PHOTOS + REVIEW — ODESZA w/ Bob Moses, TOKiMONSTA, & QRTR & OLAN at MIDFL Amp in Tampa 2023 ⋆ Shows I Go To

PHOTOS + REVIEW — ODESZA w/ Bob Moses, TOKiMONSTA, & QRTR & OLAN at MIDFL Amp in Tampa 2023

ODESZA w/ Bob Moses, TOKiMONSTA, & QRTR & OLAN • September 08, 2023 • MIDLF Amp — Tampa, FL • Photos by — instagram.com/gtdmouse

ODESZA LIVE REVIEW

Odesza “The Last Goodbye” Tour with Bob Moses (Full Band), Tokimonsta, Olan & QRTR
Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheater | Tampa, FL
Review by Spencer Storch

Odesza has been circled on my calendar for a while. I missed them when they headlined Suwannee Hulaween in 2018 with Jamiroquai and Janelle Monae. It’s been 5 long years of waiting for tonight’s show. Not only do I expect an epic level of production but the vibes should be at an all time high. A short trip to Tampa from Orlando and I am ready to boogie. I stop for a meal at the brand new Yuengling Brewery near Busch Gardens and the USF campus. Holy cow, the food is delicious and they have Bondo Fizz, a mango flavored Yuengling beer! My night is off on the right foot!

I arrive at an amphitheater that is just brimming with excitement. Fans are ready to party, showing off their coolest rave gear as they flood into the largest outdoor venue in Tampa. My night begins with TOKiMONSTA who’s chill vibes are met with a cool breeze. TOKiMONSTA is a Korean American producer and DJ based in Los Angeles. In 2019, she was nominated for “Best Dance / Electronic Album” at the Grammy Awards for her album Lune Rouge. She was the first female Asian-American producer to receive a nomination in this category. Her brief set is enjoyable. In addition, the oversized flowers on her table add to her modern dance and beat set.

Next up is Bob Moses, the Vancouver-bred duo consisting of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance, who came to life in the Brooklyn underground scene in 2012. Tonight they are bringing their alternative house and pop to the people with a full band. They hype the crowd, declaring they “came to party!” They launch into “Time and Time Again” with Howie rockin his big brim hat and Vallance in a rad black and red jumpsuit. Plucking on the heart strings, they play “Back Down” before “Tearing Me Up” floods the Tampa Amp with feels. The big time bass and drums compliment their soft falsetto singing so well. Their set wraps up with the debut of their song “Round and Round.”

Finally, the moment I have been patiently waiting for: ODESZA. Odesza is a dramatic electronic duo, who dropped their first album, “Summer’s Gone,” back in 2012. Instantly the underground electronic scene truly loved it. Then, in 2013, they released, “My Friends Never Die,” and all of a sudden, they were on their way to stardom. In 2016, their remix of “Say My Name” got them their first Grammy nod for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. “A Moment Apart” instantly lit the EDM community on fire.. It hit number three on the Billboard 200 and ruled the Top Electronic/Dance Albums Chart. Oh, and it got nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. Cosmic, right?

Now, let’s talk about the present. In July of ‘22, they dropped “The Last Goodbye.” It was so good it got nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 65th Grammy Awards. These cats are forever riding the electronic wave, bringing live music to their fans in “The Last Goodbye” tour across America. Tonight in Tampa the stage has been set with two small stations dwarfed by a pair of raised platforms that emphasize their drum sets and DJ equipment. Each platform is adorned with a set of LED stairs that curl around to the back where a very large screen shows lights up the room. The people at the Shows I Go To are always great, but tonight I’m reminded of how family friendly EDM is. The amount of kids and friendly faces emphasizes that I am surrounded by the warm embrace of the welcoming rave scene.

Just then, as the stage goes dark. After a short intro video, Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, known individually as “Catacombkid” and “BeachesBeaches” appear suddenly on the upper platforms. They are dressed in all black and are pumped! Moments later an eight piece drumline appears out of thin air! I am bombarded with lasers, directional flame throwers, and a ton of lights as they drive into “Love Letter” featuring the Knocks. Here trumpeter Brennan Carter and trombonist Scott Flynn apparate out of nowhere to escort the song to the next level. “In the Rain” is next as they get creative with the drumline. Utilized in almost every song, they are essentially dancers as well as musicians and it’s great. My favorite part of the show is when things get dirty and funky with heavy synth during “Forgive Me” and I can’t help but let loose. The flames and lasers light up the stage as they gather momentum into “Loyal.” My amazing evening ends with a fierce trumpet solo from Carter during their headlining song, “The Last Goodbye.” Make sure you try your best to get a glimpse of this once-in-a-lifetime musical experience!

Odesza’s “The Last Goodbye” Remaining Tour Dates:

Sept 20 – Palms Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena * ^ #
Sept 29 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre * ^ #
Sept 30 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl * ^ # ~
Oct 4 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center * ^ #
Oct 6 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP ^ #
Oct 12 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center * ^ #
Oct 13 – Kansas City, MO – T Mobile Center % ^ #
Oct 19 – Mexico City, MX – Sports Palace * ^ #

* Bob Moses
@ Bonobo (DJ set)
% Big Boi
^ TOKiMONSTA
= Drama
+ Neil Frances
# QRTR & Olan