Coast Modern
Last Saturday, 888 and Coast Modern gave killer performances to a sold out crowd while opening up for your new favorite electronic duo, MISSIO.
The show opened with Denver-based trio 888 bringing an incredible energy, playing notable songs such as “Young and In Love” and forthcoming new single “Creepers.” Vocalist Danny Stillman engaged the audience in the back but paid particular attention to the front few rows, keeping close and low with those first few fans. While drummer Danny Cooper was mostly hidden during the set, keyboardist Aaron Rothe was another engaging performer. The active and demonstrative performance almost felt too big for the room they were in, in the very best sense. After hits such as “Seattle Rain” and “Older Now”, the band ended the set with “Critical Mistakes.” One of the biggest highlights of the night came when mid-song, the band finished their song, bringing instruments and all, in the middle of the audience. If this performance is any indication, this band is certainly one to keep watching.
Next up was Southern California locals Coast Modern. After a quick set change to transform the stage into a dreamy tropical paradise, the band dove right in, picking up with the energy 888 left off. With promises of a forthcoming album, Coast Modern played a few newer songs along with older jams such as “Guru.” The band gave all the surf-rock vibes with their L.A.-inspired tunes, at one point describing a tropical rainforest before launching into “The Way It Was.” While playing an incredible set, the band really hit their stride during the last few songs, including “Pockets Full of No,” before coming to a strong finish with “Hollow Life.”
Finally, MISSIO took the stage. Backed by three looming light towers, the band kicked off the night on a high with “I Don’t Even Care About You” with a full, vibrant sound and light production that added to electric energy. It was the kind of show people often wished they could see of their favorite bands before they hit stardom, playing to large venues and cramped crowds. The Austin-based duo, Matthew Brue and David Butler, gave San Diego their very best, following up with new tracks “KDV” and “Everybody Gets High”, in which Brue opened up about personal struggles with addiction and the personal nature of their music. While Butler held it down on keys, Brue kept the audience engaged, keeping along the edge of the stage and giving off all the vibes with his dance moves. With every song, the performance gained more momentum before finishing with their biggest hit to date, “Middle Fingers.”
All three bands gave incredible performances in the intimate space of the Voodoo Room, each distinguishing themselves as ones to watch and possibly your new favorite bands. Don’t miss MISSIO’s new album “Loner,” which drops May 19th! Also, be sure to catch any of these bands the next time they swing through or at any of the festivals they’ll be at this summer.