Show Review & Photos: Imagine Dragons & Youngblood Hawke @ Showbox at the Market

Imagine Dragons & Youngblood Hawke @ Showbox at the Market, 10/2
Show Review & Photos by Heather Fitzpatrick


Imagine Dragons


Youngblood Hawke

I have to admit, I was pretty excited when I heard that Imagine Dragons was coming back to town. I absolutely had to see them again. They had previously played a show at Green River Community College this past May, and I was blown away by their music. To be honest, I am very selective about positive criticism when it comes to “mainstream” bands, but Imagine Dragons had what I was looking for. Imagine Dragons was formed in Las Vegas by four friends Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee and Daniel Platzman, and have been together since 2008. With the release of their highly anticipated CD, Night Visions – which includes their hit single & MTV VMA-nominated, “It’s Time” – they are definitely making an impact in the music industry and gaining a large fan base along the way. I would describe their music as Coldplay with a kick. Front man Dan Reynolds belts out meaningful lyrics and beats emotion into both a huge bass drum and a smaller snare right up front, center stage. On October 2nd at Showbox Market Dan was engaging with his fans, and numerous times he was nearly brought to tears as he thanked the sold out crowd for their continued support. After their set, fans who were slow to exit were suddenly shocked that the guys came out to the merch table to sign CDs, posters, shirts and even shoes! They have sold out nearly 100% of their entire fall US tour dates, and those who were able to grab tickets this time round to see them at these smaller venues can consider themselves very lucky. I have no doubt they will end up in larger arena style shows next time round.

Youngblood Hawke joined Imagine Dragons on their US tour, and this adrenaline-filled pop-tronic band from Los Angeles was a fun treat for the crowd. The quintet, comprised of Sam Martin, Simon Katz, Tasso Smith, Alice Katz, and Nik Hughes released their debut self-titled EP this past summer. Sam Martin and Simon Katz were previously members of the great Californian band Iglu & Hartly. When Iglu & Hartly went on hiatus, Martin and Katz decided to work on another project, and the result is a band you will want to see. They’re on tour now with Passion Pit and then will join Keane for shows in January. They also got to hang out with real sharks in their video for “We Come Running.”


Youngblood Hawke


Imagine Dragons


Youngblood Hawke


Imagine Dragons


Youngblood Hawke
Youngblood Hawke


Imagine Dragons