Similar Kind is considered an indie pop band…but I’d disagree with that classification. They’re far too funky to be just “indie pop” as they mix in psychedelic, funk, jazz, and classic rock into a fusion in which you can’t help but jam. Hailing from Norwalk, Connecticut – Similar Kind, led by Julia Breen, started as many bands do – some friends in a garage just playing music and jamming. Since then, they’ve grown to a full 6-piece band. The opening act for Moon Walker on the last leg of the tour, it was their second time in Columbus, Ohio – where I had the pleasure of experiencing them for the first time at the Rumba Café. Rumba, a small intimate venue just north of campus, and across the street from the popular “Evolved” tattoo parlor, houses just over 100 people at full capacity – and this was a sold-out show!
Breen was joined on-stage by friends and bandmates Ben McNamara on guitar (and bass), Nate Porter on bass (and guitar), Evan Murphy on synths/keys, Miles Dominici on drums, and last (but far from least) Matt Oriente on saxophone.
Moon Walker, made internationally famous by the social media app “all the kids are using” – TikTok while looking for ways to pass time during the pandemic and make some extra cash (which is where I discovered them), is led by Harry Springer. Harry is the band’s lead vocals, songwriter, producer, composer, and guitar player and was joined on-stage by Jack Broza on bass and Colum Enrique on drums. Both Jack and Colum hail from a band called Forager, where Jack & Colum are joined by Shyamala.
Moon Walker’s style is also a very complex topic and has been cited as being influenced by the fuzz of Jack White, the ’60s and ’70s rock of Bowie and Floyd, and even ’80s and ’90s music like the Talking Heads. Harry’s love for music, music theory, and melodies shows in every line, every riff, and every song played.
The show was absolutely spectacular from beginning to end, and even after the end. Many fans brought up handmade gifts after the show. There was rumored to be an encore, but when nearing the end of the set Harry informed the crowd there would only be a couple more unless they said otherwise. Which started a chant of exactly what you’d expect… “OTHERWISE…OTHERWISE!!” So, instead of an encore, it was decided then and there he would play everything he had and it wouldn’t have gone any other way!
Lyrically, Moon Walker is known to be satirical and sarcastic and deals with political, social, and religious topics. Songs like “I’m Afraid I’ll Go To Heaven” outline divisiveness in humanity, and a fear of joining hypocrites in heaven…not of the alternative.
