Reviews: Gods Of Rap, Jason Aldean, Twenty One Pilots & More

This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of live performances from Gods of Rap (Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy and De La Soul) in Glasgow, Scotland; Jason Aldean in Syracuse, N.Y.; Twenty One Pilots in Edmonton, Alberta; Dave Matthews Band in Maryland Heights, Mo.; Neil Young and Elvis Costello in Vancouver, British Columbia; and Greta Van Fleet in Atlanta.

Eric Pamies – Wu-Tang Clan
Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Spain.

Gods Of Rap (Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, De La Soul) @ SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, May 13 – “This was an arena show with all the wide-reaching appeal of a big budget revival event but also all the energy and commitment of a concert given by people who still have something to say.

“Although billing was very generously shared between the three artists on the bill – the Wu-Tang, Public Enemy and De La Soul – the trio were clearly graded in terms of size and audience appeal during the show.” – David Pollock / The Scotsman

Jason Aldean @ St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse, N.Y., May 16 – “Aldean was solid, showing off his veteran performer status from 2005′s ‘Hicktown’ and ‘Amarillo Sky’ to more recent singles like ‘You Make It Easy’ and ‘Lights Come On.’ He even managed ‘Drowns the Whiskey’ without Miranda Lambert, though the crowd still made it a duet by singing along.” – Geoff Herbert / Syracuse.com

Twenty One Pilots @ Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, May 15 – “Should you ever find yourself at a Twenty One Pilots concert thinking you’ve got a handle of the band’s sound or style, just wait five minutes. The Ohio-based two-piece seamlessly ranges from rock to rap to reggae, with dashes of piano balladry, toes-in-the-sand ukulele and industrial screamo tossed in, making the weather seem downright predictable by comparison.” – Ryan Garner /Edmonton Journal

Dave Matthews Band @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, Mo., May 15 – “Those paying full attention to the show in front of them, though, were treated to a 2½-hour performance that featured a healthy sampling of songs from the band’s most recent album, 2018’s ‘Come Tomorrow,’ as well as some old favorites and a couple of choice cover tunes.” – Daniel Durchholz / St. Louis-Dispatch

Neil Young and Elvis Costello @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, May 14 – “Eight acoustic guitars, one electric, one banjo, two amps, three pianos and an organ. The stage set-up at the first of Neil Young’s two night solo stand at the Queen Elizabeth theatre was certainly full.

“Elvis Costello solo isn’t something that his fans see too often and it was a good gig for the kids to come to as daddy got a standing ovation. He certainly worked for it.” – Stuart Derdeyn / Vancouver Sun 

Greta Van Fleet @ Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga., May 12 – “While their live show offered stunning lighting – even the dark stage backlit with a blue haze during “Black Flag Exposition” and the sea of dry ice and red lighting for “Watching Over” were mesmerizing – and the band’s instruments sounded rich and crisp, Josh’s vocals were frequently muddled, except, of course, for those heavens-reaching cries. Greta Van Fleet is still at the infancy of its potential, and as the band grows, it will expand its musical palette. “ – Melissa Ruggieri / Atlanta Journal-Constitution