JORDAN BUDD
Special to The Leader
The Music Industry Club hosted its annual concert “Amp It Up” in Dod’s Grove on Sept. 25.
The show started off with the soft folk-tinged indie rock band, Kiddie Pool. Their emotive collection of covers and originals was a sensitive and stylish mix.
Kiddie Pool started their show with a cover of “Cut Your Bangs” by the similarly titled band Girlpool. Since Kiddie Pool’s debut of this cover at a previous Music Industry Club event, Soulstice Jam 2021, they added drummer Cameron Bunch, whose contributions have been nothing but beneficial to the band’s already strong sound.
After announcing an untitled song (referred to as “F*ck You,” within the band), frontwoman Megan Munro politely and hurriedly asked “Can we swear?” which was met with a few chuckles.
Munro wowed the crowd with her purposeful delivery and intriguing lyrics in this downtrodden but liberating breakup anthem.
She sang “We were once so good together, but since that August weather, we weren’t meant to last,” which seemed fitting as the chilly wind of autumn picked up speed in Dod’s Grove. The undeniably tuneful hook on this song will surely stick with you.
Kiddie Pool’s delightful cover of the hypnotizing “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog was a perfect match with their indie rock vibe. The transformative song features a cymbal crashing finish that showcased their new drummer’s talent effectively.
Kiddie Pool finished their performance with charming covers of “Angelina” by Lizzy McAlpine and “Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers, which featured a harmonica solo from member Phoebe Herreid.
Both songs displayed the development of Kiddie Pool’s sound, their diverse selection of inspiration, and excited me for future shows and music from the group.
Next up was Beach Tower, the indie rock band historically known as “the first band ever made” as said by Rick Rubin.
The band, made up of Cascio Fonseca, Jonathan Zareski, Ryan Terry and Evan Donnelly, performed with an unofficial new drummer, Joey Porth.
Cascio Fonseca, their lead vocalist, explained how this was their first live performance on campus since the Battle of the New Bands show in 2019. Beach Tower was excited to treat fans to both unreleased material and old favorites.
Their upbeat tune “In My Bed” — a standout from their 2020 project, “A Beach Tower EP,” available on all major streaming services — felt like the perfect warm welcome to both newcomers and longtime listeners of the band.
“Come Around,” another record from their EP, featured coolly confident lead vocals from Fonseca and a flashy guitar solo from Terry on the backend.
Beach Tower’s follow up cover of the new wave and funk song, “Burning Down the House” by the Talking Heads, featured iconic introductory guitar and drum work that was mastered by the band.
The new drummer on the block, Porth, had a standout performance featuring fills that hit in all the right spots and a striking stage presence that you don’t always get from a drummer.
After this cover, Beach Tower played three unreleased originals that show they can stick to their guns while developing upon their indie aesthetic in a unique way.
Fresh moments of psychedelia and a newfound punk rock energy add a new flavor to their sound, while their closing song “I’ll Stay” leans on the reflective, dreamy mood that made their first EP so enjoyable.
At the end of their set, Fonseca took time to thank their manager, Connor Bessey-Nolan. The lead singer also announced it was Bessey-Nolan’s birthday, which spurred a celebratory happy birthday sing-along for the hardworking member who won best manager at the previous Battle of the New Bands competition.
The closing act of the concert was a trio of acoustic guitars led by psychedelic folk artist and lyricist extraordinaire Jacob King. He was joined by Felix Kellog and Beach Tower guitarist, Ryan Terry, whose guitarwork helped King achieve a satisfyingly full acoustic sound.
King’s descriptive and unique style of storytelling never ceases to amaze. It is immediately captivating and can continue to be analyzed after repeated listens.
On his first tune, King threw a harmonica into the mix, which he admitted “I have been trying to learn lately.” King has obviously had some success with his process, as his melodies fluttered appropriately within his alternative folk sound.
Towards the middle of King’s performance the sun had set, and the night was beginning to roll in. His cover of “Monolith” by T. Rex was an expressive and original twist on the glam rock ballad from 1971.
On King’s original song “Cake,” he embodies both a melismatic and staccato vocal style that playfully engages with the ear.
The following song, “Organic Tea,” — which King quickly introduced with “This one’s about love” — further solidified an appreciation for his refreshing style of writing lyrics.
King and his accompanying players ended the night with another original song, “Lady Grey,” a pleasing ballad with a soaring chorus.
As the final notes rang in Dod’s Grove, King, Terry and Kellog were met with a warm round of applause that stood in stark contrast to the crisp night air that had set in.
King expressed his gratitude towards the other bands, the Music Industry Club and the audience. After a successful event, the congregation emptied briskly to warm up.
