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Review: Grouplove And Good Vibes At The Fillmore Philly

By Michael Cerio 

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- You might think you're cool parents.

You may be totally chill about basement parties and your Honda Odyssey might be bumping "fresh jams," but you've got nothing on Grouplove's Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi.

The couple not only share vocal duties for the eclectic and eternally energetic indie outfit Grouplove, but they also share a new baby girl that turned one this summer.

While other new parents are scheduling sleep around chasing their new crawling bundle of joy, Hannah and Christian are crowd surfing across a sold out sea of people at The Fillmore in Philadelphia.

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(credit: Michael Cerio)

At 9:30 p.m. sharp on Tuesday night, Grouplove exploded on to the stage with a burst in front of the shoulder to shoulder crowd – Hannah with red hair in a leotard and lace body stocking, Christian sporting green locks in an oversized floral print dress.

The relentlessly touring band is "back in business" this year with their third album Big Mess released in September. The night's set would lean heavy on this latest batch of shimmering pop anthems, all of which fit nicely alongside fan favorites. However there was a discernible difference in crowd intensity when radio gems like "Tongue Tied" or "Let Me In" echoed across the audience. In those moments Grouplove shined brightest, leading a chorus choir featuring nearly all in attendance.

The band closed out their main set with a synth-laced cover of the Beastie Boys "Sabotage" and a bass-blasting take on their new tune "Welcome To Your Life." The former felt a bit off but got by on sheer excitement with Hooper and Zucconi singing while surfing across the crowd, the latter a clear sign that they still have the same smart sense for a big pop hook that they always have.

They closed out their encore with some sincere thank yous to the crowd at The Fillmore, and "Colours" – the song that started it all for them five years ago.

Never letting up this evening was the overall good vibes that radiate out of Grouplove. The band which originally formed in an artist commune rarely waiver from that technicolor campfire feeling that makes them so infectious. New material or old, they always seem to be at the center of a free love revival, one they're having just as much fun hosting as you are watching.

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