The Happy Fits @ The Van Buren in Phoenix, AZ
Earworms often draw one out and expose themselves to new experiences. With the lure of the Happy Fits at the Van Buren, the Pack were excited to hear something new. Accompanied by Pom Pom Squad and the Backfires made for an absolute blast!
It always sucks to miss the first half of the opener. Though, the Backfires still impressed with their last few songs. “Dressed For A Funeral” off their debut album, This Is Not An Exit, is an excellent start if you haven’t listened to the Backfires before. Though their stage presence is akin to shoegaze. Though the Pack looks forward to the next time they’ll be in the area for Innings Festival in late February of next year.
This author wasn’t sure what to expect from a band named Pom Pom Squad. Any preconception based on the name was shattered when front-woman Mia Berrin took the stage with an ethereal white dress that flowed once she was front center. Mia’s voice is soft and sweet with pipes that can back it up. A favorite of the Pack from the night’s set, “Street Fighter” that’s on their 2024 album, Mirror Starts Moving Without Me. Along with Pom Pom Squad’s cover of “Crimson + Clover,” they put on a great show. While this was their last night with the Happy Fits, they’ll be back together with them in December.
The Happy Fits took the stage and wasted no time getting to work. The moment as the members stepped to their microphones, hands moved into place and the set began. Not only physically active on stage, there is an allure that only a cello brings. Calvin Langman makes wielding a cello strapped to his body and look like it’s nothing as he dances and bounces around the stage. The Pack were shocked than awed to hear a couple of covers scattered throughout the setlist. Some notable mentions being “Misery Business” and “Go Your Own Way” that only further solidified the band’s combined talent. The chemistry between the members of the Happy Fits shows a near telepathic connection as the four play on through the night.
It has been a long time since the Punk Pack left a show completely exhausted. Yet, with the energy of Pom Pom Squad backing, The Happy Fits is an overload of energy that wills anyone to dance while singing along. So much so that just getting to our car was a relief. Just having a moment to sit and process it all was near required. Overall, the show was an overload for the senses in the best way. It’s not often the Pack are pulled out of our shells to get so into a show that the participation isn’t even a thought that crosses the mind. Catching The Happy Fits live is absolutely an act that will get you moving even if you are an introvert like us.
