It might be getting slightly cooler as fall looms on the horizon at the University of Connecticut, but WHUS Radio’s annual “Sounds of Summer” concert brought warm vibes to campus on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Student Union Terrace.
The show, which is one of four annual free concerts that UConn’s student-run radio station hosts, is typically held on a weekday evening. This year, the station broke tradition by holding it on a Saturday afternoon. The decision paid off well, as over 100 students gathered on the Student Union Lawn to watch the show with their friends and get free posters and T-shirts from WHUS.
The three-band bill kicked off at 4 p.m. with AshBABY, a jazz fusion-inspired jam band based in Storrs. Those waiting in line for free merchandise turned their heads as the band launched into its opening song, “Ideofunk” by The John Scofield Band. The song’s laid-back vibe proved to be a perfect start to their set, with bassist Judah Friedman and drummer Sam Brudz laying down a smooth midtempo groove.
Following that was another instrumental, “Phase Dance” by Pat Metheny Group. The band navigated the song’s complex changes with impressive dexterity, particularly during a portion in the latter half with ascending chord changes. The song was a perfect showcase of the twin guitar talents of Noah Bielecki and new member Colin Quigley as the two exchanged solos.
Last up was an original song titled “Double Bridge.” Opening with a more charging energy than the previous two songs, Bielecki and Quigley dazzled the crowd with their guitar harmonies. “Double Bridge” featured multiple sections that varied in tempo and musical key, but the band worked their way through them flawlessly.
Bielecki noted that as the band continues to write more original material, he’s “trying to break out of the box” and take more risks with his songwriting.
“I’ve declared myself as part of this genre [jazz fusion] and I’m learning how to be part of it,” he said.
The performance marked Quigley’s first appearance with the band, and he proved to be a seamless fit for a band that has upped their game since last semester.
“I joined right when we started playing for this show, I’ve had about four rehearsals before this,” said Quigley. “Our writing process hasn’t been too in-depth yet but I’m really excited to get more into it. I’m planning on writing more stuff, especially since these guys are in school now and I’m out, so I have more time to write.”
Next up on the bill was Hang Him to the Scales, a shoegaze-inspired indie band from Brooklyn, N.Y. The group’s sound featured a juxtaposition of funky drums and bass and flowing, ambient lead guitar passages, as well as effects-laden vocals. The musical vibe shift coincided with a darkening sky, though many remained on the lawn to enjoy the music.
After their set, the show went into a rain delay as the sky opened, with many students taking refuge under the covered part of the terrace, waiting out the rain alongside the bands.
By 6:15 p.m., the music was back and it was time for Boyscott, a touring indie rock group. Though the crowd was smaller than before, more people began showing up during the course of their set.
Boyscott’s set was the musical equivalent of a rainbow after a rainstorm, with the band’s surf-rock inspired guitar parts ringing out with brightness and light over the crowd. Their music was exactly what the “sounds of summer” are, with songs that are perfect for a day at the beach or a sunset drive.
Though the rain wasn’t what anybody wanted, the show was a successful kick-off to WHUS’ yearly slate of shows.