REVIEW | IMAGINE DRAGONS - EVOLVE
Las Vegas pop rock gods Imagine Dragons returned to Auckland with an unforgettable and moving performance. Even as they lit up Spark Arena last night, they took home two more Billboard Music Awards for Top Group and Top Rock Artist. Having only burst onto the scene with their debut album Night Visions in 2012, Imagine Dragons have since enjoyed tremendous success with over 12 million albums sold.
The success of their music is no doubt because it evokes so much emotion in people. Although this tour was for their latest album, Evolve, no performance would have been complete with some of the anthems that made them household names, such as Radioactive, Demons and Time. When you listen to their music, there is no way you can feel so-so about it. You are lifted up by the hopefulness of love, energised by the fighting lyrics and beats, or drawn into the darkness they are sharing.
It was a magical show, with the most confetti I have ever seen and giant balloons bouncing through the audience. They belted out hits featuring on their new album, such as Whatever It Takes and Walking The Wire (my two favourites), and even moved to a stage at the back of the Area, which gave fans on the other side a chance to see them up close.
One of the best aspects about their performance last night was how they interacted with the audience. Imagine Dragons come bearing a positive message of love, freedom and equality for all. Lead singer Dan Reynolds spoke about the latest school shooting in America, advocated for change, and made it clear that this was not politics but basic human decency. In remembrance of the victims, he sang a stirring rendition of Forever Young. Their album Evolve has a more upbeat tempo than previous albums because Reynolds was finding his way out of the darkness of depression and anxiety while it was made. He spoke openly about his mental health struggles and let the audience know that they are not alone. New Zealand has the highest teen suicide rate in the OECD, so for Reynolds, someone that people may perceive to have all the fame with no issues, to talk about the subject and state that seeking help is not weakness, is significant.
Imagine Dragons uses their platform for genuine positivity, as well as creating amazing music. For that, they are the rare band I would happily go see perform multiple times. At the start of the show, Reynolds told everyone to leave their worries and differences at the door and be free to enjoy the music together. I certainly did.
Imagine Dragons gave an energetic, powerful performance befitting the title of their new album, Evolve. Just when you think it isn’t possible for them to get better, they always level up.
