On Tuesday night, Low vs Diamond graced the auditory appetites of Philadelphia’s concert goers at the TLA. Opening for Santogold, thegroup provided a taste of their self-titled Epic Records album to those both familiar and unfamiliar with their sound. However, the melodic experience offered more of a generous helping than a bite.

The band members, Lucas Field (vocals and guitar,) and Howie Diamond (drums) originally met at the University of Colorado where they started out in a jam band. They later crossed paths with Tad Moore (keyboard and guitar,) Anthony Polcino (guitar) and Jon Pancoast (bass,) to form Low vs Diamond which allows them to comfortably acclaim themselves as
an “American band;” referring to their four hometown cities dispersed widely across the country.

As the first of three opening bands for the show, Low vs Diamond granted the punctual arrivers an exciting and irresistible atmosphere. The band intrigued listeners with a set full of lush and languorous songs that speak to the heart. Focusing on themes such as family, nostalgia, and saying goodbye to former relationships, the band easily had the crowd singing along, which they say helps them to feed off the energy.

They are known by their fans to perform very animatedly and to always be lucid and cinematic. Hints of similarity to U2 and Coldplay are present, but their unique sound and style has landed them as one of iTunes’ “favorite up and coming bands of 2008,” as well as being singled out in Rolling Stone’s ‘Hot List,’ Filter Magazine’s ‘Getting to know you’ section and LA Times’ ‘The List.’ They have even been featured on the hit CW television show, “One Tree Hill.”

Favorites such as “Don’t forget sister,” “Killer B,” and “Wasted” were performed magnificently with nearly identical sound to the album version. The added intensity of a hungry crowd and the synchronized swell of the music with visual movement on stage created a great show for old fans, and sealed the deal with new ones. Their performance proved their commitment to making it big in the industry and rocking out for all who can relate—which does not leave many listeners out.

***Photos by Olivia Garrity