Beloved indie rock / folk band Rainbow Kitten Surprise performed at 713 Music Hall for the ‘Love Hate Music Box’ Tour.
At long last, Rainbow Kitten Surprise has found the gold at the rainbow’s end. The treasure in question? Houston, TX.
Finally touring on their first album in five years, Love Hate Music Box, Rainbow Kitten Surprise took to the darkened stage as excited fans cheered in welcome, hopping straight into the hauntingly beautiful “Devil Like Me” as an opener.
Pushing through the crowd to get a feel for things before the show began, frequent concert goers would be surprised at how easy it was to weave one’s way to the very front, save for the barricade die-hard fans inhabited. “Cocaine Jesus” answered the why to the question, as people began to dance. Not swaying, not semi-hops, it was a full on dance party. This fan-favorite track brought an immediate surge of energy to the room as the audience sang along to every word, echoing the band’s reflections on addiction, self-doubt and redemption.
“Holy War” continued the journey, a song that often speaks to listeners with its introspective lyrics and contemplative tone. The band’s delivery was as fervent as ever, bringing a sense of urgency to the message. Following “Holy War” was “SVO,” a track that took the audience through more complex emotions with its soulful instrumentation and reflective lyrics.
The way the set was built was reminiscent of a 1970s television stage, groovy but not dated. The quick changes in light design during “SVO” proved the set was ready to become intense and moody at the turn Of a dime.
Lead singer/songwriter Ela Melo encouraged the energy at every turn, hopping around in a mini-dress covered in mouths with teeth bared with a short black Bob reminiscent of Chicago. That’s not to take away from the charisma everyone else commanded. There was great band chemistry onstage. While everyone shined on their own, they consistently made eye contact with each other leading into certain parts, drawing cheers when they came together to jam in a circle at center-stage during “Hide” under the world’s most 80s-esque teal and purple lights you’ve ever seen.
“As crazy as the fucking years have been, we’re here,” Melo said, looking out to the audience as she addressed them directly. “This thing has changed my life. I thought my life was over. I thought the best years were behind me, and I thought there’s nothing left to look forward to. And then, in that period of falling from grace and hitting rock bottom I was like ‘oh shit, this is where life starts.’
Melo paused as the audience cheered, many of whom had been using the band as a safety net alongside her. At the front, many geld up personal signs. Not requests for songs, but messages of love and hope turned toward the band. One held up a Trans flag, a few brought gifts such as flowers.
One of the gifts, a bright pink cowboy hat, was accepted by Melo and put on an amp for later use as the first notes of “First Class: tried to be heard over the screams of recognition. A guitar tech brought Melo an acoustic guitar. Some ladies climbed on the shoulders of loved ones to see over the sea of blue cell phone lights. Clearly, the romantic song about what-ifs and self-doubt resonated with those in attendance, regardless of how deeply they were invested in the band.
Near the halfway point, the crowd was then treated to “Overtime,” where the band was joined by singer-songwriter Madi Diaz, who is touring in support of RKS. The version that appears on the record features Texan Kacey Musgraves, but the addition of Diaz’s voice added a new layer of emotional depth to the performance. Not better, but different. She also had clear chemistry with the band, making this collaboration one of the highlights of the night.
New album lead single “Superstar” was delivered as one of the ending anchors to the night, with a highly energetic rendition of ”Run” following it up. Those wielding guitars left their stations, jamming with each other all over in pairs. Melo found herself doing shoulder stands and she peeled her legs in the air or twirling up and down the stage. The song crescendoed excellently, with the fadeout being perfectly replaced by fans’ cheers as the band excited the stage.
The audience chanted for an encore to a black stage decorated with 10 beams of rainbow lights before the band came back on stage to finish their show.
“Thanks for chanting ‘one more’ as opposed to ‘get your ass back down here,’” Melo grinned into the microphone as everyone returned to their place.
The aptly-titled “Thanks For Coming” started off the encore, followed by fan and radio favorite “It’s Called Free Fall.”
“Thank you so much Houston,” Melo called out at the very end of the show. Already, the band was clearing out, guests were moving toward the doors and Melo herself was taking steps to the back of the stage. “Much love, much love, drive home safe and enjoy life.”
Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s performance in Houston more than welcome following their dry spell. Love Hate Music Box is heavily featured in the tour. Though on the long side, the album is far from bad, and provides a very danceable backdrop to any Rainbow Kitten Surprise fan’s night. Consider catching the tour in a city near you.
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 😉
