Photos by Katie Holtzclaw ; Written by Katie Holtzclaw

On June 2nd, the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia, came alive with an  extraordinary night of music, featuring the enigmatic rockers Cage the Elephant as the headliners  and Girl Tones, whose engaging indie-pop set offered a captivating start to the night, Bakar,  whose genre-blending style and charismatic presence further energized the crowd, and then  Young the Giant who took over, delivering a thrilling performance that showcased their melodic  indie rock. When Young The Giant appeared on that stage with lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s  soaring vocals on tracks like “My Body” and “Cough Syrup,” the audience was kept thoroughly  engaged without question. 

As night fell, Cage the Elephant took the stage, infusing the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre  with a surge of high-energy rock. Their set, featuring fan favorites like “Ain’t No Rest for the  Wicked” and “Trouble,” highlighted their distinctive blend of gritty rock and diverse musical  styles. Matt Shultz, known for his intense and expressive vocals, took an unusually chatty  approach this evening. Between songs, he engaged the crowd with candid remarks about his  typically shy nature, jokingly suggesting that his publicist might now insist he talk more often at  shows. His unexpected banter added a personal touch to the performance, complementing the  band’s vibrant and genre-blending instrumentation. The seamless interplay among the band  members and their ability to balance raw energy with heartfelt melodies created an immersive  experience, leaving the audience thoroughly captivated by both the music and Shultz’s  charismatic storytelling. 

The night highlighted the impact of live music, with all four artists delivering standout  performances that deeply connected with the audience. The blend of Young the Giant’s catchy  indie rock and Cage the Elephant’s powerful rock anthems created an evening to remember,  leaving fans exhilarated by the exceptional show. Adding to the night’s dynamic energy were the  Girl Tones, whose grunge-inspired rock style pushed the boundaries and electrified the crowd  with their raw intensity. Bakar’s performance was as awesome as ever, seamlessly blending with  the high-octane atmosphere. As the amphitheater lights faded and the night’s energy lingered, it  was evident that June 2nd celebrated the extraordinary skill and vibrant spirit of live  performance, showcasing a thrilling range of musical talent.  

Their set was marked by a powerful delivery of both classic hits and newer material,  culminating in an explosive finale, including: 

• “Broken Boy” – The band opened with this high-energy track, immediately engaging the  crowd. 

• “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” – A fan favorite that brought a wave of nostalgia and  excitement. 

• “Trouble” – This track’s raw power and gritty sound elevated the performance. • “Shake Me Down” – The band’s ability to blend introspective lyrics with anthemic rock was  on full display. 

• “Come a Little Closer” – The infectious beat and sing-along chorus energized the audience. • “Ready to Let Go” – A powerful song that mixed introspection with a driving rhythm.

• “Skin and Bones” – The track’s emotional depth and dynamic instrumentation resonated  strongly. 

• “Social Cues” – The performance of this song showcased the band’s lyrical insight and  musical range. 

• “Telescope” – A reflective and atmospheric song that offered a moment of calm before the  finale. • “In One Ear” – The set concluded with this explosive track, leaving the audience energized  and satisfied.