Aly and AJ returned to Phoenix on Tuesday, filling The Van Buren with rainbows, dancing and a message of love and solidarity for their eager fans.
The duo was joined by Armors, a three-piece indie rock group with grooves to spare. The band was an excellent warm-up for their headliners, bringing an early audience to their feet with their dancey yet relatable jams.
Aly and AJ have come lightyears from their Disney days. The sisters have been reborn, rising with a new look and sound that resonated heavily with their fans. While several sported “vintage” tees from 10 plus years ago, the band has moved into an era of more mature lyrics and a vibe that draws heavily on an indie pop aesthetic.
They played through new songs from their post-hiatus EPs, including “Church” and “Don’t Go Changing”, a personal favorite for AJ. Mid-set, Aly took a moment to address the crowd, bringing Pride Month to the foreground with the tour’s support of The Trevor Project, a charity geared towards LGBTQ youth across the country.
The rest of the night was a dream, as the duo mixed in old favorites like “Rush” and “Like Whoa”, backed by a killer band and even a disco ball. Everyone was having the time of their lives, dancing in groups and raising their hands in celebration. No one wanted this party to end as the night came to a close. Aly and AJ closed their hour-long set with an acoustic cover of Kacey Musgraves’ “Slow Burn” and the classic “Potential Breakup Song”.
Check out our photos from the show below!
Story and photos by Olivia Khiel
