Photos and review by: Jason Robey

CHARLOTTE, NC — Musical chameleons Neighbor opened their fall tour Thursday night in Charlotte, with a crowd of local fans on hand to help them kick it off. The show marks the third time in the past year and half that the group has played in the Queen City, picking up new fans with each visit.

The evening started with an electrifying set by Electro Lust. The six-piece funk band from Asheville, about 2 hours west of Charlotte, ran through an hour’s worth of material. The group opened with a highly energetic instrumental, setting the tone for the whole evening. Each member of the group got the chance to show their virtuosity multiple times as they took turns exploring the bounds of the songs.

As Neighbor took the stage, the pit began filling quickly to the opening guitar of “Lonely Rider,” with its slow build into a raucous number that got the audience dancing right from the start. As the song came to a close, the band quickly shifted gears into the debut of a cover of the Doors’ “Riders on the Storm” without missing a beat. The rest of the evening showcased their ability to jump from one genre to another, keeping enough of their own style to make it all feel cohesive. 

The interplay between vocalist / keyboardist Ricky James and guitarist Lyle Brewer on the the extended jams was mesmerizing throughout the evening. Likewise, bassist Dan Kelly and drummer Dean Johnston had an almost telepathic communication with the rhythm. 

Over the course of the night, the band seamlessly glided from the waltz of “Dark Eyed Junco” to the reggae-tinted “Mighty Apple Tree” to the straight up rocker “Take Me Alive.” The band’s extensive catalog of original and cover songs coupled with their remarkable musicianship and love of improvisation makes every show the band plays a unique and unpredictable experience.

Check Neighbor’s social pages and website for upcoming tour dates.