Mt. Joy ‘Let Loose’ at the United Center 

Mt. Joy brought the mountains to Chicago for a night of folk and indie music at the United Center Sept. 13.

The Philadelphia-based band’s “Hope We Have Fun Tour” follows the release of their fourth studio album, “Hope We Have Fun,” released May 30. Synthesizing traditional folk-rock elements with sweet harmonies, Mt. Joy showcased the upbeat joy, slow love and natural rhythms of their discography. 

With no opener, the band took to the stage for a two and a half hour show capturing the wonders, pains and thrills of life.

The upbeat guitar strums of “Highway Queen” kicked off the show, encapsulating the United Center with energy and excitement. The band had no lack of enthusiasm on stage, creating a welcoming environment to dance and sing along.  

Their 2022 album “Orange Blood” was spotlighted next with its title track. A slower rhythm built tension throughout the song as Mt. Joy pulled the audience into their alluring melodies. 

The band branched out of their discography multiple times by remixing their songs with classics, including a blend of their track “Let Loose” and “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago. 

Playing a song by Chicago was Mt. Joy’s love letter to the vibrant city. Matt Quinn, the lead singer, said the band was proud to have played more concerts in Chicago than any other city. Throughout the concert, Mt. Joy found ways of connecting with their audience, yelling out between songs and sharing anecdotes about their tour. 

Amid familiar tunes like The Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin” and tracks with abstract melodies, the band broke into instrumental solos — each balancing spontaneous energy and calculated talent. 

During “Dirty Love,” keyboardist Jackie Miclau broke into an enchanting piano solo, entrancing listeners with a captivating ballad containing rich sounds and deeply moving notes. 

“No, you can’t control who you really are, or what you really want,” Quinn belted. 

The song, like many others performed throughout the night, touched on the “dirty” emotions of humanity, with profound lyricism and ravishing instrumentation. 

Breaking back into the world of vibrant guitars and lively drums, Mt. Joy combined “Julia” with “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John. The crowd became ecstatic at the remix, exploding into a world of dancing, shouting and singing. 

After a brief intermission, Mt. Joy returned with “Evergreen,” one of their most upbeat songs, pulling the audience up from their seats and back down to the dance floor. Their generally fast-paced discography ensured no dragging moments throughout the concert -– even slower songs ended with a high note or instrumental. 

Psychedelic images of the moon, crowds of people, eyeballs and trees appeared behind the band, which created a carefree flow supported by pyrotechnics and groovy instrumentals. The imagery behind the band during songs like “Astrovan”, “Lemon Tree” and “I’m Your Wreck” encouraged their outdoorsy aesthetic, bringing the mountains to the city. 

Once again breaking out of their discography, Mt. Joy jammed to “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus. Erupting voices echoed through the arena as the audience sang along to the iconic song. Quinn’s raspy vocals, along with the band’s unique blend of drums, bass guitar, and keyboard brought a youthful spin on a classic. 

Lights off and flashlights on, Mt. Joy pulled the audience into the intimate, slower pace of “Bathroom Light.” 

Changing to a more intimate scene, the psychedelic background shut off and the band relocated to the B-stage in the center of the venue. Switching stages transformed the concert experience, connecting the band more closely to their audience. 

Wrapping up the night, Mt. Joy performed the danceable “Silver Lining,” with the Chicago Bull mascot joining them on stage. This lively duo added a unique Chicago spin to their setlist. 

“Tell the ones you love you love them,” Mt. Joy projected into the crowd, ending the concert with emotional lyricism and instrumentals, undoubtedly capturing their enthusiastic energy on stage.