After smashing through the Big Ticket festival in December, dance-pop music artist Robert DeLong returned to Jacksonville on Tuesday night for a stellar performance at Jack Rabbits.
Some of DeLong’s avid listeners stood close to the stage before openers Colours took the stage, while some of his new (and perhaps a bit older) fans hung out toward the back and bar areas. The alternative duo from Sarasota, Florida ignited the dance floor and started a non-stop dance party.
Colours’ set was a vibrant display of light against a techno-pop sound. It was as intimate as it was energetic, and the crowd seemed to really dig the vibe these guys were putting down. The duo was nice enough to play some songs their upcoming album Ivory for a sneak peek before it releases Feb.26.
During the musical limbo between sets, people at the show followed the normal pattern of walking in and out for cigarettes and drink refills. But the fans had that sixth sense of knowing when DeLong was getting ready to play. That same feeling you get at any show of building excitement was no exception here. Robert DeLong’s stage crew carefully set up his live set, which was almost too big for the stage. After several minutes passed by, it was finally showtime.
The young, up-and-coming electronic music pioneer took the stage and blasted the night off into a galactic experience, filled with massive beats and simmering live instrumentation. He performed on a wide array of instruments and voice altering microphones, but what sets DeLong apart from other musicians is his use of video game controllers as a kind of sound board. At this show, a Nintendo Wii remote was his weapon of choice. On top of this, he made do with a guitar, two percussion kits, a keyboard modular system, a joystick, and of course his voice.
The intensity was well-backed by the crowd as the night went on. It was getting so hot that people were leaving to go outside and cool off. Luckily for those who couldn’t handle the heat, the music was easily heard through the exit doors.
Powerful drops stuck between electronic beats, and live instrumentation continued as the show began to come to an end. There was a pulse in the crowd as if the venue had come alive. As the crowd started chanting “one more song,” DeLong began an extended encore as one more song turned into two more songs.
After both Colours and Robert Delong’s set, the crowd gave an even exchange of applause and appreciation–a mutual respect for the love of the music, and everything it encompasses.
What started off as an average Tuesday night turned into a riveting experience at the one-of-a-kind downtown Jacksonville music venue Jack Rabbits. Thanks to Robert Delong and Colours, the people of North Florida were able to escape the doldrums of their regular Tuesday.
Revisit Spinnaker’s exclusive interview with DeLong at the Big Ticket here!
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