Page 30 - Poze Magazine Volume 75

Grouplove: More Than

Just “Tongue Tied”

Grouplove has made a name for themselves with
chart-toppers like "Tongue Tied," "Ways to Go,"
and "Do You Love Someone." With over 14 years of
collaboration, they've amassed an impressive
catalog of mainstream hits, predating the TikTok
era. Returning to the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C.
for the first time in 8 years, their Tuesday night
performance was met with overwhelming demand,
selling out the venue completely (as well as the
following Wedesday night show).
Preceding the headlining act, artist Bully took the
stage to begin the evening. Best known for her
poignant track "Lose You," she has been captivating
audiences with her raw talent for over a decade
touring. Her performance was marked by a raspy
voice that added depth and emotion to each note,
leaving a lasting impression on the crowd. With a
sound reminiscent of Julien Baker, the artist
showcased their musical prowess by delivering a
haunting rendition of Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You"
during their set.
The crowd grew larger leading up to the main
performance, and the energy became palpable. This The sound of clapping in rhythm echoed throughout the
crowd stands out as the most energetic I've ever venue, further amplifying the infectious energy. What
witnessed. From start to finish, they were on their feet, struck me most was the diversity among the audience,
dancing and enthusiastically singing along to every with people of all ages coming together to share in the
song as if each one was their absolute favorite. experience. Aside from their most notable hits, there were
many moments that had the crowd cheering. "Naked
Kids," a departure from their usual setlist, was performed
upon request. They kicked off "Shark Attack" with an
amusing intro as the band and audience screamed "Let's
get out of the water, it's a shark attack!”

The performance featured a dynamic mix of energetic
and introspective moments, showcasing the band's
versatility. Enhanced by stunning lighting, it was
undoubtedly the most visually captivating set I've
witnessed. Their music defies categorization, blending
elements of indie, electronic, alternative, and pop
seamlessly. Lead vocalist Hannah Hooper aptly describes
their style as "resistance pop," a testament to its ability to
resonate on multiple levels.
The band exuded remarkable energy throughout their
performance, with all members, not just the vocalists,
displaying a dynamic presence on stage. Christian
Zucconi’s distinctive voice added a unique flair to their
sound. The band’s constant movement, jumping, and
synchronized dancing demonstrated their exceptional
chemistry and camaraderie.