StarBeat Music: As Tall As Lions @ Maxwell's, Hoboken NJ 7/8- review, photos, setlist

As Tall As Lions performed its first show in a few months at Maxwell’s to kick off its mini tour, debuting some new songs and giving fans a special extended set. Openers The Circus and Leah Siegel, two completely differently sounding acts performed great sets. It was obvious that the bands enjoy playing and so much emotion could be seen in their face and the way they moved. The show was lovely, both for the bands and the filled room of fans dancing, singing lyrics, and shouting “I love you’s,” and “Happy Birthday, Julio.”

As is the case with Maxwell’s there weren’t too many in attendance during the first band, New Jersey’s The Circus, a young, fresh 4-piece rock band. There were a few people that were really excited, jumping and singing along, for the band as they played a fun, poppy, catchy set. During their last song, they brought up a “special guest.” She had a nice voice and worked well with the band.

Leah Siegel, a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn backed by three members, all sophisticated and nicely dressed played a nice set. The sound was your typical indie/rock. She reminded me of Feist and Thao with the Get Down Stay Down. Siegel’s vocals had great, simple vocals. Brian Wolfe’s drumming was good and different. His facial expressions were great as well, going from a serious look to a smile with the change in beats. It was pretty awesome.

The moment would soon come around 10:30pm, when As Tall As Lions would grace the stage for a now packed Maxwell's to perform their heart-warming, groovy, yet ambient rock set. It was Julio’s birthday to and his family, friends, and fans were in attendance. He mentioned he was fortunate to be surrounded by all these people for his birthday. The band knows how to capture its audience with the sensational sounds of Julio, Saen, Rob, Cliff, and Dan. All work so well together, switch back off on instruments and express what they feel. The lush vocals and sincere lyrics of Dan really hit me. I loved singing along and watching everyone up front enjoying themselves and going crazy. The new songs were quite good, keeping in the same vein of the ATAL sound and with more rockin’ drum and bass beats then before. I was particularly excited to hear “Stab City,” and “Be Here Now,” two of my favorite songs. Just watching the whole band explode into an outpouring of emotional on stage, like they were making love to their instruments, as my friend said, was beautiful. These Long Island lads known how to put on a show.