“DANCE. BOUNCE. DANCE. BOUNCE.”
These two words set precedence and expectations for the crowd, as they continuously echo through the speakers. Joey Valence & Brae sold out two back to back nights at Chicago’s Metro last week, and their show was nothing short of exceptional.
As the beat to the titular track finally dropped, the duo took the stage with an electrifying and high energy opening performance.
And the fans returned the same energy back.
Many of the fans, known as the HOOLIGANG, arrived in homemade and custom merch. The album logo or “JVB” shorthand was painted across a sea of shirts and sunglasses. Everyone in the venue was proud to be a fan and excited to show it off.
On their third album, JVB are unapologetically themselves. The 14-song tracklist is nostalgic and danceable, filled with inspiration from the duo’s childhood. It features countless samples, including Skrillex’s Bangarang and even the voice of the Adventure Time character BMO.
At its core, HYPERYOUTH is a club album about the terrifying fear of growing up.
“I’m kinda scared to admit I’m afraid of growing up. No one here wants to dance, things are changing” (JVB. “LIVE RIGHT.”)
As we get older, we become more aware of the world around us, which can lead to losing some of our authenticity. Joey and Brae felt this shift in awareness as they aged, which is why this album and tour is a tribute to their younger selves.
And it’s a tribute to the fans' younger selves.
Through the nostalgic tracks and samples, it allows them to become that kid again. That kid who can listen, live freely, and DANCE.
Towards the end of the show I put the camera down. I became just another fan and embraced being in the crowd. And although I came solo to the show, I didn’t feel alone during it.
“Everybody in this room is best friends.”
In between songs Brae addressed the crowd, making everyone introduce themselves to those around them.
Aside from the lovely people I met around me, this sentiment showed how much love and appreciation JVB have for their fans. After spending the majority of their career as independent artists, the duo never lets the HOOLIGANG forget that they would be nowhere without them.
Last Friday, Joey Valence & Brae also released the deluxe version of their album, HYPERYOUTH (afterparty). They will continue on the second leg of their tour until this summer. So if you want to dance and embrace your inner child, GO!
Check out the rest of our photos from the show HERE.