A rare rainy evening in downtown Phoenix couldn’t dampen the excitement at The Van Buren. Saint Motel took the stage to a packed house of fans who braved the weather, and from the first notes, it was clear the crowd’s enthusiasm was through the roof. The unusual drizzle outside only made the cozy venue feel more electric inside, as everyone shook off the rain and geared up for a night of vibrant music.
This was night four of the “Saint Motel & The Symphony in the Sky Tour,” in support of their fourth full-length album. As the name suggests, this tour brings a heightened sense of grandeur to their already cinematic sound, blending their signature indie-pop energy with orchestral elements for a spectacle that feels larger than life.
Opening the show was Brooklyn-based synth-pop duo Great Good Fine Ok, bringing a kaleidoscope of shimmering synths, soaring falsettos and keytar solos to set the tone for the night. Drenched in neon lights, the duo delivered an energetic set that felt like a cosmic dance party, their infectious melodies immediately pulling the crowd into their orbit. By the time they closed out, The Van Buren was fully warmed up and ready for the spectacle that Saint Motel was about to deliver.
From the moment frontman AJ Jackson stepped onto the stage—arms raised, conducting his imaginary orchestra—the night took on a theatrical, almost dreamlike quality. Throughout the show, a backdrop of projected musicians filled the space behind him, each introduced between songs as if they were a real-life symphony. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a performance, blending indie-pop energy with symphonic storytelling.
The Phoenix crowd was all in from the start. One of the night’s first major eruptions came when Jackson sat down at the piano and played the opening notes of “For Elise”—a moment so instantly recognizable that a voice from the audience shouted, “Who’s it for?!”, earning laughter and cheers. The black grand piano became a centerpiece for some of the night’s most cinematic moments, adding a rich orchestral layer to their signature indie-pop sound.
Between songs, Jackson reminisced about his history with Phoenix, recalling past shows at Crescent Ballroom and noting how every time he comes back, it “just gets better and better and better.” He called this show the best one yet, drawing a roar of approval from the crowd.
Other standouts included “Move”, which had the whole venue dancing and singing as one, and “Hold My Place in Heaven”, where Jackson donned a pair of white angel wings, adding a dash of whimsy to an already euphoric track.
The encore brought everything full circle, culminating in a raucous sing-along to “My Type” that had voices soaring and energy peaking one last time. As the final notes rang out, fans spilled back into the misty Phoenix night, still buzzing with post-show adrenaline. Saint Motel had once again left their mark—turning a Tuesday night into something truly unforgettable.
