On Stage: Cannons in Austin

Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of 360°Sound contributor Justin Zamudio. Scroll to the bottom of the article to view the full photo gallery, which includes shots of opener Oxis and co-headliner Bob Moses.

On Friday, April 3, Cannons brought their effortlessly cool synth-pop sounds and retro aesthetics to the Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, the third stop on “The Afterglow Tour.” A crescent moon prop hung above the stage, and a screen flashed ‘80s-inspired neon lights in the color scheme of their just-released fifth album, Everything Glows. The guitarist and rhythm section walked out on stage first, all wearing sunglasses as the sun had yet to set, and they promptly locked into the groove for opener “Loving You.” The crowd erupted as lead singer Michelle Joy took the stage.

For the uninitiated, Cannons is an electropop trio formed in 2013 in Los Angeles and consisting of Joy, guitarist Ryan Clapham, and bassist/drummer Paul Davis. Davis is manning the kit this tour, and Jade Fink was brought on to play bass. The band has exploded in popularity over the last five years and notched a handful of Billboard Alternative Airplay hits.

Cannons perform at the Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, on April 3. [Credit: Justin Zamudio]

At the Austin show, Joy wore a white lace dress and white leather boots. The drizzle that had started during the opening act Oxis had ceased, and the spring temperature was perfect. The breeze blew Joy’s curly blonde locks as she glided through “Starlight,” a cut from the new album.

The opening guitar notes of “Hurricane” drew immediate cheers and applause. Joy fed off the energy of the crowd, pumping her fist and falling to her knees as she sang the chorus: “I’m comin’ back like a hurricane/I’m gonna take you higher.”

Joy told the crowd they’d been away from touring for a year and were so excited to have “finally finished” their new album and to be sharing the bill with co-headliner Bob Moses. The new songs sounded terrific live, but the crowd, while not exactly filing to the bathroom, looked a bit disengaged during them. As is often the case, the old hits were met with sing-alongs, while some of the new material got head bobs at best.

Cannons perform at the Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, on April 3. [Credit: Justin Zamudio]

“These Nights,” one of my favorites from Everything Glows, began with a sparkly keyboard line, and stars suddenly appeared on the screen behind the band. Joy belted the catchy chorus (“These nights, I fear I’m going under”) and smirked as she delivered the “Did I lose my thunder?” line. Clapham ripped a smooth, AOR-esque guitar solo and finished the tune with funky, Chic-like chopping. I would’ve liked more solos and improvisation, but that’s not the group’s style, as they kept the performances close to the recordings.

“Purple Sun” packed a reggae punch with its percussive, staccato rhythm and dubby bass. The young woman standing behind me was clearly feeling the island riddim as she lit up a spliff and swayed to and fro. “Baby, I’m just having fun,” Joy sang, and she seemed to have more fun as the set went along, evidenced by her increasing stage movement.

Michelle Joy [Credit: Justin Zamudio]

After performing the disco-inflected “I Get Weak,” Joy talked about the very first time Cannons performed in a tiny bar over a decade ago. “I was terrified,” Joy said. She sounded genuinely in awe at how much the band has blown up in recent years. “I had no idea what we’re doing would end up speaking to so many people,” she said, as Clapham pointed his finger in the air as if to say, “That part!” Later, when Joy introduced the band, Clapham played a quick riff from Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus,” no doubt a nod to their ‘80s synth-pop influences.

Cannons closed the show with new single “Light as a Feather” and quarter-billion Spotify streams smash “Fire For You.” “Sing it with me, Austin!” Joy shouted. I looked around at the raised hands and jubilant faces as the crowd obliged: “Fire! It’s on fire! Fire! It’s on fire!”

Ryan Clapham [Credit: Justin Zamudio]

The 16-song set was sure to satisfy any fan of the band – they played all the hits, and the new album was well represented. Joy was in fine voice, the band sounded tight, and the mix at the amphitheater was well-balanced.

Cannons have a distinct sound that is on the chill side and can at times sound a bit same-y. But to be fair, they’re more about vibes and grooves than rockin’ your face off with dynamics and theatrics. The show improved visually as the sun went down and the neon lights popped – not to mention their ethereal synthwave-meets-dream-pop style is tailor-made for nighttime. If you’re a Cannons fan, or even if you’re merely Cannons curious, be sure to catch them on “The Afterglow Tour.” You won’t be disappointed.

Follow Cannons on their website: cannonstheband.com

Photo Gallery

All photos courtesy of Justin Zamudio

Cannons

Michelle Joy [Credit: Justin Zamudio]