Concert Review: flipturn (Cat's Cradle)

BY MARK DOLEJS

For the third stop on their February tour, flipturn took to the stage at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Saturday night. Joined on the tour with supporting band Hotel Fiction, almost all of their shows are sold out for the month of February.

The band is made up of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Dillon Basse; bassist Madeline Jarman; lead guitarist Tristan Duncan; on synthesizers and guitar, Mitch Fountain; and Devon VonBalson on drums.

The Cat's Cradle was jumping as it was filled from wall to wall with a crowd ready to dance and party. flipturn opened the night with "The Fall" and "Sad Disco," both songs off their debut 2022 album, Shadowglow. Before the night was over the band played all but two songs off the album.

Throughout the night, it was evident that this crowd was very familiar with frontman Dillon Basse, singing along with him as if they were part of the band. During several songs, the band paused as the crowd sounded like a chorus echoing through the hall, on anthems like "August."

Midway through their set, Basse took on the vocals like a champ, on a cover of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World." The audience sang along and danced like it was a modern hit, even though the song was released in 1985, before most of them were born.

The crowd really came to life during the three-song encore. Starting with "August," the fans really went nuts, gyrating to the grooves. Basse and Jarman were just as animated, often leaving their feet and spinning around, while still managing to play their instruments. The night ended with "Churches" and "Nickels," rounding out an awesome set. With most of their shows selling out, make sure you get your tickets early next time they come around. Their next show in North Carolina will be April 20 at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville, when they open for Mt. Joy.

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MARK DOLEJS

Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

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