MGMT’s Psychedelic Rock at Atlantic City 2010

MGMT’s Psychedelic Rock at Atlantic City 2010 – a review of their show

Introduction

MGMT is an American experimental rock band formed in 2002 at Wesleyan University by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. They are known forhit singles “Kids” and “Electric Feel”, from their debut album Oracular Spectacular (2007).The duo began as a more traditional rock band but later developed their sound to include electronic and pop elements.

In April 2010, the band performed at the acclaimed Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Later that same month, they headlined the All Points West Music & Arts Festival in New Jersey. In August, the band performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park

What is Psychedelic Rock?

Psychedelic rock, also referred to as acid rock, is a style of music that emerged in the mid-1960s. The style is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and effects, distorted guitar sounds, and trippy lyrics. Psychedelic rock reached its peak of popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with bands like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Led Zeppelin experimenting with the style.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic rock, with modern bands like MGMT and Tame Impala incorporating elements of the style into their music. If you’re a fan of psychedelic rock, be sure to check out MGMT’s performance at Atlantic City 2010!

MGMT’s History

MGMT is an American rock band formed in 2002 in Middletown, Connecticut. It consists of Andrew VanWyngarden (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Ben Goldwasser (keyboards, vocals). Originally named “The Management”, the band’s first incarnation included Matthew Asti, James Richardson and Will Berman. Later, this lineup expanded to include Simon O’Connor (bass), Hank Sullivant (guitar, keyboards), and James Richardson’s brother Paul (drums).

MGMT’s debut album Oracular Spectacular was released on October 2, 2007 to critical acclaim. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was listed as one of the best albums of 2007 by several publications. The success of the album led the band to tour across the world throughout 2008. In 2009, they contributed a cover of “Electric Feel” to the treatment of mental health charity Love Saves The Day’s fund-raising compilation album All Together Now. In early 2010, help from Paul Epworth saw them working with British producer Dave Fridmann on their second album Congratulations; it was released in April that year to positive reviews but significantly lower sales figures than their debut.

MGMT returned to playing live shows in late 2010 and have been touring throughout 2011 and 2012 in support of Congratulations. They are currently working on their third studio album which is slated for release in 2013.

Atlantic City 2010

In 2010, MGMT played a series of shows in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The band’s performances featured a mix of psychedelic rock and electronic music. The shows were well-received by fans and critics alike.

The Setlist

1. “It’s Working”
2. “Song for Dan Treacy”
3. “Flash Delirium”
4. “The Youth”
5. “Electric Feel”
6. “Kids”
7. “Pretend to be Awake”
8. “Weekend Wars”
9. “Of Moons, Birds & Monsters”
10. “Brian Eno”
11.Intermission
12.Siberian Breaks
13.”4th Dimensional Transition”
14.”Metanoia”‘
15.”Of Course We Know”‘
16.”Congratulations”‘

The Encore

When MGMT came back on stage for their Encore, the first thing that caught the audience’s eye was the life size inflatable caterpillar blowing smoke from it’s mouth. The crowd went wild when Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser appeared from behind the inflatable and began playing their hit song “Kids.” The light show during this performance was incredible, with every color of the rainbow filling the stage. It was a fitting end to an incredible show, and one that no one in attendance will soon forget.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that MGMT’s live show is quite the spectacle. A psychedelic light show worthy of any 60s concert, mind-bending visuals, and of course, the band’s own seizure-inducing playing, make for a memorable performance. Even if you’re not a huge fan of their music, it’s definitely worth checking them out live.