Moody Joody proves why openers deserve your attention
Concert shot for The Concert Chronicles. You can find the original article here.
Boston’s House of Blues has been facing some stiff competition since MGM Music Hall opened just down the street, but Thursday night’s show was a reminder of why this venue remains a cornerstone of the city’s music scene. More importantly, it was proof that showing up early for an opener isn’t just a courtesy. It’s often how you discover your next favorite band.
Moody Joody, the Nashville-based synth-pop trio composed of vocalists Kayla Hall and Kaitie Forbes, alongside producer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Pacheco, took the stage to a room that was still filling in. As is often the case, many in the crowd were unfamiliar with the band, and let’s be honest, openers don’t always get the attention they deserve. But Moody Joody refused to be background music. With shimmering synths, tight harmonies, and undeniable charm, they quickly pulled the audience in. By the time they closed with their most popular track, “Ground Control,” the crowd wasn’t just listening they were fully engaged and dancing along as if they’d been longtime fans.
Their setlist leaned heavily on their most recent EP, Dream Girl, with highlights including “El Camino High” and “Dream Girl,” as well as their latest single, “Talk Me Down.” Hall and Forbes traded vocals as they moved through dreamy yet infectious melodies, all backed by Pacheco’s polished production (and a few electric guitar solos of his). It’s not often that an opener manages to flip an indifferent crowd into an eager one, but Moody Joody made their case loud and clear, skipping the opening act means missing out.
Of course, A R I Z O N A kept the energy up when they hit the stage for their Victory Lap tour. True to the theme, the stage design was built to resemble a race track, complete with a grated fence and bleachers where some audience members, and even Moody Joody, watched the performance from a unique vantage point. The band delivered a high-energy set, keeping the crowd moving from start to finish with a mix of old favorites and newer material. The night reached its peak during the third encore, where they saved their biggest hit, “Oceans Away,” for the very end, sending the audience into a final, euphoric singalong.
Boston’s House of Blues may not always have the easiest time filling the room these days, but on nights like this, it’s clear why the venue remains a staple. And for those who showed up early, Moody Joody made sure they walked away with a new favorite band, and a reminder that openers are worth your time.