Spring Break
HOP brings pop concert to Fall Fest
Issue date: 10/2/08
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The line-up consisted of Canadian singer-songwriter Lights, rock band Cute Is What We Aim For and headliners Boys Like Girls. The Recreation Center basketball courts were transformed into a respectable venue for the evening (think high school prom). The set, whether on purpose or due to lack of space, was subtle and placed the focus on the music. There was a fair turn-out for the concert, though a large number of attendees were high-schoolers.
Lights, a talented 19-year-old from Ontario, performed a short set of songs from her recently released self-titled EP and upcoming album, to be released next year. Her attire, a brightly striped headband, gray dress and keyboard guitar, seemed a fitting representation of her music. She definitely had a unique sound - reminiscent of the female singer/songwriters of the '90s alternative era except much happier, created by melodious keyboard, bubbly synthesizing and a soft, pretty voice.
The band, comprised of a drummer and keyboardist, along with the synthesizer, supplied the right notes, and the singer's voice accented them well, creating an ethereal feel to her music. She often danced along to her songs and got some of the crowd to follow but most seemed to be waiting for the next act.
Cute Is What We Aim For, first formed in 2005 with two ex-members of the ska band Cherry Bing, followed Lights. They started off strong with great crowd interaction, making everyone laugh with witty remarks made between most songs. While they are a rock band, most of their songs had a distinct pop sound. The band members clearly enjoyed playing together, were full of energy and performed solid solos. They leaped across the stage while strumming the bridge, the multi-colored lights flashing in sync with each downbeat.
Their energy translated well to the crowd, with throngs of people jumping and everyone moving to the rhythm. However, most of the songs in the set sounded too similar and repetitive even for pop songs. There were a few attempts at deviation, notably the song "Hollywood," which featured rap-like vocals, an angrier tone and harsh guitar riffs. The change in energy drew out the evening's first crowd-surfer.
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