On April 11 Rose Music Hall was filled with conversation and the wafting aromas of Angelina’s Tacos being served to hungry guests. At a picnic table outside, the five members of psychedelic rock band Post Animal met the excited glances of concert goers as they awaited their highly-anticipated set to begin.

Starting just a little past the scheduled time of 8 p.m., The Tri-County Liquidators, a Columbia band, opened the show and drew eager attendees inside the venue. Gradually, the music hall filled as people lined up at the barricade and nodded along to the band’s perfectly timed harmonic guitar licks. Bantering with the crowd, the Tri-County Liquidators brought a hardcore sense of sophistication to the stage. The set was a high-energy start to the three hours of music that followed.

Following the opening act, a silence fell over the crowd. Those seated at the bar drifted closer to the metal barricade to ensure an uninterrupted view of Post Animal.

Energy inside the concert hall instantly magnified as the band members appeared onstage, bathed in red and blue light. Post Animal began to play, grinning to acknowledge the scattered shouts of praise from their audience. After two songs, a mosh pit appeared that cracked laughs and encouraging nods from the band.

The tension and release points in Post Animal’s discography brought natural movement to the crowd that quickly became more intense as concert guests pulled each other with the music’s waves. Contrary to many prog rock bands, Post Animal’s song endings were clean and polished, indicating they were well-rehearsed and musically adept. “Gelatin Mode,” a highlight song from Post Animal’s 2018 Album, “When I Think of You in a Castle,” seemed like a fan favorite.

The band’s lead guitarist, Javi Reyes, described the band’s mood as “playful” while he exchanged quips with the audience. Post Animal combined their musical prowess with a casual attitude by leaning on a call and response pattern in interacting with the crowd. In their last song, bassist Dalton Allison even hopped off the stage, playing on-level with the audience.

Before the encore, Reyes shouted, “Let’s keep this vibe train rolling!” and the audience met him with an eager “All aboard!” and “Choo choo!” Sure enough, Post Animal’s performance was a journey in time travel — the songs expertly fused influences from ‘60s experimental rock, ‘80s synth pop and ‘90s punk.

For us, the ticket fare was well worth it. Post Animal united the crowd for a vibrant ride with their electrifying musical collection.

Edited by Egan Ward | eward@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Sam Barrett and Lauren Courtney