THUNDERCAT
LIVE GALLERY + REVIEW
10/7/23 @ Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater - BY KSENIYA US
On the Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater stage stood an impressive and imposing inflatable set piece, closely resembling a Cats Lair from the 1980’s cartoon series, ThunderCats. From an opening in the center of the set, Thundercat himself emerged to play a funky, jammy, infectious set that got the crowd wild.
Backed by keys and drums, Thundercat played his legendary 6-string Ibanez to an audience eager to see him shred it to its fullest potential. Where many bands use a bass guitar to accent their music, Thundercat puts his bass front and center, making it the lead singer of the tracks.
The set began with a combined medley of his tracks “Great Scott” and “Interstellar Love,” setting the stage for a night that would be full of clever instrumentation and delightful displays of musical mastery. Despite having told the audience his voice was on the mend, there was no sign of weariness from the talented artist.
The show continued with yet another medley between “How Sway” and “Uh Uh,” with Thundercat communicating with his bandmates in a way only a musician can, as if playing a game of tennis where you’re relying on the other person not to drop the ball. Back and forth between the keys on his right and the drummer on his left, it was a game of give and take in an effort to entrance the audience.
Moving on to “Overseas” the band continued to lay the foundation for a risque and funky night that excited the young crowd all the way through to the encore, when the roar from the crowd of the open-air theater could have very well woken up the neighborhood.