fun. at Pier 26

Vocalist Nate Ruess formed Fun (stylized as fun.) in New York City with bassist Andrew Dost and guitarist Jack Antonoff. Fun has released two albums: Aim and Ignite in August 2009 and Some Nights in February 2012. The band is best known for its three hit singles: "We Are Young" (featuring Janelle Monáe), "Some Nights" and "Carry On." Earlier this year, Fun won Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Song of the Year for "We Are Young."

Tonight’s concert came on the night after a week-long heatwave, making Pier 26, surrounded on three sides by the Hudson River with a brightly lit New Jersey skyline in the background, an especially enjoyable summer night venue. Fun came on stage shortly after the sun set and performed exactly what one would expect from a Top 40 band – a 90-minute energetic set of hits and dance-able anthems. The trio, joined by three additional musicians, having toured for a year and a half off the same album, used the stage well, often dashing across the stage and up the ramps alongside the drummer. Bright lighting on the stage and a large video projection above the musicians helped focus the attention of the audience. Ruess’ banter between songs was family-friendly and endearingly charming, assuring the audience that the musicians love what they do and that they were happy to be perform in their hometown. Ruess’ singing initially was a bit grating, then improved after a few songs, allowing him facility to climb into the higher octaves. Nevertheless, his was not a particularly unique voice. Herein begins the band’s inherent problem; beyond a lively performance and a few polished radio anthems, the band’s music was not especially above the ordinary. Overall, however, for those who attended the concert, Fun delivered what it advertised, instant-gratifying fun.