The next big alternative band just visited Ames. Catfish and the Bottlemen performed their first album, “The Balcony”, at the Maintenance Shop last weekend and Wild Party opened for them.

Wild Party surprised me with the quality of their performance. I was expecting a decent small town band, perhaps even a local group. Wild Party hails from Texas, and they were better than decent.

They had a good stage presence for playing in such a small venue. Their lead singer, Lincoln Kreifels, walked the stage and interacted with the audience. When he needed a break to get a drink, the guitarist and backing vocalist, Ethan Kaufmann, would strike up casual conversation or crack some jokes to keep everyone loose.

The music itself was also very good. Their sound is similar to All Time Low and Boys Like Girls, a pop-alternative sort of vibe. My favorite song was “Chasin’ Honey” and my favorite performance was “When I Get Older.”

Catfish and the Bottlemen were as impressive as I thought they would be. Their live performance sounded the same as they sound in studio.

As their success grows, they stay humble. One of the managers, Arwen Hunt, remarked that they could not believe that anyone in the middle of Iowa could know them and their songs, and even sell out the show.

Catfish’s performance was very good. The ability for a band to make a large crowd feel like a room of a few hundred and make a small venue feel like something bigger and better is a gift. They captivated the crowd at the M-shop.

The lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Ryan “Van” McCann, was impressive with his energy and overall performance. My favorite song was/is “Rango” and my favorite performance was “Cocoon.”

They also entertained both with music and charisma. Neil Patrick Harris put it best at the Oscars when he said that a British accent makes anything better. They charmed us just by simply thanking us for being there, and with their silliness. Throughout the show, their roadies would throw wads of paper at them and they would throw them back when they had a moment. Everything they did was engaging.

The experience was great and I hope they have continued success. I want them to come back to Ames because we do know them here in Iowa, and now we await their return.