REVIEW: Fitz and the Tantrums ‘get low’ for performance

Middle-aged women, frat guys, plaid-clad hipsters, couples on a date night, even a man and his preteen son: Fitz and the Tantrums brought the dance moves out of this eclectic crowd at their sold out co-headlining show at Marathon Music Works Thursday.

“Did you guys come out here to party tonight or what?” asked vocalist Noelle Scaggs.

And with that, Los Angeles-based Fitz and the Tantrums indeed brought the party for a solid hour or so of bubbly fun.

By their second song, “Don’t Gotta Work It Out” from their first album “Pickin’ Up The Pieces,” the entire crowd was getting down to the band’s Motown-infused, indie sound.

Already energized by Capital Cities’ lively set beforehand, audience members showed no signs of fatigue as they danced, clapped and sang throughout the entire set. A particular crowd favorite was “Spark,” a song from the band’s newest album, “More Than Just a Dream.”

Their cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” was a standout moment of the night, as the band brought their funky, dance vibe to the 80s classic. This throwback received more than an excellent reception from the crowd, as audience members – young and old alike – wildly sang and danced along.

Yet dancing was not exclusive to just the crowd; the band members showcased their own moves on stage, clearly enjoying the music as much as the audience. “Out of My League,” one of their newest singles, certainly brought out the boogie in both the band and the crowd.

“Right here, right now, let’s have a dance party,” said vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick, before the band delved into another fan-favorite, “L.O.V.”

“This band, we like to get low,” Fitzpatrick explained, inviting the crowd to “get low” with them during their first encore song and well-known hit, “MoneyGrabber.”

Before performing their final song of the night, “The Walker,” Fitzpatrick thanked Nashville for making their dreams come true.

“Thank you for being real people and real music lovers,” said Fitzpatrick.

The audience could have said the same thing in reply to this genuinely dedicated, fun-loving band.