Minneapolis has been reeling for most of this decade, due large in part to the notable deaths that have come at the hands of various law enforcement agencies. But in that time one band’s been persisting, even thriving, representing the city’s artistry and its loving spirit.
Night Moves, an indie rock outfit from the larger of the Twin Cities, released Double Life — its fourth full-length album on Domino Records — last summer, months before the group’s hometown became the daily focus of national news. It’s said to be about persevering, not turning away from what life can throw at you, and by the members’ own admission the recording is their most personal to date.
Fans in the Charm City got to take in Night Moves and hear the band’s newest songs on Jan. 31 as their current tour landed the quartet at Ottobar, where a packed house awaited Saturday night.
Led by vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist John Pelant and bassist Micky Alfano, two longtime friends and the founding members of the group, Night Moves performed more than half the tunes from Double Life, including fast favorites “Trying to Steal a Smile” and “Hold Onto Tonight.”
Listen to Double Life, the newest studio album from Night Moves from Minneapolis:
Also featuring drummer Mark Hanson and guitarist Charles Murlowski, Night Moves amazed those on hand at Baltimore’s most storied venue, sharing tracks from across its catalogue, including popular hits like “Denise, Don’t Wanna See You Cry” from 2016’s Pennied Days and — going back even earlier — “Colored Emotions,” the title track from the group’s 2012 premier.
Attendees weren’t shy with their affection for the group, particularly Pelant, whose tone certainly characterizes the most passionate and longing Night Moves tracks.
“You have the voice of an angel!” shouted one onlooker.
While the band leader himself didn’t offer all that much in terms of conversation, he did share his appreciation for Ottobar itself: “this place rules,” he commented late in the set.
Hanson, however, took an opportunity during the show to give his take on what’s going on back home in Minnesota.
“I just want to say: fuck ICE …” he offered from the back of the stage, only to be met by cheers and howls.
“There’s a lot of bad stuff happening in our city right now,” he went on. “I hope we can all show some compassion and love. …. It’s all about love.”
Watch the official music video for Night Moves’ “Ring My Bell” from the album Double Life via YouTube:
By the end of their most recent appearance in Baltimore, a place with its own fair share of ongoing struggles, these steadfast musicians most certainly felt the good vibes radiating back at them.
Setlist
Mexico
Recollections
Trying to Steal a Smile
Fallacy Actually
The Abduction
Denise, Don’t Wanna See You Cry
Hold On to Tonight
Ring My Bell
Daytona
Colored Emotions
This Time Tomorrow
Only to Live In Your Memories
Desperation
Encore
Carl Sagan
Below are digital shots of Night Moves performing at Ottobar in Baltimore the night of Jan. 31, 2026. All images copyright and courtesy of Casey Ryan Vock.
