Imagine Dragons Fire Up ‘Smoke + Mirrors’ at The Troubadour

After the enormous success of their debut studio album “Night Visions,” Las Vegas natives Imagine Dragons are accustomed to performing their colossal concerts to fans by the thousands in sold out arenas. In honor of the new collection of raw, honest rock anthems that make up their latest, “Smoke + Mirrors,” the band hosted an intimate record release show at Los Angeles legendary Troubadour on Friday, February 20. With a capacity of just about 400 occupants, the tight stage room was crowded with the bands’ family, friends, and lucky fans who had managed to win label tickets for this rare opportunity to experience Imagine Dragon’s monster sound up close and personal.

A band that needs no introductions, Imagine Dragons opened up the show just after 9:00 p.m. without an opening act to warm the stage. The first song was none other than their rousing new single, “Shots.” The Troubadour’s modest platform barely fit the carefully constructed jungle of percussion and digital instruments that frontman Dan Reynolds and his crew employed to pound out their cathartic melodies.

Next up was a throwback to their first record with “It’s Time,” a crowd-pleaser that instantly had the whole audience singing every line back at the four performers on stage. The chorus was so loud, Reynolds paused his own vocals to let the singing fans take over the mic for a few bars. They didn’t miss a single word. After bonding with the crowd, Reynolds, who was definitely wearing his heart on his sleeve that night, took a moment to express what the release show meant to him and the band. “This is a very special night for us,” he said. “We played here four years ago and there was not this many people.”

Once the house was heated up with a few of their familiar hits, the group showcased a medley of new material from the sophomore album that included a heavy, cautionary tale warning of the unintended consequences of fame, “Gold,”  and their hypnotic title track shrouded in hazy synthesizers, “Smoke + Mirrors.” One of the most energetic moments of the night came when Imagine Dragons pounded out the in-your-face, foot-stomper “I’m So Sorry.” Even spectators from the overhead balcony could witness Reynolds eyes squeezed tightly shut as he emotionally belted out each soulful refrain.

After a deeply heartfelt rendition of the confessional “Amsterdam,” Reynolds hit the show’s most tender nerve when he honored a special guest in the room. “My mom is here tonight. I love her very much, and she is one of the best moms in the world,” he said in a voice poignant with emotion. His speech recognizing his mother’s presence introduced the band’s performance of “I Bet My Life,” the first single from “Smoke + Mirrors” which Reynolds has noted is his most personal poetry to date, describing a rollercoaster relationship with his parents. “Conflict is just part of love, and I’m just grateful for everything she’s done for me.”

The night closed out with their apocalyptic hit “Radioactive” that has earned them countless airplay and a Grammy award. “We want to thank you, friends and family, people who have been here from the beginning, people who are just coming,” Reynolds spoke gratefully to the crowd just before the final songs. Everyone was invited back to see them at their next Los Angeles summer performance at The Forum – an indoor arena about 40 times the capacity of the Troubadour. It might be a better scale for Imagine Dragons’ huge sound, but it sure won’t be as personal as this family affair.

Imagine Dragons performed at The Troubadour on Feb. 20.

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