Alt-J and Hundred Waters @ The TLA.

Text and image by Marisa Lyon.

A sold out crowd enthusiastically welcomed Alt-J to Philadelphia on Thursday evening.

The Theatre of Living Arts was packed even before opening act, Hundred Waters, took the stage. The dreamy electric/folk five piece, led by vocalist Nicole Miglis, warmed them up, but it was obvious who the crowd was there to see.

UK indie-rock quartet Alt-J was greeted by a single, center-staged light and sea of hand shaped delta signs, the bands signature. They didn’t waste any time, fittingly jumping right into “Intro,” the first song off their 2012 album An Awesome Wave. Guitarist/vocalist Joe Newman and keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton followed up with stunning a cappella “Interlude,” fading into a compelling, stripped-down version of the popular single “Tessellate” that sent the exuberant audience wild.

Standing side by side in a single row across the stage, they ran through their entire album. Both well-known hits like “Breezeblocks” and “Fitzpleasure,” as well as the lesser featured “Ms” and “Matilda,” received equal excitement from the passionate audience. They belted out the intricate lyrics right along with the band, often bringing a smile to both Newman and Unger-Hamiltons faces, illuminated by the elaborate onstage lighting.

Though the band seemed slightly timid at times, it was endearing and translated as humble, and more than made up for in passionate artistry. They flawlessly captured the complexity of their “folkstep” sound with Newman’s sultry vocals supported by chanting harmonies, jagged guitar riffs, hip-hop influenced drums and synths.

Newman and Unger-Hamilton treated the roaring crowd to an encore of “Hand Made,” before being rejoined onstage by bassist and drummer, Gwil Sainsbury and Thom Green, for what they announced would be the final song of the evening. Alt-J concluded with “Taro,” the finale off their album, giving the faithful audience that familiar ending to a mesmerizing performance.