Ten years after their breakout record, X Ambassadors are celebrating VHS with a proper anniversary tour that injects new life into a deeply beloved album. The VHS(X) Tour brought a devoted audience to The Van Buren this week as they dusted off some old favorites to kick off this summer tour.
A backdrop of flashing lights and clouds of fog preceded the band as they took their places onstage, welcoming Phoenix to their “Jungle”. The album was the focal point of the set, with the band mixing up the order to best suit the live show- and they knocked it out of the park. Singer Sam Harris noted the deliberate intention behind this setlist while cheekily encouraging the crowd to shout out requests to see what might be added in later on.
Harris was a whirlwind onstage, throwing his body in every direction while never missing a note on songs like “Hang On” and “Superpower”. The crowd gave their all to sing along, most notably on the final chorus of “Gorgeous” as the band beamed at the beautiful connection they’ve built with their fans. Harris also whipped out multiple instruments, including a saxophone and even a turn on bass guitar.
“Are you ready for it?” Harris goaded the audience as he donned his acoustic guitar and sent the room into a frenzy with the first notes of “Renegades”. It was a campfire singalong moment to the band’s most notable single and clearly still brings immense joy to both the band and their fans. Twenty songs later and it was finally time to bring the night to a close- but not before playing “Fragile” and “Unconsolable” to end the set. It was a beautiful night watching a band that still connects so deeply with their first album and how that has resonated with the fans over time- the perfect celebratory run for VHS.
