Sunflower Bean performs emotive tracks from ‘Mortal Primetime’ at the Lodge Room in LA
Sunflower Bean recently unveiled their latest album, “Mortal Primetime,” which features emotionally charged tracks like “I Knew Love” that tug at the heartstrings and may necessitate reaching for a box of tissues. The poignant lyrics, such as “I have walked through broken glass from houses I destroyed,” resonate with listeners on a profound level.
To the delight of their fervent fan base, Sunflower Bean graced the stage at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles amidst a warm reception from attendees who eagerly rushed to the front as soon as the doors opened. This performance was a sort of homecoming for the band as they crisscross North America on their tour. Julia Cumming and Nick Kivlen, members of the band, recently made the move to Los Angeles. It was revealed that the album was recorded in Van Nuys a year prior to this show.
As the band kicked off the night with a high-voltage rendition of “Champagne Taste,” the energy in the room soared. The stage was bathed in a bright white light, concealing the band members like shadowy figures. Cumming showcased her vocal prowess during “Lucky Number,” eliciting screams of approval from the crowd. The announcement of “Twentytwo” prompted an eruption of excitement, with Cumming visibly embracing her bass guitar throughout the song.
During the performance of “I Knew Love,” Kivlen dedicated the song to his girlfriend, Meka, seeking Cumming’s approval beforehand. Cumming expressed her affection for the track, insisting, “This is one of my favorites, so you better be cool about it.” Drummer Olive Faber, though not mic’d up, made her presence felt by delivering a series of impactful drum hits during the song’s introduction. The audience swayed to the melodic rock ballad, erupting into cheers as the song drew to a close.
Opening the night with a dreamy set, Tashaki Miyaki, a local band from Los Angeles, mesmerized the audience with their ethereal sound. Lead guitarist Luke Paquin sported a cap bearing the logo of the popular TV show “Friends.” The standout of their set was the final song, “Somethin’ Is Better Than Nothin’,” where Paige Stark’s vocals crescendoed with a powerful and convincing intensity as she repeated the reassuring lyrics, “It’s gonna be alright.”
GIFT, the New York band supporting Sunflower Bean on their tour, quickly won over the Los Angeles crowd with the opening notes of their first song, “Wish Me Away.” Lead singer TJ Freda’s dynamic performance, characterized by dramatic twists and turns, captivated the audience. Audience participation reached a fever pitch during “Gumball Garden,” culminating in a spirited finale with “Pinkhouse Secret Rave,” where the band unleashed a torrent of music accompanied by energetic movements and guitar riffs.
In conclusion, the evening was capped off with an electrifying setlist from Sunflower Bean, including tracks like “Champagne Taste,” “Lucky Number,” “Teach Me To Be Bad,” and “Twentytwo.” The encore featured the energetic song “Shake.” Tashaki Miyaki and GIFT also delivered standout performances during the night, making it a truly memorable evening of music at the Lodge Room.