On a warm summer’s evening at Los Angeles’ Greek Theater, two big-name indie artists, Briston Maroney and Peach Pit, gave a night packed with emotion, quirky visuals, and infectious energy. Playing to a massive crowd, each act offered their own brand of musical storytelling during back-to-back hour-long sets that left fans buzzing with excitement.

Briston Maroney:

Opening the evening, Briston Maroney brought the world of his new album JIMMY to life with a visually playful and immersive stage design that transformed the theater into something resembling a technicolor forest. With fake trees, vines, googly-eyed woodland creatures, and softly glowing rocks scattered around the stage, the set felt like a live-action scene pulled straight from a weird fairy tale. 

Dressed in a style as strange as the stage itself, Briston leaned into the eccentric environment with a performance that was both polished and deeply personal. He gave fans all they wanted, including new material from JIMMY, along with fan favorites. Each of the tracks was amplified by crazy lighting that cycled through every shade imaginable, mirroring his range and uniqueness.

The connection he had with the crowd was undeniable. At times, he would pause mid-set to chat or call out fans individually. Maroney created a feeling of an intimate backyard show within a massive amphitheater. It was one of those rare sets that felt both wildly theatrical and genuinely heartfelt. This was definitely one of the strongest live performances I’ve seen in recent years. Not just because he was talented, but also because of how down-to-earth and fun he is as a performer. 

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Peach Pit:

Following up was Vancouver-based indie group Peach Pit, who walked onstage to thunderous cheers. The band immediately matched the crowd’s energy. While their stage setup was very minimal compared to Maroney’s, the lighting design filled the space with warmth and movement, allowing the band’s chemistry and stage presence to take center stage.

Peach Pit delivered a high-energy performance filled with hair flips, guitar solos, and a dose of humor. Fans shouted every lyric. The audience would often react within seconds of each intro note, as if it were a homecoming anthem. Lead singer Neil Smith struck a balance between sincere and silly, connecting with the audience through banter that felt as honest as the band’s lyrics and rhythm. 

For any concert photographer or live music fan in Los Angeles, the Greek remains a favorite venue, and this show was no exception. With its natural acoustics, atmospheric lighting, and an open-air setting that can only be found in Los Angeles, it not only adds to the magic but also provides the perfect setting for two different but equally powerful performances. 

Musically, the band was tight and effortless, moving through a well-paced and thought-out setlist that highlighted their signature blend of lyrics and upbeat. Tracks like “Shampoo Bottles” and “Alrighty Aphrodite” sparked instant recognition and had the crowd buzzing, while newer material showed their continued evolution. Despite the lack of elaborate stage décor, the group made the space feel alive, proving that sometimes all you need is a good hook, a strong connection with the crowd, and a frontman who’s not afraid to get a little weird.

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