Los Angeles – Mark my words, in no time flat Panama Wedding will be headlining shows. The New York synth-pop five-piece (Peter Kirk, Lauren Zettler, Jared McCarthy, Brett Spigelman, and Kenny Bernar) creates perfectionist pop. Each beat, line delivery, and guitar riff is impeccable and an animated crowd greeted them on Wednesday night at the Henry Fonda Theatre.
Panama Wedding was born out of mastermind Peter Kirk’s (singer/songwriter) bedroom. Inspired by 80s pop (no surprise), their buoyant, exuberant sound is blissful to the ears. The band performed all the tracks off their heavenly summer EP album, Parallel Play. The expectation is next time they’ll be the main attraction along with having a full-length record. Their music rises above the candy coated, sweet and sugary sound. Once in a while, a little icing on the cake never hurts and Panama Wedding fits that bill. Outrageously joyful and absolutely upbeat, Kirk and company were a dominating force on stage. The only disappointing aspect was the fact they only had time for six songs. I’m anticipating huge things for the quintet come next year.
Panama Wedding kicked off with “Fly To Panama.” The sound is a little cleaner and sharper than, let’s say, a Vampire Weekend tune that it kind of resembles. Kirk sings with much fervor and honesty. In addition to his lively antics on stage, one can recognize he puts on more than just the atypical performance. Given their genre, nothing sounded felt manufactured or forced. “Uma” is a favorite song off the EP, which was a real treat to finally see it alive. Kirk’s velvety vocals are unapologetically 80s. It’s a mellifluous affair that’s bursting with nostalgia. The crowd was mesmerized by the saccharine basslines, syrupy vocals, and hypnotic vibe. “Feels Like Summer” was the perfect, well, summer song yet it feels even better as we approach winter. The effervescent beats are some of the finest of the year. On this particular tune, Kirk’s vocals reminded me a lot of Kenny Vasoli’s from Vacationer—charming, gentle, and yearning for something just slightly out of reach. Not only was I absorbed by the performance, but the crowd appeared totally immersed as well.
“Trust” is utterly whimsical with a vivacious soundscape that had the crowd briskly moving their feet. Once again, the song circulates the 80s era, which has become the standard for modern indie pop. Panama Wedding may only have four recorded songs, but each is pure perfection in the musical territory they have seemed to master. “All Of The People” concluded their set and the audience was undeniably eager to hear this one. If most of the concertgoers didn’t know the rest of their songs, this was the one everyone was familiar with. It’s immediately likeable as well as standing out to be the catchiest and brightest tune the entire night had to offer. The song starts off with an appeasing melody that captures your attention instantaneously. Then the chorus hits you at 100 miles per hour and doesn’t let up. It’s set up as the perfect pop song and frankly, it is.
Though their tour is ending, check out Panama Wedding’s Facebook for more information about future dates.
Photo By Olly Ward
Sean Kayden
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