cool to see how each supporting act, Madilyn Mei, Valley, Cavetown, and Goth Babe, had fans in the crowd who were there just for them, singing along, holding signs, and showing up early to catch every moment.
Madilyn Mei started the night off with a delicate, bedroom pop vibe that immediately made me feel at home and excited for what was ahead. Shortly after, indie-pop band Valley took the stage and completely commanded it, leaving me wanting to see and hear more. I truly did not want their set to stop. Cavetown followed with their quirky style and warm stage presence, creating a genuinely fun and charming experience. Finally, Goth Babe closed out the openers with a vibrant set that blended indie-pop and synth, which, in my opinion, was the perfect transition into AJR’s headlining performance.
AJR
With a banging pre-show playlist blasting through the speakers of Ruoff Music Center, AJR kept the energy high between Goth Babe’s set and their own. It was clear they knew exactly how to build anticipation and keep the crowd buzzing. As soon as the screen lit up, the crowd erupted. Everyone already knew what was coming. From the very start, AJR leaned into their signature humor, flashing jokes across the screen and getting laughs from the audience without even showing their faces. Throughout the entire show, the brothers made a 24,000-capacity venue feel like an intimate hole-in-the-wall with the way they involved the entire audience. Not only did they bring the crowd together, but they also uplifted the local community by bringing out the Noblesville Marching Millers. Yes, a full high school marching band, for the finale. That was, without a doubt, my favorite moment of the night.
On top of the humor and heart, AJR is known for their over-the-top visuals, and they did not disappoint. The entire show was filled with special effects that elevated the emotional impact of each song, drawing the audience deeper into the world they created. Every animation, screen transition, and lighting cue felt purposeful, enhancing both the storytelling and the overall atmosphere.
Overall, I left the venue feeling more than just entertained. I felt inspired. AJR delivered a show that was equal parts spectacle and sincerity, and their performance served as a reminder of why live music matters and why their fan base continues to grow. There are still chances to catch them on the road, where you can find the rest of their tour, here!
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