Catfish and the Bottlemen, the Welsh band that’s become a sensation in the UK, opened their 2015 North American Tour at the TLA in Philadelphia last night in support of their debut LP, The Balcony. Their high energy set consisted of guitar-driven anthems that you’d expect from an arena band, and was clearly a hit in such an intimate setting.
Frontman Van McCann came across as both charming and humble as he continually thanked the Philadelphia crowd. Among the highlights of “Kathleen”, “Cocoon”, and “Homesick”, the band’s chemistry stood out along with McCann’s energy as the group set their sights on reaching the same popularity in the States as they have back home.
Also of note was opener Jamie N Commons, the British blues singer that silenced the typically rowdy TLA crowd with his captivating vocals.
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Catfish and the Bottlemen // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Jamie N Commons // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Jamie N Commons // Photo by Cathy Poulton
Jamie N Commons // Photo by Cathy Poulton