Bad Suns shine in Phoenix

By: Emma 

Singer, Christo Bowman, swayed to his funk inspired guitar riffs.

Having been slightly unfamiliar with the Bad Suns debut album Language & Perspective – – excluding their most popular songs, “Cardiac Arrest”, “Salt” and “Dancing on Quicksand” – – their live performance at The Pressroom in Phoenix on the night of May 16, was a bit more promising and clever than expected.

With an impressive range of vocals and guitar riffs similar to 80s pop, the Bad Suns put their original twist on a unique California sound. Perhaps the album itself relates more to the adolescent and high school crowd, which explains the lack of 21 year-olds and over at the open bar, but the Bad Suns still offer potential to be appreciated by fans of any age. However, the fact the youthful crowd was energized by the songs and lyrics of Bad Suns, only means that they are on the right track of popular demand and ticket sales.

After two hours of opening bands, the fans were eager for a “Transpose,” which was also the Bad Suns’ first song to their electric performance. The lead singer, Christo Bowman, drummer Miles Morris, bassist Gavin Bennett and guitarist Ray Libby, sparked the crowd immediately from the drag atmosphere (perhaps created by the second opening act) and created a screaming frenzy. They presented their California vibe with bright lighting and casual attire onstage.

Screaming into the crowd, Christo Bowman was pulled into the masses of fans.

Certainly their most popular songs were the ones most noted by the fans, however, it was surprising to hear every lyric from their album often repeated from the crowd. The masses devoured every musical sound the Bad Suns threw at them and spit it right back at the performers, which fed Bowman’s energy.

Before the song “Rearview” on their 2014 album, Bowman was crouched and leaning into the crowd while yelling into his microphone – – the crowd pulled him in and put him on a human pedestal for the song. Clearly Bowman is passionate about his performances and connects with his fans. Truly the live performance the Bad Suns presented was exciting and lively. Listening to them come together as a band was captivating and a little bit inspiring at the same time. Because of these factors the album really shined at its best in its live raw form of sound.

After the show, a few of my friends and I had to wait for a good 45 minutes for our means of transportation and just happened to be standing next to the door of The Pressroom’s backstage lounge. Some of the band roadies and opening band performers stood outside the door for a smoke and a chat, and it was interesting to hear them talk about touring and partying mostly.

I thought it was very surprising to not see many eager fans waiting to meet any of the performers after the very successful and exciting show. But the few who did wait and stood awkwardly wanting to talk to Bad Suns’ Bennett, seemed more disappointed at Bennett’s way of disinterest towards them. He seemed more focused on the conversation he was listening to, rather than the several fans just staring at him, waiting for his response but not wanting to interrupt. Finally a fan went up to him and asked him for a signature on an album and he reacted hesitantly, but eventually did sign the album and engage in a brief chat. I was disappointed in the lack of effort and dedication Bennett gave to his fans, and I did not want to bother him if he was that uninterested in the people who watched his show.

Drummer, Miles Morris’, signature on Language & Perspective vinyl record.

After most of the fans and band crowd subsided, Morris came out of the door looking to head for their tour bus and caught a glimpse of the few fans left standing around talking about the show. He was very forward and had no problem with taking pictures and signing albums. He was patient and showed he really did care for the people who watched him perform. Because he did show interest in the few of us, he signed my copy of Language & Perspective on vinyl and took a picture with us. It was refreshing to see someone show consideration towards their fans, and with Morris in mind, the Bad Suns are definitely on the right track.

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