As a casual STRFKR listener, you can imagine my surprise when the Oregon-bred band made their way to the stage with two astronaut-suited backup dancers. Though the other members of the group were dressed as expected, Joshua Hodges on vocals (clad in oversize white sunglasses and a hot pink wig) caught my eye. Opening their set, STRFKR transported me – That’s So Raven-style – straight to the west coast.
On that occasionally rainy Saturday, pounding bass and drums, periodic confetti explosions, and Hodges glossy vocals brought out the sun. Their groovy set was all nodding heads and hands in the air. The set dripped with the sound of June; I could almost taste sunscreen and sand in my teeth. I mean, it’s hard not to have a good time when two astronauts are swaying to those easy-going tunes. It was the acid trip of a Just Dance song in real life.
One highlight of the set was their cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” A staple of their shows, the group added their psychedelic flair to the already iconic song. The song was mellow, trippy and a damn good time. For their hour on stage, STRFKR reminded us summer is just around the corner, and STRFKR is ready to be your summer soundtrack.
Check out some stills from their fun-filled set:
Photo by Anya Gupta.
Photo by Anya Gupta.
Photo by Anya Gupta.
Photo by Anya Gupta.