Pop Break Live: Albert Hammond Jr. with In The Valley Below at The Fonda Theater in Los Angeles
After catching Albert Hammond Jr. at a sold-out show at the Fonda Theatre earlier this month, it was almost hard to believe the guitarist-turned-frontman was wrapping up a year-long tour for his fourth solo record, Francis Trouble. Before Albert even walked onstage, it felt like the entire theatre was buzzing; fans at the front barricade were packed like excited sardines – elbow to elbow.
The opening act In The Valley Below were the ideal band to set the tone for Albert as a headliner. The duo, Jeffrey Jacob Mendel and Angela Gail Mattson, utilized snake-y electric guitars, never neglected their synths, and provided just enough pop flavor and sweet vocals to keep the audience engaged. Their moody light display contributed to the excitable audience, which only intensified by the time Albert Hammond Jr. arrived.
Opening his super lively set with the opener of his current record – “DvsL” – proved to be a genius choice when the audience erupted with joy at the sound of the song’s first note. Dressed in a bright yellow track jacket and bright red pants, Albert jumped across the stage like he was trying not to get caught by something. Multi-colored lights followed his form as he danced along to his classic hit “Everyone Gets A Star” and his guitar’s white lightning strap glowed in the dark.
Thinking back to the last time Albert played in Los Angeles – just about a year ago at the Troubadour for the release of Francis Trouble – and comparing it to this Fonda show shows how much he’s grown. While it would be unfair to say that just one year ago, Albert was a bit more shy onstage, it’s certain fair to characterize him as a frontman who’s come into his own. Newer tracks like “Far Away Truths” and “Set To Attack” felt just as powerful and lively as songs written over a decade ago like “Holiday” and “In Transit.”
Some might still consider Albert just the guitarist from The Strokes, but I feel like the tour-ending performance he gave at the Fonda Theatre proves he’s so much more than that. He comes alive when he’s holding his white Fender Stratocaster and he’s not afraid to dance when the melody and beat are just right. But more than anything, his comfort onstage in the spotlight truly radiates in his face and his playing. The audience was so unglued for much of his performance because he seemed just as excited to be there as all the adoring fans up front.
Albert Hammond Jr. has become the ultimate frontman in his ability to lose himself in his own music – even when it occasionally gets dark. And his willingness to have fun and engage with an audience that clearly adores him makes me even more hopeful for nontraditional frontmen to come out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Because of Albert Hammond Jr., everyone gets a star.
