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NEEDTOBREATHE in Vancouver was an explosive night, as the South Carolina-based Christian rockers brought their CAVES world tour to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Led by singer-songwriter Bear Rinehart, the band embarked on this tour in late 2023 to celebrate the release of their aptly titled album, “Caves”. On October 9th, 2024, Vancouver was finally treated to the highly anticipated performance, and the energy in the venue was electric, with the nearly sold out ready to sing along to every song. As 7:30 PM approached and fans settled into their seats, buzzing with excitement, it was time for Tall Heights to kick off the show.
As the lights dimmed and excitement surged through the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, it became clear that Tall Heights was a much bigger deal than I had anticipated. With popular tracks like “Spirit Cold” and “Back to Autumn” igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm, it was easy to see why they garnered such an enormous reaction. The Boston-based electro-folk duo, composed of Tim Harrington and Paul Wright, delivered an exceptional set, blending their stunning cello and guitar harmonies. Their banter about traveling from Chicago added a delightful touch, making the performance feel both engaging and intimate.
In terms of musicianship, the dynamic duo showcased an incredible synergy, beautifully complementing each other both vocally and instrumentally. Throughout their set, there were moments that felt like musical call-and-response, with Harrington’s guitar leading the way, only for Wright’s fiery cello to seize control with commanding intensity. From their debut on Conan O’Brien in 2016 to gracing the stage at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in 2024, it was clear why they remain such a significant force in music. Their performance was an absolute pleasure to witness, and we can’t wait to catch Tall Heights again when they embark on their Softly Softly tour in Vancouver later this year.
Before the band took the stage, I looked around in astonishment; for a group I had never heard of until that night, the venue was nearly packed to capacity. As the lights dimmed, it was finally time for NEEDTOBREATHE in Vancouver to kick off. Drummer Randall Harris and keyboardist Josh Lovelace set the tone with “Great Night” from the band’s 2016 album, “HARDLOVE”. As Tyler Burkum (guitar), Seth Bolt (bass), and lead vocalist Bear Rinehart (vocals/guitar) joined them on stage, the audience erupted into thunderous applause. The sheer volume was overwhelming, I couldn’t believe NEEDTOBREATHE had flown under my radar for so long. It was an unexpected and exhilarating surprise that caught me completely off guard.
The night was filled with singing and dancing as NEEDTOBREATHE delivered a heavenly performance that captivated everyone from the very first note. Their 19-track setlist featured songs from multiple albums, along with two impressive covers: “The House of the Rising Sun” and Tom Petty’s “You Wreck Me”. The band closed the main set with the anthemic “The Outsiders,” before returning for their encore with their biggest hit, “Brother”. They followed this with a beautifully intimate acoustic rendition of “West Texas Wind,” which acted as a perfect send-off, leaving many in the audience with a profound sense of awe and tranquility.
The entire show felt like a highlight for me, as any expectations I had were immediately surpassed. It was clear that every member of the band was thrilled to perform, with consistent movement and energy throughout the set. Notably, Josh Lovelace jumped from the keys to the front of the stage, clapping and hyping up an audience that was already at a fever pitch of excitement. A particularly electrifying moment came when Bear picked up the harmonica during “Wasting Time,” igniting the crowd even further. The atmosphere was charged with energy, and even as the band exited the stage before the encore, the audience vibrated with anticipation as they awaited for what was to come.
Overall, NEEDTOBREATHE In Vancouver was an extraordinary experience that I would gladly relive. Their powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics transcended the typical boundaries associated with “Christian rock”. The atmosphere was lively, and it was clear why the music reached far beyond labels. Like many others, I left the concert feeling invigorated and hoping to witness their magic again.
If you’d like to learn more about NEEDTOBREATHE, you can find out more by visiting their website here: https://www.needtobreathe.com/
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