By Aiden Milne
Walking into the Anthem, I was presented with a buzzing crowd that would react whenever a crew member came on stage. Their anticipation pushed my expectations high and I was blown away by the energy and thrilling music of Cuco and his band. As Cuco, along with his band carrying a Mexican flag, came onto the stage, the loudest crowd I have ever heard erupted in excitement, with almost every phone around me up and filming. You could feel the hype in your bones (and definitely in your ears). As lights lit up from the floor, Cuco opened up with “Ego Death in Thailand” from his debut album Para Mi. Every song he played was turned up to 11 with tons of energy and great solos from his band on guitar and keys.
About a quarter way into the show, he played an unreleased song, “My 45.” I adored its reggae influence and was thrilled to hear that he would be releasing it on his upcoming untitled album. After that, he played “Bossa No Sé,” which was sung solely by the crowd half the time as Cuco held out his mic to them. I really enjoyed how Cuco transformed his songs for the concert, making even his slowest dreamy, psychedelic songs ones you could jump and dance to.
The fans there knew every word of every song, making me feel like I should have studied for this concert. He definitely earned his loyal fans, signing everything from posters, backpacks, vinyls, and shoes during breaks and while singing.
During one break, Cuco brought up that he was in marching band in high school, where he played the trumpet and proceeded to play it beautifully on three songs. The trumpet solos added a passionate aspect to his music, showing his adoration and care for creating songs and never forgetting where he started in his musical journey. He also reminisced on how he met his two band members, Esai and Fern, in marching band. Their chemistry was fun and nonchalant, showing their shared passion for music.
Near the end of the show, Cuco’s guitar broke (while playing the mind-bending “Sunnyside”), but he improvised by going to the mixer and electrifying the crowd so much that they thought it was the last of the set, immediately calling for an encore after. To end the show, he finished off with “Lo Que Siento” and reiterated how he would not be here without his fans, saying that he would definitely be back in DC next year.
I left the show energized and moved by the engagement and passion of the crowd. Everyone knew what song was playing at the first note and no song was left unloved. This was the most high-energy concert I have ever been to and I cannot wait for the chance to see Cuco again.
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