Concert Review: Us The Duo Show They Are The 'Next Big Thing' At House Of Blues Anaheim

Us The Duo perform at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA on August 13th, 2014 (Paul DeBaun/Roman's Rap-Up).

This past Wednesday (August 13th), pop-folk group Us the Duo continued their debut tour with a stop at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA.  Starting out on Vine with their famous six-second covers of pop songs and recently signing with Republic Records, Us the Duo is quickly rising to the top of the charts with their second album, No Matter Where You Are.  This duo is a duo in more ways than one; they are actually a husband and wife pair, Michael and Carissa Rae Alvarado.  Skilled in a large array of instruments (percussion, guitar, piano, and a melodica, just to name a few), these singer-songwriter musicians have a show like no other. 

Us The Duo perform at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA on August 13th, 2014 (Paul DeBaun/Roman's Rap-Up).

Us The Duo perform at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA on August 13th, 2014 (Paul DeBaun/Roman's Rap-Up).

Us the Duo fully took advantage of the House of Blues’ small setting by decorating the stage with their own living room furniture to make the show more intimate. Michael Alvarado even went as far to say that “we want to invite you into our lives and tell you the story of how we fell in love.”  And they did just that.  The couple narrated their story throughout the entire show, using their songs to express the emotions they felt at different stages of their relationship.  

The couple’s chemistry was infectious as they sang songs like “Make You Mine” and “Falling in Love” to each other.  However, Us the Duo never let the show get too heavy by constantly cracking jokes and even singing a song about Michael’s favorite fruit, bananas (complete with a banana-shaped shaker).

Us The Duo perform at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA on August 13th, 2014 (Paul DeBaun/Roman's Rap-Up).

The Rae Alvarados excelled at make the audience feel as if they were close friends with the group.  Toward the end of the show, Us the Duo even made a Vine with the audience! Organizing the crowd into sections, Michael assigned a musical note to each section, the result being a stellar three-part harmony.  The couple recorded the Vine with Michael’s phone and announced they would post it the next day. 

Clearly, Us the Duo’s killer harmonies, unique story, and songwriting talent are going to turn this small band into superstars.  With a beautiful, mellow sound reminiscent of Lady Antebellum and Mumford and Sons, this band is already selling out their tour dates.  If the crowd’s wildly enthusiastic response is any indication, I would keep my eye on Us the Duo.  They might just be the 'next big thing'.

See more photos from Us The Duo's Anaheim show below: