[EXCLUSIVE] Live Show Photos + Review of Machineheart and Vinyl Theatre!

When up-and-coming electronic pop-rock bands Vinyl Theatre and Machineheart recently hit Philadelphia’s Underground Arts, I jumped at the opportunity to see them while their careers are still in the early stages. This wasn’t my first time at Underground Arts, however, it was my first time experiencing this type of set-up. Apparently the basement is equipped with two stages to allow for two very different show atmospheres. This time, there was a stage in the back room, while the main room took on the role of a cozy bar and lounge filled with couches and tables. This particular show was sold out, but the layout provided ample space and an enjoyable environment.

Machineheart remains a rather mysterious band, which I guess played a role in sparking my interest in them. If you search them on Spotify, you’ll only find one song. “Circles,” one amazingly catchy song that will no doubt be stuck in your head hours after listening. A YouTube search for the band will only deliver two videos. One is the official video for the above mentioned song featuring Vanic, the other documenting the creation of the video. With that being said, I was heading out to this show not really knowing what to expect from them. What I got was a first glimpse at a diverse group with a very promising future.

The band is fronted by Stevie Scott whose vocal range is just as impressive on stage as it is in the studio. Their eclectic style is supported well with the incorporation of both acoustic and electric guitar. Additionally, the members have an obvious chemistry, as they frequently exchanged smiles and signals to one another during the set. That positive vibe spilled over into the audience, making fans feel welcomed by the performers and creating an overall feeling of joy in the room. Although a majority of the set was brand new to fans, each song was received with loud applause.

Machineheart is touring throughout the month of July and is scheduled to perform in September’s Fashion Meets Music Fest in Colombus, Ohio alongside a very impressive lineup including AWOLNATION, Young The Giant, St. Vincent, and more. Their debut album is set to be released later this year.

Vinyl Theatre, a band I can’t help but love, took the stage after Machineheart. Their use of catchy guitar riffs and synth, paired with danceable drum beats, makes for quite an infectious combination. Add on top of that Keegan Calmes’ swooning vocals, and you’ve got a band destined for success. Whether you like their style or not, there’s no denying that these guys know what they’re doing. And they’re doing it very well. Their video for the single “Breaking Up My Bones” has collected well over half a million views on YouTube. Also working in their favor is their ability to put on one hell of a live show.

Vinyl Theatre played a collection of songs from their 2013 release, Gold, and their most recent offering, Electrogram. They also mixed in a piano-driven cover of “When You Were Young” by The Killers on which Calmes and keyboardist Chris Senner definitely did it justice. It was well-received by the audience, which provided backing vocals for the chorus. Fans happily sang along to the band’s original songs as well, and you could tell the guys were thrilled with the connection they had made with them. The best part about watching Vinyl Theatre is that their love for what they do shines through during the entirety of their performance, as well as their sincere gratitude for the support of their fans. This quality will help them immensely as they continue to grow.