Cali Vibes Filled The Factory With Sets From The Driver Era, Summer Salt, and Almost Monday

 

–by Laura Tucker

 

The Driver Era drove hordes of adoring fans to the Factory on Friday night. As I arrived, I knew this was something special. Heading the three-band show, this was the last stop for them on a 23-city tour. Brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch, formed the treasured pop band in 2018 after Ross, gained fame by playing a musician on the Disney series, Austin & Ally. Clearly, he already had a fan base from his years on television. It seemed almost as if life was imitating art just a bit as Ross carried the music with a spirited performance on vocals and guitar while his multi-instrumentalist, brother Rocky seems a bit more comfortable with less of the spotlight.

With a neon sign lighting the way, the pair came out in white and neutral colors like Hemingway in the Keys. The girls seemed to love everything about it. Many of the fans were wearing in pink, fur-lined cowboy hats. I asked one girl what the deal was and she said “it’s just to throw on stage.” I said “yeah, but why pink cowboy hats?” She just replied, “they’re trending”. Well, there you go.

They were cute, they were loud, and they were talented! The band did not disappoint, and the audience rocked out to recognizable tunes throughout the entire performance.

Summer Salt was really the perfect mid-show act for this summertime trio tour complete with all the Cali-vibes. (even though they are actually from Texas). The songs were carefree and so was the band. It’s a good thing. The set started with a bit of confusion as the band hit their first notes and were clashing with the sound of music playing in the background. they were stage bombed by Almost Monday and some roadies attempting to… maybe do some summersaults.

It was hard to tell but antics only lightened the mood and they rolled with it. The look was complete with palm trees, sunglasses, and bright colors to match their vibrant, beachy sound. They were having a blast and making the most of their time on stage.

One notable element was the drummer, Eugene Chung. He was proving that you do not need a big kit to create big sound. He completely rocked out with a big smile on his face for most of the show. Lead singer, Mathew Terry was jumping around and letting his hair down. It was clear, these guys were here for a good time.

 

Almost Monday, a trio from San Diego who met while surfing, just also happen to be talented musicians, came out first.

Lead singer Dawson Daugherty was quite the showman with moves that were reminiscent of a young Michael Hutchence from INXS. That’s just my take. You can easily watch a few videos to draw your own conclusion.

Judging from his soft-spoken disposition in interviews, his shy nature is slowly finding a backseat to his confidence. I feel like he has settled into his sound, his style and well, his persona. Band mates, Cole Clisby (guitar), and Luke Fabry (bass) are happy to let him shine but are not to be overlooked. Together, they are like a California, indie-pop dreamsicle.

From here they continue on the road, traveling to Tokyo, Seoul, and ending with the Waterfront Music Arts Festival in their hometown.