PHOTOS: BRIGID GALLAGHER | After a snowy week in Chicago, the “Summer is Forever II” tour came through town for two sold out nights at Thalia Hall. Three Californian bands, Wavves, Best Coast, and Cherry Glazerr took the stage to remind us of rays of sunshine and the hot days ahead.
Cherry Glazerr started off the night with our first taste of summer. Clementine Creevy’s sugary sweet vocals about snack foods and friendship were given an edge with heavy strumming guitar. Creevy’s small frame created a large presence as she moved about the stage, even coming to the edge to sing to fans. Much of the audience was impressed and unable to help themselves from head-bobbing and dancing. At the end of the night many concertgoers walked away clutching a copy of their latest album, Haxel Princess on pink vinyl.
Best Coast brought summer night vibes with their set consisting of a pleasant mix of new and old. Frontwoman, Bethany Cosentino’s fierce stance was silhouetted making her a powerful force as the band played favorites such as “Do You Love Me Like You Used To?” and “Crazy For You.” Cosentino alternated between guitar and a star-shaped tambourine using those moments to let loose and dance to their appealing poppy rock songs.
Hair became the most used accessory on this tour as both Creevy and Cosentino let their long strands cover their face and hang loose to the beat of the music. Later Wavve’s bassist Stephen Pope took on the trend with his head of hair. Cosentino shouted out a grateful “Thank you” after each song like a kid who just received a handful of candy on Halloween. You could tell the band was happy to be there and the crowd was just as excited with all the lyrics memorized and ready to sing along. Best Coast’s most recent album California Nights is available on 12” vinyl.
Wavves turned Thalia Hall into a beach party as soon as they came on stage with their fast-paced rock. Friends gathered in circles, dancing and singing every word to each other. Cups were thrown into the air with a welcomed release of ice-cold drinks falling on to sweaty fans. Halfway through the set lead singer, Nathan Williams, told the audience, “I have a present for you” and bags of balloons and inflatable aliens were released on to the spectators.
The aliens were quickly swept up and held above the crowd to dance to the remaining songs. People kept the balloons in action until the end of the show. Williams held onto an alien and serenaded it while Pope had one assist him with bass. Wavves ended their set with popular songs “King of the Beach” and “Green Eyes,” leaving the crowd with a satisfying summer breeze. It was easy to forget we were about to walk back out into the freezing cold winter. Wavves’ current album, V is available on 12” vinyl.
BEST COAST
WAVVES
CHERRY GLAZER
