I love the Jonas Brothers. I have loved them since I was nine, which means nearly half of my life has been spent obsessing over the brunette Disney trio. If I had to describe myself in two words, “Jonas Brothers” would be two of them. (Just kidding… maybe.)
My hopelessness at their disbanding several years ago proved to be futile, because each brother has pursued his own project, giving me small doses of Jonas that have been just satisfactory enough.
So imagine my excitement when I discovered DNCE, the newly formed band with Joe Jonas, the middle brother, as frontman. Even better was when I found out DNCE was coming to Valley Bar right here in downtown Phoenix as one of the first stops on the band’s “The Greatest Tour Ever, Tour.”
I hastily bought tickets. Believe it or not, I like to think it wasn’t only the Jonas name that enticed me about this band. The band’s catchy new single “Cake By The Ocean” has been stuck in my head for weeks, and I have been loving the upbeat hipster-pop sound of their recently released EP “SWAAY.”
Cut to Thursday night, waiting in the alley outside Valley Bar on Central Avenue, in between Washington and Van Buren streets. I descended into the basement venue, buzzing with excitement and looking forward to reprieve from the surprising cold outside.
Having never been to Valley Bar, I was struck by the small size of the venue. For those who haven’t been there either, or at least to the bar’s music hall where shows like this take place, picture a relatively sizable room with a stage.
I made a beeline toward the forming crowd to ensure we would have a good view. General admission shows are often cutthroat, with everyone dancing spastically and shoving to get a good look at their idol. But this show wasn’t cutthroat at all. I introduced myself to other fans around me as we bonded over our love of all things Jonas, and a nice couple in front of us even let us take their spot when they decided to move to the back. I saw people making new friends, snapping photos and making sure everyone around them could see the stage all right. I can’t speak for everyone at the show, but my little corner seemed like a peaceful utopia of DNCE fandom.
The show’s opening act was a duo called POWERS, whose catchy beats and upbeat songs got the crowd dancing. The group practically radiated energy; grooving around the stage with smiles beaming on their faces, their joy was infectious. Mike Del Rio’s animal print boots and Crista Ru’s strawberry-pink hair accented funky and edgy songs like “Hot” and “Legendary.”
Just before 9:30 p.m., it was time for DNCE to hit the stage, which was all ready for them with yellow lights strung around the drum set and giant, silver balloons spelling out the band’s four-letter name — fabulously minimalist decorations. Perfect for DNCE.
Screams erupted from the crowd when they took the stage, which I credit partially to the Joe Jonas pandemonium that was surely present in much of the crowd. But Jonas wasn’t the only rock star of the group. With Jack Lawless on the drums, Jinjoo Lee on the guitar and Cole Whittle on bass and keyboard (oh, and the kazoo), the result is a funky and eclectic mix of talent that makes for one charming band.
The group jammed to the four songs from their EP — “Pay My Rent,” “Toothbrush,” “Jinx,” and of course, “Cake By The Ocean” — interspersed with covers and songs with lyrics that were a bit hard to make out amid the blaring noise.
Whether it was the screaming crowd, or the fact that I was right next to the speaker, I can tell you that as I’m writing this my ears are still ringing from the sheer loudness of the concert. But at such a high-energy and funky concert, where dancing is infectious and singing along is a must, loud is almost preferred.
Maybe it’s the Jonas Brothers adoration talking, but objectively speaking, Jonas was a truly compelling and charming frontman. His nonstop dancing around every corner of the stage and ability to work a crowd (including his unassuming introduction of “What’s up, I’m Joe”) made it hard to take your eyes off him.
The concert ended with an explosion of rainbow-colored confetti, as well as a triumphant and haphazard rendition of “We Are The Champions” when the band passed around a massive silver trophy among themselves. Also present throughout the duration of the concert was a cutout of Lady Gaga on the stage, which Jonas highlighted as he was introducing the group.
One thing is clear about this band — they’re here to have fun.
Watching Jonas, Lawless, Lee and Whittle shimmy around the stage, belting out throw-back covers and having a blast, made me feel as if I was in on some sort of inside joke. It seems like Jonas’ days of global teenybopper pandemonium are over, but he doesn’t even care.
DNCE is a pop-rock quartet whose disco-flavored tunes will make you dance and smile at the same time, both of which came easily for me at this fun concert. The intimate venue, the bonding of the audience and the upbeat songs made it clear everyone was there for one reason — to have a good time.
Mission accomplished.
Contact the columnist at libby.allnatt@asu.edu
