HOUSTON – CAAMP received a warm welcome both in climate and spirit when they stopped at 713 Music Hall in support of their latest studio album, Copper Changes Color.
The quartet came onto a stage dressed like a high-end yet intentionally understated living room, draped in heavy red velvet and framed by instruments that both served in versatility and decor. The quartet entered in the company of a strong team of session musicians, some with drinks in their hands varying from simple water bottles to the lead singer with a glass of whiskey, setting them down at speed before going into the first song, “Vagabond.”
The no‑frills, earthy song off their debut album is a great introduction for both longtime fans and first-time listeners alike, and the response it got from the audience was sure to confirm it. CAAMP followed up their opener with “Let Things Go” and “Snowshoes”, played from a dimly lit stage. Finally, they moved to acknowledge their audience.
“Hello, Houston,” lead singer Taylor Meier said. “How are you this evening? You all right? You better now?”
The crowd responded with very enthusiastic screaming, almost out of place with the type of vibe at the band’s music produced. They are no strangers to warm welcome from Texas, having played Austin City Limits in 2019 to positive reviews. The drapes made way for a pink light-lit background, with the overheads strengthening to better reveal the band as they dove into “Lavender Girl,” the highlight from their 2022 Lavender Days, incorporating more bounce and movement into their steps around the stage.
The Ohio folk band has successfully managed to blend their understated energy with narrative storytelling, while still making space for some grovey riffs. Childhood friend Evan Westfall joins Meier on banjo and harmony, and college friends bassist Matt Vinson and keyboardist Joseph Kavalec.
In tribute to their roots, Houston was treated to a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” and The Head and the Heart’s “Down in the Valley.” Space City seemed to favor the track penned by Stevie Nicks if the volume of their cheers is anything to go by. The rhythm never once faded, with soulful pulls in “Somewhere” and the tempo picking up in “Iffy.” A throwback from their debut that all of the smiling faces leaning on the barrier seemed to know the words to.
Finally, the song everyone came to see was played as a closer. To date, “By and By” is CAAMP’s biggest track. The title track of their 2019 breakthrough album, it’s turned into a bt of an anthem of hopeful wandering and communal uplift. It can be felt most strongly listening to a room filled with hundreds of people singing every word like it means something unique to them.
But is a set ever finished before an encore? It depends on who you ask, but CAAMP is likely to say no. They hopped back on for “Come With Me Now” and a powerful rendition of “All the Debts I Owe,” leaving the crowd satisfied upon completion.
CAAMP gave Houston a masterclass in storytelling the way only folk music can. Although each album gets more skilled and polished, the varied set proved that they always had the spirit. Whether you can catch them on tour or not, pick up Copper Changes Color at a record store near you or give it a stream.
I am a multimedia journalist with a passion for guitar-based music – be that rock-n-roll, bachata, or anything in between. When not in a mosh pit, I can be found knitting, collecting CDs, thrifting, journaling, or attempting to incite chaos among feuding global powers. I hold a bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and a masters degree in Mass Communication from the University of Houston, making me twice the Coog you'll ever be 😉
