The best way to get over someone? Definitely dancing around with your best friends, or, in LANY’s case, with a crowd full of a few thousand friends. LANY with their chill California vibes and smooth danceable tracks got the sold out crowd at the Riviera Theater moving on November 1st. The LA based band is on tour in support of their sophomore album “Malibu Nights,” an album of heartbreak and healing.

Electropop singer-songwriter Anna of the North opened up the show full of energy that transferred right over to the crowd, preparing them for LANY. In a mess of fog, LANY entered the stage to “Thick and Thin,” the opening track of “Malibu Nights.” The track introduces fans to lead singer Paul Klein’s heartbreak, as the album is his way of processing his breakup with pop singer Dua Lipa. The crowd showed its support as it sang back every word with enthusiasm.

LANY’s dream pop sound and Klein’s dancing kept up the positive energy in the venue. The audience bopped around song after song, keeping the positivity flowing and Klein smiling. Fans even gifted Klein with a bouquet of roses, an homage to the band’s self-titled album where a rose is the cover.

Large LED screens covered the background of the stage and allowed the imagery to change from song to song. A California sunset during “pink skies” and the music video for “Super Far” were just a few of the scenes set. The screen was split in half, with the bottom half as the base for an elevated stage where guitarist Les Priest and drummer Jake Goss resided during the show.

The higher energy songs were contrasted with the more emotional ballads played towards the end of the set. Klein performed a particularly passionate version of “Hericane” that was soon followed by the piano-based track “Malibu Nights.” The touching song wouldn’t have been complete without the starry background and a single spotlight streaming across the stage falling on Klein playing the piano.

The band returned to the stage for a three-song encore starting with the lead single for “Malibu Nights,” “Thru These Tears.” The content of the song is sure to resonate with those who have been deeply hurt as Klein sang, “in the end I’m gonna be alright / but it might take a hundred sleepless nights.” Despite the sad lyrics, the catchy nature of the chorus kept fans energized. The band closed the show with their breakout hit “ILYSB.” Before leaving the stage, they expressed their love for their fans and the special place the city of Chicago holds in their hearts.

This LANY show gave fans an opportunity to dance out their feelings. Providing that healthy balance between happy love songs and embracing tough emotions, the band has proved there’s more to them than their synth-pop exterior. LANY may not be the biggest band in the world, but the dedication of their fans is evident and that dedication cannot be ignored.

Photos by Mary Grace Ritter