Some shows are about speed, volume, or spectacle. This one was about flow. From the moment people settled into the room, the night revealed its own rhythm: unforced, steady, and shared. Conversations blended into a soft pulse, bodies leaned toward the stage, and the venue slowly became a single moving space. It wasn’t about chasing peaks. It was about locking in and staying there. By the time the first notes rang out, the room was already listening together, ready to let groove and timing do the heavy lifting.
irihi — A Quiet Curveball That Set the Tone
irihi were something of a wildcard on this bill. Their sound leans inward, more atmospheric and fluid than what followed, and on paper, they might have felt like an outlier. In practice, they worked perfectly. Opening with a long instrumental stretch, irihi eased the crowd into a focused headspace, letting rhythm breathe before vocals entered. The band played tightly but without tension, guitars flowing over grounded drumming, the vocal line drifting calmly above it all. Credit is due to Loud Minority for giving a young local band this slot. irihi rose to the moment, connecting with a new audience and proving they could hold the room on their own.
Skeleton Goode — Veteran Energy and Electric Presence
Skeleton Goode brought the kind of confidence that only comes with mileage. Well-known and widely loved within the Vietnamese rock scene, especially among longtime rock listeners, they stepped on stage like a band fully aware of their pull. Their set was fast-moving and charged, built on sharp turns, driving rhythms, and an unmistakably lively stage presence. Every movement felt intentional but loose, feeding the crowd without overpowering it. The room responded instinctively, bodies syncing up as the energy climbed. Skeleton Goode didn’t just play their songs; they lit up the space, reminding everyone why their name still carries weight.
Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto — Masters of Feel, Timing, and Restraint
When Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto finally took the stage, the room was full and ready. Barrie, known for his sharp yet soulful guitar work and for co-creating the instantly recognizable “Better Call Saul” theme, led with ease rather than force. Malcolm Catto, a drummer revered for his deep-pocket playing and wide-ranging work across funk, jazz, and soul projects, anchored everything with control and swing. Together, they pulled the tempo inward, letting the groove stretch and settle. Small human moments slipped through a dropped stick, a loose strap, but they only added to the sense of commitment and honesty. The crowd stayed locked until the end, then pushed for more. The encore came as a shared release, closing the night with warmth and weight.
A Night Held Together by Rhythm
From irihi’s calm and thoughtful opening, through Skeleton Goode’s seasoned fire, to the deep, unhurried pull of Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto, the night followed a clear and satisfying arc. It was a reminder that groove doesn’t rush. It gathers, connects, and holds. A show where everyone moved at the same pace, guided less by volume and more by feel.
