MONDAY, OCT. 1:

Here is the heart-warming tale of how, over the short course of Castledoor’s first song, my narrowed-eye suspicion turned into warm, fuzzy indie-pop love. Allow me to tell you how these ladies and gentlemen thawed my bitter sarcastic heart and filled my ribcage with gooey, mushy affection instead. Ready? Step one: the band takes to the stage holding enormous letter-shaped balloons spelling “Castledoor.” How completely delightful! I am no longer looking at the beer-soaked stage of the Echo, but at a six-year old’s birthday party, possibly at the beach, and definitely involving cupcakes. Their cheerful disposition and sunny outfits (an array of sunglasses, floppy hats, and shorts that would normally have me snorting with derision) only add to the atmosphere. Step two: Castledoor kicks off the set with obvious and unembarrassed enthusiasm, and maintain an inspiring energy level throughout the show. This is magical! These kids clearly and whole-heartedly love playing their songs for people. How refreshing! Step three: said songs are so exuberantly joyful in their message, so untarnished by cynicism in their delivery, and so unforced in their skillful performance that it’s impossible not to be swept into the tidal wave of optimism. Holy shit, people are dancing! How fun! And, last but not least, step five: frontman Nate Cole is so wonderfully engaging and personable that by the end of their set we’ve all become friends and have all implicitly agreed to meet up and hang out again at their Echo residency next Monday. (JT)