On Friday, February 10, 2017, Rainbow Kitten Surprise kicked off their sold-out weekend at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina with an awesome show (yes, their name is pretty awesome too.) My expectations were exceeded, AND I had quite the good time. Sticking to songs from their two albums, RKS led the audience to be completely dedicated to the experience of live music.

Being that the band members of RKS were college students at Appalachian State University not too long ago, it is not surprising that almost all of the 750 people of the sold-out crowd was made up of college students. Positive energy radiated throughout the venue while people jumped, danced and sang along to every word. It was truly a mosh pit – but the kind that makes you feel like you belong.

This vibrant energy was without limits. The band itself was full of, might I say, funky moves. Lead singer Sam Melo flipped, rolled and spun around the stage, accentuating each and every movement. This especially included his wide-eyed facial expressions and the swaying of his arms, as he successfully dramatized every song. The near end of the show was highlighted by Melo’s dive from the stage into the crowd, who was more than eager to hold him up.

The beat of the drums, the melodic riffs and a raspy, but soothing voice with occasional harmonies are the elements in which drive each and every one of their songs. The high-energy level of their performance was uniquely complimented by their relatable, wistful lyrics. “Don’t you ever feel like you ever wanted anything more, than everybody, anybody else?”

RKS daringly has the eccentricity to make it big. They bring to life the passion that people have for not only music, but for something more – a feeling that is tangible at their live shows.