The Friday Pilots Club, a band from Chicago, is as hilarious as it is charming. The band is a love child between Arctic Monkeys’ album ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’ and the lyrical familiarity of The Backseat Lovers. They bring a unique yet approachable approach to indie rock, and the band members have great chemistry. It’s impossible to define Friday Pilots Club by a singular sound, but they’re a band to watch that transcends the confines of small venues.
As I entered the venue, I knew I was in for a treat. Brighton Music Hall was built to hold 500 people and was packed to the elbows that night. In any other situation I would have been overwhelmed, but I knew the murmurs of excitement and tangible anticipation were worth it. After a quick scan of my ticket, I was able to enter.
As soon as the band set up their equipment and picked up their instruments, they immediately got up to their A-game. Veteran fans and first-time concertgoers alike seemed to know the lyrics, especially to hits like “End of It.” Whether listeners were playing pool in the back room, having a drink by the bar, or front and center, there was a sense of togetherness.
The lights flashed in shades of orange, red, and yellow, making it look like autumn leaves outside the venue.
The band’s energy was contagious and their connection with the audience was undeniable. Every riff and beat felt intentional and purposeful. The lead singer’s voice boomed over the crowd, sometimes gritty and raw, other times smooth and hypnotic. In between songs, Friday Pilots Club made an effort to connect with their sea of devoted fans by checking in and injecting some humorous banter into their set.
Midway through the set, they introduced a new song, presumably unreleased, and despite the song’s unfamiliarity, the audience was hooked to the rhythm as if it were an old favorite. This is where the Friday Pilots Club really shines. They take the listener on a journey, keeping things fun and light-hearted while drawing them in with emotional depth.
Friday Pilots Club not only lived up to the hype, but exceeded it. Their dynamic sound, magnetic stage presence, and clear passion for their work have audiences buzzing with excitement and ready to follow them as they continue to gain more and more supporters. I did.
