A Review By: Troy Manley
South Dakota obviously isn't on the radar for many people as
the place to be to catch the hottest shows. Hell, most of America probably
doesn't realize that people actually live here. But luckily for us South Dakotans,
Sioux Falls has been on Big Gigantic's radar for quite some time, making their
3rd appearance in our quaint city on Wednesday night - simultaneously kicking
off their Winter 2014 tour in support of the brand new LP,
The Night is Young. Big Gigantic's third appearance unquestionably
sported the most respectable venue in Sioux Falls for a talent of their magnitude, The
District - while the first 2 went down in makeshift bar/nightclubs in town. The
District opened its doors to Sioux Falls residents in the Fall of 2013, and has
a capacity around 1,500.
The venue is in the parking lot of the Sioux Empire
Mall - which happens to be the largest single story mall in America - just off
Interstate i-29. The District sports a fairly large standing area with a
balcony with some more general admission space and a couple VIP booths. The
stage is easily viewable from all parts of the floor, I didn't venture to the
heavens above as there was plenty of room get down on the ground level.
After arriving fairly early, my friends and I hung out
around with they had a DJ playing some music on what seemed to be the worst
sound system on earth. I was scared for my life at this point having heard the
sound coming from the stage. Luckily things improved once they switched to over
to the direct support for the night, Manic Focus. This Chicago talent has been
making waves in the electronic dance world in recent months by playing one
kickass show after another. I happened across this dude playing at the small "Forest
Stage" nestled in a corner of Sherwood Forest at Electric Forest last summer
and have been a believer since. This show marked his 2nd appearance in Sioux
Falls, having destroyed a headlining show at a questionable venue last fall. Manic
Focus is simply a beast behind the controls, and as Ty Allen has said:
"Whether it’s an abrasive arpeggio, or a wave of whimsical wobbles, his
ability to subtly inject sultry sound is undeniable." Definitely check
this dude out if he hits your city.
The main headliners for the night, Big Gigantic, is the duo
consisting of Dominic Lalli (Saxophone/Producer) and Jeremy Salken (Drums).
Hailing from Boulder, Colorado and making the national stage their home, Big G
is known for their high-energy live performances and bad-ass light shows. After
taking the stage, the guys stood between an immaculate stage set up consisting
of powerful lights and large high-powered LED squares that dominated all the
space they had. They came out swinging and masterfully worked their way through
tracks off their new album and classics. Notably, they played:
"Clvdbvrst," "Fantastic," "Nocturnal," "From
Death to Dawn," "Sky High," "Touch the Sky," "Aftershock,"
and one of my personal favorites, "I Need A Dollar." Dominic and Jeremy played with a precision 2nd to none the entire show and flawlessly executed their goal of making the crowd dance. Hands down the best show I had seen in Sioux
Falls, the venue was rocking the entire night - so I think most would agree. With a ton of dates left on
their current tour, you CANNOT miss Big G if they come to a city near you! Find Tour dates:
HERE.
All photos taken by Troy Manley on an iPhone 5.
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