Rainbow Kitten Surprise ‘How To: Friend, Love, Freefall’ Tour
All photos by Zach Sanders
As I sit in my car on the evening of April 20th, catching my breath from the past couple of hours, all I can think is “Damn, Matt Shultz (singer of Cage the Elephant) might have some competition.” For reference, Shultz is among my favorite modern vocalists for his Jagger–esqe stage presence.
Who, you may ask, is making me question this? Well, if you read the title, then you should know him as none other than Sam Melo, singer of Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS). RKS is currently touring in support of their recently released album that shares the name of the tour, How To: Friend, Love, Freefall. This tour is spanning all across the United States, with major stops paving their way into festival mode. Currently the band has tour support from Ohio-based group Caamp, with Brent Cowles jumping in for the last half, before Forecastle starts off Caamp’s entrance into festival mode. Tonight the groups are in Nashville, Tennessee, playing to a sold-out crowd at the Cannery Ballroom, and the building is buzzing with anticipation. Ready to ease that tension, Caamp takes the stage to get everyone ready for the show that will follow.
If you have not heard of Caamp, take a moment to go remedy that over on Spotify. Fans of folk will instantly find something to love, just like I did at the show on Friday night. With his cowboy hat and flannel shirt on, singer Taylor Meier serenaded the crowd with this amazing raspy and sultry voice while he masterfully strummed away at his acoustic guitar. Of course, it would not be a true folk experience without banjo, and picker Evan Westfall was definitely able to deliver that steely sound while also offering harmonic vocals. Rounding out the string-based crew was bassist Matt Vinson with his classic violin bass à la Paul McCartney. The trio guided the crowd through an amalgam of songs that truly spoke to the human soul, speaking of drinking, mothers, and that all-important journey that is life.
Taylor Meier (Top) Evan Westfall (Middle) and Matt Vinson (Bottom) of Caamp
In quick succession, the five-piece that is Rainbow Kitten Surprise took the stage in a wave of smoke and raw energy. With amazing soundstage and lighting capable of truly drawing the crowd into the songs they sing, it is clear WHY this show sold out and why they will continue to sell out venues. Their Facebook RKS identifies them as indie/alternative, but with the harmonies and presence of three to four string instruments at any given time, it is clear that this quintet has its roots in folk and bluegrass. This makes sense, considering all five members formed RKS in North Carolina, a long-time Appalachia stronghold.
Friday night the group took the stage in great form. Having played an intimate record store show the night before, the group had a day of relative rest. I can only imagine how important this is as I watch singer Sam Melo jump, twist, and spin in all directions as he sings with the fervor of a man possessed. Throughout the show Melo does not leave a single piece of stage untouched with his drunken ballerina dance style. What may be most impressive about all of this is that he manages to mix in turns playing guitar and keyboard with all of this mania and never misses a step or really even pauses to catch his breath. Even when other members are taking a moment to tune a guitar or chug water, Sam is talking with the crowd, drawing them in to the story of song.
Not one to leave Melo hanging, bassist Charlie Holt also traversed a good percentage of the stage, bouncing as he played. Holt also provides excellent backup vocals and acts as a sort of hype man, encouraging the crowd to have just as much fun as he clearly is. From the moment he took the stage, there was no member of the band more clearly ecstatic to be playing than he.
This status as “most excited” member is pretty impressive, especially when he shared the stage with rhythm guitarist and harmony vocalist Darrick “Bozzy” Keller. Keller, also wearing his boogie shoes, spent the evening strumming, singing, and dancing his heart out. Bozzy even ditched his guitar a couple of times to make room to really belt out some vocals and join in the fun. I would define Keller as the most groovy member of the band, with a dancing and playing style that is really free and loose.
With a presence that emanates “cool,” the band’s guitar groove was lead by Ethan Goodpaster. With true rock-star quiet intensity, Goodpaster slayed the fret board, even at one point using his beer bottle as an impromptu glass slide. The result was an evening of absolute amazing shredding on the guitar.
Finally, keeping time and described by Melo as “Your tin can preacher man” was Jess Haney. Haney spent the evening keeping everyone moving and grooving with spirited rhythm. From snare to crash cymbal, it is clear that Haney is a master of his craft.
The moral of this story? Get your tickets as quick as you can for their nearest tour stop to you, or mark your festival schedule with their show when they come to a stage near you! More show photos at the bottom of the page!
Rainbow Kitten Surprise:
Caamp
