April 14th at Songbyrd Cafe: Sundara Karma on The Advanced Placement Tour with 888 and Coast Modern
A Review by: Jada Moore
With their first visit to DC after releasing their debut album, “Youth Is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect,” Sundara Karma definitely put on a show not soon to be forgotten! Sundara Karma, an indie band hailing from Reading, England; made up of lead singer Oscar “Lulu” Pollock, guitarist Ally Baty, bassist Dom Cordell and drummer Haydn Evans, sure know how to put on a good show! After waiting for years it was finally time to seem them! Waiting all day at the venue was definitely worth it all. Not only did I meet Oscar and Ally, but I was front row and had such an amazing view and experience. Not to mention each member’s way talented, smart and down to earth. Talking to each member and really getting to know the band, you can just tell just how humble and gracious they are but also how aware they are of the issues currently affecting the globe. April 14th was definitely a night worth reliving!
7:00 pm
The stage was illuminated by the luminescent glow of white fairy lights, with a blue guitar sat on the stage waiting. The room was dark with anticipation, and out of my peripheral view the setlist sat on the stage called to me. The sound of clapping caught my ears, it was time for the show to begin!
First up was their hit single, “A Young Understanding.” From the strums of the guitar to the sweet melody of Oscar’s voice, the crowd was pumped and excited for the night!
Next, the pounding of the drum along with the start from Oscar’s powerful vocals. Lyrics beating “Oh no, Olympia says she loves me,” comes out of his mouth. With its catchy beat and lyrics, this was definitely a song that had me in my element. I think everyone enjoyed themselves especially because this song (being an older single) had an evoking moment of nostalgia for the audience.
Following came the funky and dreamy beats of: “Fleshbloom,” “Flame” and “Watching from Great Heights.” Definitely the songs of the night that had everyone in the audience screaming and dancing in joy. I know my friends and I were dancing our heads off!
Next all I heard was, “She said I don’t wanna go out dancing….” and mentally something in my head and body immediately clicked! I realized that my break out dance song was being performed right in front of my eyes! I honestly was so excited and having so much fun and I knew that sadly their set was soon coming to an end (insert frowny face.)
The soft melodious chords to “Happy Family” began. As soon as the beat dropped my friends started a bit of a mosh and man was that great, the cheerful beat of the song definitely had everyone feeling nostalgic and cheerful. One of my favorite songs, if not my favorite from the album as the song evokes happy memories in my head and I felt at ease dancing the night away.
As the chords to the last (but not the least in anyway) began, I think the crowd was having the best songs. Shouting out the lyrics to “Loveblood,” while also dancing the rest of the night away the whole audience was captivated. I just remember shouting and dancing along with my friends and having the best time. As the song came close to an end, with the soft “ooohs” I just closed my eyes and was taken away. As the finishing lines continued I don’t think I had ever been having so much, I remember my friends and I all dancing and bumping shoulders. That moment had to be the best one of the night.
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