Photos by Andy Argyrakis

It’s only fitting that The Midnight’s latest long player, “Monsters,” shares themes of isolation and connection, especially considering it was crafted during the height of the pandemic, but its finally getting to a chance to come alive on stage, along with samples from the rapid fire EP follow-up, “Horror Show.”

Chances are the electronic/synthwave stars, who’ve been cultivating a humungous following online surrounding the “Stranger Things” era, would’ve sold out the Vic Theatre anyway, but there was a palatable sense of renewed community throughout 100 or so ethereal minutes.

That’s because the duo comprised of producer/drummer Tim Daniel McEwan and singer/songwriter Tyler Lyle continue to craft coming-of-age lyrics over insanely hypnotic beats accented with power chords, electronic drums and saxophone solos, plus references to their respective European and American upbringings split straight down the middle.

Along with three sidekick musicians, The Midnight brought a futuristic approach to a wide net of 1980s influences through now, making their own modern day John Hughes movie soundtrack with the contagious likes of “Neon Medusa,” “Deep Blue,” “Days Of Thunder” and “Lost Boy.”

“Dance With Somebody” gave off a prom-like glow, “The Comeback Kid” summarized the group’s ethos of never giving up, while “Shadows” and “Vampires” were bathed in gloriously icy synths.

The guys also referenced the city where The Midnight began, “Los Angeles,” as the audience chanted along to the rousing chorus of “if we live forever, let us live forever tonight,” which was a trend that only escalated come the escapism anthem, “Sunset,” to mark a euphoric conclusion to the spine-chilling set.

Openers Nightly have also built quite a reputation thanks to “Time Online,” to borrow a title from one of many multi-million streamers, and are also belatedly getting to unveil tracks off 2020’s full-length debut, “night, love you.”

Along with choice EP selections and even newer singles, the Nashville-based alternative pop trio demonstrated insightful songwriting, hook-laden dance grooves and a genuine sincerity for connecting with the crowd, all of which made for an ideal match with The Midnight.

For additional information on The Midnight and Nightly, visit TheMidnightOfficial.com and NightLoveYou.com.

For a list of upcoming Jam Productions concerts, visit JamUSA.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Vic Theatre include Epik High (Mar. 12); Zakir Khan (Mar. 13); Marisa Monte (Mar. 15); Car Seat Headrest (Mar. 18-19); Animal Collective (Mar. 20); Andy Shauf (Mar. 24); Circle Jerks (Mar. 25); Jerry Cantrell (Mar. 26); Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (Mar. 27); Crankgameplays (Mar. 30); Mayhem and Watain (Apr. 1); JoJo (Apr. 5); Gus Johnson (Apr. 6); The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Mercury Rev (Apr. 8); Kanan Gill (Apr. 9); Del Amitri (Apr. 11); Seth Myers (Apr. 12); The Airborne Toxic Event (Apr. 14-15); Trevor Hall (Apr. 22); Leyendas Legendarias (Apr. 23); LP (Apr. 24); Marc Maron (Apr. 29) and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes (Apr. 30). For additional details, visit VicTheatre.com.

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