MAGIC MAN + SMALLPOOLS HAVE SOME FUN AT THE MUSIC HALL

When I saw the lineup for this show, I knew it would be an all around party. Co-headliners Magic Man and Smallpools joined forces at Music Hall of Williamsburg this past Tuesday, and brought San Francisco based band Waters out to join in on the fun.

Waters was a pleasant surprise for me. I had never heard of them before now and their songs – catchy, upbeat and downright happy perfectly matched the band’s demeanor. Lead singer Van Pierszalowski’s enthusiasm was infectious as well as his banter with the crowd. Their stage set up had flowers wrapped around their instruments and mic stands, and at several points during their set, they handed out various types of flowers to the crowd, noting that acceptance of the flower was met with an obligation to dance. No one refused.

Taking the stage next was Magic Man who I had only seen once before and they rocked the crowd like I couldn’t believe. Taking their name from a magician they happened across during a circus festival, it’s clear whatever magic was in the room that day rubbed off onto this band. Solid lyrics, melodic choruses, excellent showmanship and exuberant delivery helped to distinguish this band from a myriad of others playing synth-pop. My favorite song of the night was “Paris” – a midtempo song about getting over a lost love. When I approached lead singer Alex Caplow after the show, I was expecting to shake hands, but I received the most genuine bear hug that I’ve gotten in a while.

Finally Smallpools took the stage and the crowd went wild. This was another band I wasn’t familiar with but quickly understood why they were so popular. Big hooks and power choruses with songs like “Dreaming” that enveloped the crowd, inciting a sing-along. Sean Scanlon, lead singer and keyboardist, kept the dance party in full swing and flashed his winning smile on more than one occasion. Unfortunately for me, I must have left a bit too early because I missed the giant killer whale balloon they launched into the crowd no doubt in relation to their song “Killer Whales”, a nod to the mistreatment of orcas who are kept in small pools, pun definitely intended.

Article by: Lesley Keller