Dan Deacon really knows how to throw a party. Known for his highly interactive concerts involving comedic dance routines and epic sing-alongs, Dan Deacon did not disappoint. However, this particular show at the Echo was a little special. After knowing that he suddenly cancelled his performance at the FYF Fest last month and cancelled his Irvine show a few days prior for a “family emergency”, we were wondering if he would turn up at all. To our relief, Dan arrived to the venue just a bit late, announcing that he had just come from his grandfather’s funeral. We had a sentimental moment, gathering together, placing our hands on the head of the person next to us, repeating after Dan, “how could you, you promised me, I trusted you, how could you? I’m so sorry. My blood, your blood, your father, your mother, your grandparents, your grandparents before them, do you truly love anything? I know you do, that’s why we’re here…for you, for love, forever”. And thus, Dan kicked off the show, showering his love onto hundreds of sweaty hipsters.

As with all his shows, Dan set up his equipment and played on the floor, surrounded by the crowd. As the party started, his signature green skull lit up as well as the strobe lights adorned with freaky masks and neon tape. Playing a lot of songs from his latest album, Bromst, Dan had the crowd pumped and dancing for a good hour. The highlight of the night was a huge dance off, as we formed a circle in the middle of the floor. Two people showed off their best moves for a good 15 seconds before tagging another audience member to take their place. Whether you were forced to dance or were just watching, the energy was vibrant and full of life.

The downside of such a high energy dance party was being repeatedly shoved into sweaty armpits and knocked around. The crowed was so tightly packed around Dan, I could barely breathe through some songs. As Dan remarked, “that is a horrible smell, what a horrible smell!” He ended the show with his glorious epic “Wham City” as we all crowded together and sang along. Despite having just come from his grandfather’s funeral, Dan blew us away with an amazing set and welcomed us into his family of wild beats and bizarre dance moves. If you’re thinking about going to a Dan Deacon show in the future, I have a few words of advice: come with memorized lyrics and get ready to shake whatcha mama gave ya.

– Janet Lee