Atlas Genius revives Legends

The sauna calling itself Legends Night Club filled to a comfortable capacity to welcome Saturday night’s opening act. The Social Animals, a down-to earth indie alternative band with an Americana edge, fearlessly kicked off the semester’s first Legends show.

The Social Animals brought a refreshing mix of popular covers and originals from their appropriately named debut album, “Formative Years.” Playfully plucked notes along with the vibrant personality of frontman Dedric Clark kept the audience engaged.

The Americana style manifested itself in The Social Animals' most well-known song “Let Me Go” in a sound that bordered on country. A full on dorm-party vibe ensued at the on-campus event when the band played their rendition of R. Kelly's “Ignition Remix,” causing a universal sway to break out among crowd members.

Their version of the popularly recreated “When Doves Cry” proved a more sophisticated cover. The combination of a mature sound and youthful energy indicate a promising future for the young band. Overall, The Social Animals left the audience pleasantly surprised, none too impatient for the headliner's turn.

A selection of free snacks rejuvenated concert-goers between sets. Popcorn, pretzels and nachos will allegedly be available for free at all upcoming events at Legends — monumental news for hungry music fans.

The excited audience packed tightly around the stage for headliner Atlas Genius, an alternative pop-rock band from Australia. The group is lead by brothers Keith and Michael Jeffrey, whose familial connection was apparent. The energetic audience came prepared for the upbeat dance songs that characterized the show.

From the first song throughout the entire show audience members readily clapped along with the drumbeat, jumping up and down nearest the stage and taking full dancing liberty in the less-crowded back areas of the nightclub. Electronic musical elements and flashing lights created a futuristic atmosphere.

The relatively young band drew original songs from the two albums they've recorded since 2011, but didn't limit themselves, playing a variety of covers as well.

Tears for Fears hit “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” suited their tireless style well, but high points of the night were brought on by expressive originals. As if the dancing was not already infectious in the crowd, frontman Keith Jeffrey announced one of the band's biggest hits, “If So,” saying “This one's for dancing.”

When Atlas Genius unexpectedly began there encore with The Weeknd's “The Hills,” it might have been another cheap crowd-pleasing pop cover to make the audience sing along, but their version of the song proved more meaningful. A rock style made the familiar lyrics seem edgier, bordering on disturbing. 

The high-energy night culminated with top hit “Trojans,” expending whatever energy was left in both audience and performers. Overall, Atlas Genius's set made for a playful night at Legends, filled with unrestrained dancing. Students left the event sweaty and satisfied.