Show Review: Wild Buffalo 9/14/23
The Cosmic Neighborhood, Pantsuitguys, and Devin Luna at Wild Buffalo on 9/14
Review by Joe Raubvogel | Photos by Jake Isom
Last Thursday, Bellingham’s Wild Buffalo was treated to a night of exceptional talent which showcased the remarkable variety within Bellingham’s music scene. From the soulful R&B of Devin Luna to the psychedelic Tropicalia of The Cosmic Neighborhood, the evening offered a captivating journey through an array of genre and sounds thats hard to come-by in a local scene.
The evening kicked off with Devin Luna, with his alluring soft and low register singing. Luna’s singing, paired with his blend of jazz, hip-hop and psychedelia woven into indie pop instrumentals is what makes him truly stand out among his peers. A memorable moment was his collaboration on stage with his friend and roommate, Calvin, who is also the guitarist for pantsuitguy. This collaboration exhibited his versatility and to willingness to experiment with indie rock, keeping his performance engaging. Devin’s set ended on a high note, with his fan-favorit R&B ballad, Shivers.
The night continued with pantsuitguy, an alternative pop/rnb band lead by Juliet Diballa. Juliet has always had great interaction with her band members onstage, and this night was no exception. There was great chemistry displayed throughout their set, as a lot of the songs would feature a solo or jam session to allowed for the chemistry between Juliet and to shine through. A standout moment of the set came about when Juliet brought on stage the lead singer for another local band, Ivers, to assist with a pleasant cover of Sofia by Clairo. The vibes continued throughout pantsuitguys set, with sounds reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, and fantastic passionate singing.
The final act of the night belonged to The Cosmic Neighborhood, a psychedelic tropicalia powerhouse. Their songs are truly a marvel, filled with intricate sections, and shifts within drumming patterns, making them a very captivating and engaging experience. These complex songs mixed with the fantastic singing abilities of their lead vocalist is truly what sets them apart. The highlight of the night came from their performance of Carried Away (Pullet By the Moon), assisted by Chrvns. Performed live, the terrific groove of this track radiated even stronger, with Chrvns’ verse injecting even more energy and passion that made the crowd groove and dance along.
It was a immensely fun night, with each act bringing their own unique skillsets and genres. The concert not only showcased the impressive diversity within Bellingham's music scene but also highlighted the collaborative spirit that binds local bands and musicians together.
Show presented by Bumlord Presents and Shut up and Listen.