The night kicked off with Vlad Holiday, setting a mood that was effortlessly cool and a little bit mysterious. Sporting sunglasses like a true rockstar, he let the music do the talking. His songs carried a mellow, bittersweet vibe—part romantic, part melancholy—but totally captivating. He closed his set with “So Damn Into You,” a perfect finale that pulled the crowd in without any flashy theatrics.
Next up, hey, nothing completely shifted the energy. Their set felt charmingly raw and refreshingly authentic—maybe a little bit awkward, but in the best way. The two bandmates openly shared their friendship with the audience, expressing how lucky they were to just be best friends doing what they love on stage. Their songs—like “Black Bear,” “Too Drunk to Drive,” and “Hitchhiking”—were catchy anthems that belonged on every indie road trip playlist. Between songs, their easy-going banter was genuine and funny, making the crowd feel like part of an intimate hangout rather than a concert. The excitement was contagious, and the audience was clearly loving every second.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—Cage the Elephant. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a band with so much energy. From the moment they hit the stage, it was full-on chaos—in the best possible way. Frontman Matt Shultz was everywhere all at once, sprinting, spinning, dropping to the floor, and somehow still delivering spot-on vocals the entire time. No idea how he does it, but he does it well.
Their set was a masterful blend of old favorites and new jams. Personal highlights for me were “Neon Pill” and “Social Cues,” but of course, they threw in the classics—“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” “Cigarette Daydreams,” and “Trouble.” The crowd erupted with every chorus, fully losing themselves in the music. The whole performance was a cathartic release—you didn’t check your phone once.
Near the end, I found myself at the back, people-watching. Every group was having the time of their lives, dancing wildly and singing at the top of their lungs. Cage the Elephant didn’t just perform—they blew the roof off The Armory.
Truly a 10/10 night in Minneapolis.
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