Smallpools @ Popscene 8/8/2013

SF music fans were in for a treat at the Smallpools Popscene show August 8, as the Jersey foursome made their debut California performance. That could explain why Smallpools’ singer, Sean Scanlan, seemed a little nervous at the start of the show — and maybe it was the fact that the show was sold out and the group just started touring in July.







Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

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Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

After a short-lived technical hiccup as they situated on stage in front of an eager, young and (always) trendy packed house at Rickshaw Stop, the band dove right into the set with “Mason Jar”, the second track off of their self titled EP.  Any nerves Smallpools may have had went away as the band’s laid-back coolness took over. The buoyant audience was already in the groove, swaying and having fun as Sean, Mike (guitar) and Joe (bass) continually connecting with SF fans.

 

 

Laughing about being stuck in Costa Rica when they created the “islandy” track “Over & Over”, the guys have a way of making you feel like you’ve been friends since way back when. Their bountiful, insightful banter about needing to get to work on their much needed (not to mention highly anticipated) LP resonated well with the excited crowd.

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini



Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

Since the four tracks off their debut EP are their only released material, it made sense for Smallpools to cover a song or two to beef up their set list. The cheerful riff to the New Radicals’ hit “Get What You Give” was a great fit for the LA 4-piece indie-band’s mellow vibes. The song also served as the best build up for the song everyone was waiting to see live — this summer’s anthem, “Dreaming”.

 

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

 

Popscene burst with enthusiastic applause, breaking out into a full fledge dance party as Smallpools played their smash hit single — they definitely ended the night on a high note!



Photo by: Nikki DeMartini



Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

Before wrapping up their tour in LA on Tuesday (and hitting the studio as they mentioned) Smallpools is playing  at Slim's this Monday night. Think this means that maybe the guys will be checking out  SF's coveted  Outside Lands Festival this weekend amongst us common folk?
 Well, they'd be "common" with Artist All Access passes, but still!
Keep an eye out and cut em' some slack if they say San Fran, they're still learning and they'll surely be back!

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini