Tending the Garden: Young the Giant Brings Victory Garden to Charlotte

Just a few weeks after releasing their highly anticipated new album, Victory Garden, Young the Giant brought the Victory Garden World Tour to Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre in Charlotte, North Carolina. With support from almost monday and Cold War Kids, the night was packed with talent from start to finish. The evening could not have been more fitting for an outdoor concert. The warm temperature and gentle breeze created the perfect backdrop for an evening of live music.

The evening began with a fun set from San Diego-based indie pop band almost monday. They opened the night with the song, “jupiter.” This upbeat, catchy hit filled the venue with contagious energy. Their set moved through fan favorites including “cough drops,” “skinny dip,” and “sunburn,” with each song keeping the crowd engaged. The band’s laid-back California sound paired well with the warm evening, making them the perfect opener for the night. Lead singer, Dawson Daughtery, danced effortlessly across the stage while the rest of the band matched his energy perfectly. By the time they closed with “life goes by,” the crowd was buzzing with energy and excitement for the night to come.

Cold War Kids brought a different energy to the stage, trading almost monday's bright indie-pop sound for alternative rock. Opening with "So Tied Up," the band worked through a setlist that spanned much of their catalog, including "Miracle Mile," "Love Is Mystical," and "Run Away With Me." Nathan Willett's powerful, distinctive vocals remained the centerpiece of the performance, particularly on songs like "Hospital Beds" and "Hang Me Up to Dry." The audience responded enthusiastically to the band's biggest hits, with many fans singing along word for word. Closing with "First," Cold War Kids delivered a strong set that kept the momentum of the night going and prepared the crowd for Young the Giant's arrival.

Young the Giant took the stage as the sun set, opening with "Evergreen," the first track from Victory Garden. Despite the album being only a few weeks old, fans already knew every word. Throughout the night, the band showcased several songs from the new record, including "Bitter Fruit," "Different Kind of Love," "Mona Lisa," and “This Too Shall Pass” giving the audience an early look at how the album translates to a live setting.

One of the most memorable moments came during "Bitter Fruit," which ended with a brief rendition of The Beatles' "Blackbird." Later in the show, "Ships Passing" was introduced with a snippet of "Titus Was Born," tying the newer songs back to earlier material.

While Victory Garden played a major role in the setlist, Young the Giant made sure longtime fans were not left behind. Songs such as "Apartment," "Garands," "I Got," and "Cough Syrup" drew some of the loudest reactions of the night, while staples like "My Body" and "Mind Over Matter" were clear reminders of how the band has been a mainstay in alternative rock.

The set was particularly special because it was just hours before bassist Payam Doostzadeh’s birthday. The band led the crowd in “Happy Birthday,” while bringing out a cake.

Rather than separating the old from the new, Young the Giant built a set that allowed songs from every era of their career to coexist naturally. The result was a performance that celebrated both where the band started and where they are headed with Victory Garden. As the final notes faded, the crowd lingered, reluctant to let the evening end. It was the kind of show that reminds you why live music matters, bringing everyone together through music that they have loved for years.

Coverage by Drayton Peterson

Contact for us for advertising! If you would like to feature your event, art, music, venue, or business on SoundBite Magazine, send an email to soundbitemag@gmail.com for features and promotional inquiries.

For upcoming events and artists features, follow SoundBite Magazine on Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.