In Concert : Tennis @ Record Bar

With quick turn around from their 2011 debut album Cape Dory;  Tennis is currently on tour this summer with their second release, Young & Old.  While their first album was a scrapbook documentation of the husband-wife duo Alaina and Patrick Moore's voyage at sea, the second album retains a similar relaxed beach vibe with the addition of scuzzy down-tempo beats.  Teaming up with Patrick Carney of The Black Keys, the influence is heard; expanding Tennis' repertoire from retro 60's surf pop to a more dynamic indie pop.  Upon first listen you are instantly hooked by the catchy beats.  Young & Old is aptly titled - a contemporary spin to an homage of retro sounds.  However do not dismiss its overall depth; it is the storytelling and philosophical questions wrapped within the lyrics that makes Tennis an exciting new band to listen to.  

Game. Set. Match.

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In Concert : Foster the People + Kimbra @ Livestrong Sporting Park

Even after telling the crowd to "Settle Down," I couldn't help but to keep dancing and cheering while watching Kimbra perform.  Alright, maybe Kimbra wasn't actually telling the crowd to settle down, but singing one of the hit singles from her newly released Vows record.  This New Zealander is quickly showing she has some chops with a spirited live show and music that is way beyond ordinary pop, but infused with jazz, funk, and soul.

Later that evening, cut to Foster the People...a band that blew up in 2011 with "Pumped up Kicks" and pretty much any one of the other nine hit tracks off Torches.  They did not disappoint - keeping the energy high, the beats going, and totally morphing the second half of "Pumped..." into an epic dubstep remix.  Other highlight from the show included having Kimbra come back out to sing their infectious and summery collaboration "Warrior." <Insert dance party here.>

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In Concert : Caveman @ Record Bar

There are those people in life you meet for the first time that you swear you have met before and instantly connect with.  This is how I felt when listening to  Caveman's debut album Coco Beware.  Like a thoughtful summer breeze, Caveman brings a welcoming air of songs - brand new but with the familiar comfort as if you have been singing them forever.

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