To know them is to love them. And if you’ve never had the pleasure of listening, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite band: Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Selling out Aragon Ballroom in Chicago—and not just “selling out” but also emptying all resale sites with some eager fans paying up to 10 times the original ticket value—the five piece alternative indie/rock band kicked off their US tour with a long awaited bang.
Having rescheduled their tour multiple times due to lead singer Ela Melo’s mental health, the magnitude of Saturday night’s show was clear. Opening with nostalgic 2013 hit “All That and More (Sailboat),” the crowd seemed to quickly forget any disappointment they had carried and were ready to welcome them back to the stage. Addressing the crowd a couple of songs in, drummer Jess Haney thanked everyone for sticking by them and admitted he was shaking at the reception they were receiving.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise is nothing short of a religious experience—literally, all of their songs contain reference to religion and the struggles it has brought the band members. From “Cocaine Jesus” to “Devil Like Me,” the ensemble transformed songs from gospel and concert lighting into angelic halos through their ingenious lyrics and truly indescribable sound. If they happen to be gracing a city near you, I highly recommend trying your luck at scoring a ticket before they sell out.
