This show had so many things going for it. First and foremost, a show that starts at 9pm on a school night is a thing of beauty. What took it over the top was the perfect joy emanating from the stage as Dunes, Pearl Harbor and Magic Kids played music they believe in: no poses, no pretense, just a solid night of music.

Dunes may be the most charming band I have ever seen. There is a jubilant darkness to their sound, slightly Siousxie-esqe, but played with a simultaneous innocence, drive and power. Stephanie, of Finally Punk fame, trills like a caged bird and plays guitar with a natural grace. Mark played a steady throb on the bass guitar and cut a Montgomery Cliff stance. Kate on drums was a force of nature, wonderful, powerful, bewildering and beautiful. She is the new Mick Fleetwood.  Their music together barely restrains an enthusiasm that is very, very infectious.  I cannot wait for their 7” record to debut on  Mexican Summer.

Pearl Harbor has started putting it down as a five piece, and it sounds real good.  Piper, the “Encyclopedia Brown” of obscuro records, kills on vox while her ridiculously gifted sister Skylar conjures spindly specters of arpeggiated sound on her Squire guitar, custom sky blue. There is a give and take to the music that they make. The aspiration to achieve enlightenment is at odds with dwelling in the material world of earthly delights, which is a real fucking bonus if you enjoy the ultimate jam. Piper swayed back and forth through a glitter haze with a knowing smile and a voice of purpose. Cody (also in Animal Style) plucked notes finger style in stereo with Skylar, conjuring Maurice Debank and Vini Reilly. Jessica Clavin (of the beloved Mika Miko) played bass with a bemused precision that reminded me of Carol Kaye, which is high praise. The addition of Matt on drums really brings a force to the music, the sum total of which was almost elemental.

Magic Kids came on like a beach party movie. There is always a real “groovy” band in the background while Frankie tries to make up with Annette, and Magic Kids just dials that in. They were precious without being silly. And damn did they have a lot of gear. I dug it though, sometimes you want to end the evening on a light note, you know?

—Eyad Karkoutly