Fitz & the Tantrums
Radio Day Stage, Austin Convention Center, Friday, March 18Think you’ve had tough gigs? Fitz & the Tantrums took to the stage early afternoon for an audience that was half seated, half sprawled on the floor, and all recovering from St. Patrick’s Day debauchery. Nevertheless, it only took two choruses to get everyone out of their seats and banish any booze-induced stupor. Michael Fitzpatrick and his Motown-loving crew personify the adage that if it ain’t broke, just polish it to perfection. A New Romantic with a gospel soul, Fitz was a tender head’s best friend, and yet the groove never slowed. Rolling with a forgiving tempo that was more pick-me-up than sweat-it-out, the L.A. soul sixpiece had the aisles full of shimmy and shake. “I know it’s only 2:25 in the afternoon,” grinned Fitz’s vocal conspirator Noelle Scaggs, “but that doesn’t mean your sexy side can’t come out.” Like a lost Vandella, she had the audience clapping along to “L.O.V.” before holding down a swinging slide through “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These).” A floor-shaking “Moneygrabber” raised the roof. After a night drinking in a saint’s name, this revival was the perfect tonic.
This article appears in March 18 • 2011.
