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Jen Cray
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Oso Oso at Soundbar
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND
Oso Oso, The Sidekicks, Future Teens and Palm Tree Square, Soundbar, Aug. 28
On the emo spectrum, New York’s
Oso Oso occupies the decidedly
pop end. In fact, at this point in their career, this vehicle for musician Jade Lilitri is almost beyond that tag with their commercial and open-hearted pop-rock. Although perhaps glossed beyond character to a faceless fault, their songs are nonetheless sturdy and were played with skill. The sparks, however, were elsewhere on the bill.
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Jen Cray
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The Sidekicks at Soundbar
Like Ohio’s the
Sidekicks, for example, who went all leading superhero here last year when they completely upstaged their billmates at the
Tigers Jaw show at the Abbey.
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Jen Cray
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The Sidekicks at Soundbar
As a band that does pop-punk with a wide, beaming horizon and a frontman who kicks it with stadium-sized flair, their live shine continues to serve this
Epitaph Records band well, always making them a worthwhile spectacle and perennial contender for
Most Fucking Photogenic Band in the World:
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Jen Cray
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The Sidekicks at Soundbar
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Jen Cray
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The Sidekicks at Soundbar
Boston tourmates
Future Teens added their own electricity to the party. Although their music is aptly self-described as
“bummer pop,” its execution is pure energy and bonhomie.
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Jen Cray
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Future Teens at Soundbar
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Jen Cray
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Future Teens at Soundbar
It’s got the requisite feels but is bent with just enough self-aware humor and levity of heart to not be a wet blanket of emo wallow. Once you factor in their live exuberance and the dimensionality of two leads and coed vocals, it all adds up to
one pretty exceptional group.
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Jen Cray
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Future Teens at Soundbar
Another reason to love Future Teens? They walk the walk when it comes to making their shows
safe spaces. Guitarist-singer Amy Hoffman encouraged anyone who feels unsafe to come find any one of the band members for help.
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Jen Cray
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Future Teens at Soundbar
And taking a page out of the smart operating manual of fellow Massachusetts band
Speedy Ortiz, Future Teens provided a phone number centrally displayed at their merch booth where concertgoers can
text them on scene for aid. Good, conscientious people there.
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Jen Cray
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Future Teens at Soundbar
And finally, young Orlando band
Palm Tree Square represented well. By all metrics, they’re a solid emo band. But with nice indie-rock sensibilities and some fancy math flourishes, they’re more than just that. Their sweetly sensitive songs feature good detail and hooks big enough to inject their feelings with
spirit.
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Jen Cray
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Palm Tree Square at Soundbar
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Jen Cray
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Palm Tree Square at Soundbar
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com