Miniature Tigers

Miniature Tigers are quite likely the most "authentic" band that I have seen live. Let me explain. When I went to see their concert, needless to say I was so glad to find a band that was so perfect and clever I just wanted to shout it from the rooftops. The first amazing thing about these boys is that their positive energy attracts the best sort of people. Once ushered through the doors of the relatively small concert hall, I was surrounded by a crowd of upbeat, quirky 20-somethings. Which, coincidentally is exactly the same type of people in the band. The Tigers are composed of: -Rick Schaier on keyboard and background vocals, whose smooth harmonies contrast with the funky little dances he does while grooving on his keyboard. -Algernon Quaishe, who is quite possibly the slickest guitar player I have ever encountered. -Brandon Lee on bass, who just can't seem to help playing his instrument vertically, and of course grooving along to the vocals of -Charlie Brand, the hopelessly endearing lead singer, who somehow manages to put a smile on the faces of everyone in the crowd while pouring out lyrics that are gorgeously vulnerable (Tell me how you feel about me/Do you like or "like like" me?), sometimes unbearably sad (From a dark, dark daydream/Nothing can wake me from myself), but mostly enthusiastic and incredibly clever (Lately I feel like a blown-out birthday candle/One look in the mirror and I know the party's over.) Brand's high school experience was rough. He had put on a lot of extra weight and had a generally low self-image. Once he learned the guitar and was able to create his own tunes, he soon learned how to create the kind of catchy melodies that you hear him sing today. It was through his music that he began to feel better about himself both physically and mentally.
This was clear when they came out onstage. The majority of the band wore colorful striped shirts (I'm still wondering whether that was done on purpose). The venue was the smallest I've ever been in, and though there was a small crowd of people bouncing around and generally having a good time, it was far from packed. However, when the band came out, Brand looked amazed. "Shit," he said, "So many of you. Wow!" He began the show with The Wolf, and the crowd all danced and sang along. Then he spoke for a bit about how glad he was that we could all come out. He also described getting food poisoning the day before, after which he turned and looked at Quaishe saying, "Too much information, right?" They debuted newly-released singles from their new album, Cruel Runnings, but also sang some old ones. During once song, Brand dangled his feet over the stage. During Oblivious, he actually walked into the crowd and danced while he sang. Clearly that old stage fright that he has spoken about in interviews was all gone. Either that or he was really good at hiding it. Earlier there had been a small earthquake while one of their opening acts was playing. During a break in one of the songs, Brand asked, "Did you all feel that earthquake earlier? That was insane." They were conversational. They were casual. They were energetic. It was like we were all old friends. Song after song went on. Brand danced about the stage. During Bullfighter Jacket he brought out his guitar and played along with Quaishe. He would frequently go over and sing into Schaier's microphone. They were clearly very comfortable. After playing their "final" song, they left the stage with excessive expressions of gratitude. The audience, on a natural high from the bubblegum-indie-pop-goodness of their music chanted "one more! one more!" "Shit," said Charlie, "Thank you!!!" They played two. First it was Dark Tower, a thinly veiled allusion to Brand's past depression. Then, in order to end on a lighter note, they played their most popular song, Cannibal Queen. Tired and sweaty but mostly happy, Brand sang, "This is not a test or an SOS/I'm no longer on a quest to get girls undressed." Upon finishing, he beamed and proclaimed that he wanted to hug every single one of us and to stop by the lobby to pick up a t-shirt and say "hi", though apologetically he said that they only had a few to sell (it really was clear that they were expecting far fewer people.) So if you're looking for clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and general feel-good music, I would wholeheartedly suggest you look into going to see Miniature Tigers in concert. But buy your tickets soon, because this band is going to become big. Really, really fast.

Miniature Tigers, from America, mix pop, electronica and rock, to put on an entertaining show full of non-stop energy. Sounding a lot more like a rock band than an electronic band than on record, they are fronted by singer-guitarist Charlie Brand, who isn’t afraid to show off his back-flipping skills several times throughout the show. The remainder of the four-piece are made up of drummer and singer Rick, Algernon on guitar and keyboard and Brandon on bass. They delight the crowd with first song ‘Crazy’ showing off Charlie’s charisma and cheeky-chappy style. “This is the first time we’ve been to England and no shit, it’s the coolest place we’ve ever been to” gives a nod to the excited British crowd. ‘Girlfriend’ tells a love sick story about how a flame used to be “the shit”, that’s American for great to you and me. Charlie demands that the audience start a “dance party” before charming the females of the front row of the crowd by coming down to the ground to sing into their eyes. “I’m having a love affair with this city, you people are wild” introduces debut single ‘Cannibal Queen’, undoubtedly a future chart hit with infectious guitar riffs and catchy lyrics before ending on synth and guitar led ‘Sex On The Regular’. You need a lot of energy to keep up with them, but with shows like these they are a very exciting live prospect.

Miniature Tigers has got to be one of the cutest bands I have ever seen. Sure they have the quirky lyrics with the catchy beats that'll make anyone get up and dance; however, even better, the boys all perform like they just really wanna have a good time. It kind of feels like you're hanging out with them during a band practice. They all have a blast up there dancing, singing, and telling jokes. Even when the sound tech guy just like completely messed up the sound for nearly the entire show, Charlie managed to make light of it and keep positive. I always make a point that some bands are better at performing and some are better at playing music, and I absolutely believe that this up-and-coming-band is one of few bands I have ever seen to master both. They sound rad live and they entertain in a simple enough way to keep the crowd paying attention for more than just their favorite song. They are definitely worth catching in an intimate venue before their catchy, sweet jams cuddle their way into the big time.

I first saw this band live in 2009. They opened for Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band. I wasn't expecting much as an opening band, but I was immediately blown away. They put on an energetic show and know how to get the crowd moving. I believe they even covered "I Like to Move It." By the end of the performance, I became a instant fan.
Five years later, they still put on an amazing show. Their set list includes songs from each album including live favorites like "Cannibal Queen," "Dino Damage," "Bullfighter Jacket," "Goldskull," "Boomerang," and "Sex on the Regular." Their first two albums are more indie rock, but they have transitioned to more synth pop with their latest two albums. Thus, their live show is a mixture of that. The crowd's actions are pretty much a reflection of those genres - some bouncing, some head bobbing, and some throwing their hands in air. The crowd is definitely interesting to watch alone.
Overall, Miniature Tigers is amazing live. You will not be disappointed.

It's been a while since M.T. came to pay us a visit in the Bay Area and what better place to play than The Great American Music Hall!

Charlie Brand is a great singer, guitarist and amateur comedian. He climbed off the stage and sang with the audience. Made jokes. Showed grace and prestige. Definitely worth seeing them if you have the opportunity. I was able to get a set list, and have it signed by the whole band! Woo Hoo! Thanks Rick, Charlie, Brandon and Algernon.

-Glance Dodger

They’ve made some of my favorite albums; and yet, they’re even better live than recorded (“Boomerang” especially comes to mind).
Also of note, they’re just as entertaining in between songs as well. Mr Brand throws out some quick wit to fill the gaps between songs.
All in all, a great concert.

Charlie Brand was absolutely incredible. He jumped off the stage and hugged people and literally fed my boyfriend a peach! Every single person at the concert had a great time and the bassist had some SICK dance moves. Literally the best concert I’ve ever been to.

it was the best show ive been to since last time i saw Miniature Tigers. 11/10 stars

Ela Minus was p chill too, good reason to get hammed on a Sunday