Los Angeles – Local four-piece indie pop act, Smallpools, lit up the faces of those in attendance for their show on Wednesday night at the Henry Fonda Theatre. Their fully charged performance was thrilling and left much of the crowd desiring more. Fortunately between songs the band announced that their full-length debut record would be coming out sometime in February. Smallpools consists of Sean Scanlon (vocals), Mike Kamerman (guitar), Joseph Intile (bass) and Beau Kuther (drums).

The band started playing music together over a year and a half ago. Over this past year, they have garnered much success with their 2013 self-titled EP and the insanely catchy single, “Dreaming. The group’s synth-laden and charming material utterly enamored the audience. They performed 11 songs, which included all the tracks off their EP as well their latest single from this summer, “Killer Whales.” With Smallpools quickly being on the rise, there’s no telling what’s to come for the band in 2015.

Their set kicked off with “No Story Time,” the closing track off their EP. It’s their softest song in their small, but expanding library. While it isn’t as catchy or possessing that sing-along element in comparison to their other songs, Scanlon’s vocals are robust, which go hand in hand with Kamerman’s fluent guitar work. Intile and Kuther supply powerful beats and shimmering bass for their vital contribution. Scanlon introduced the next song, “Bruce Lee,” a new one that hasn’t been played too often, but the boys played it to perfection. It’s reminiscent of Foster The People yet stands tall on its own. It’s a downright catchy tune from a band specializing in strictly addictive sounding songs. The audience quickly caught on and sang along to the chorus, “Caught in a street fight, you need a lifeline, go on and use me, I’ll be your Bruce Lee.” (Smallpools has a certain knack for audience participating songs. It easily makes their shows rousing and exhilarating.) “Dying To Live” was played at the show, a new gem likely to be found on their forthcoming LP. It displays pulsating beats, reflective lyrics, and the band’s signature breakdown. Another new song, “American Love,” was fast and rocking. With big hooks and soaring beats, the band appeared to do no wrong on stage with all eyes glued on them.

Smallpools, at just an early stage in their career, craft songs that are wildly fanatical. The band’s thriving rhapsody mergers convincingly well. Collectively, it feels like one unified sound rather than each individual instrument at work. Smallpools’ latest release, “Killer Whales,” includes the usual “oh, oh, ohs” and hand clapping participation in the latter half of the song. The core audience easily bought into it because it’s so damn difficult not to.

Scanlon talked about how the band came into fruition. He mentioned how the beloved tune, “You Only Get What You Give,” by New Radicals was a huge influence on them (which they almost went into covering, but abruptly stopped to finish his statement). However, they did perform a cover of “A Real Hero” by Electric Youth. The group put their own spin on it, allowing for the three-year-old song to become fresh once again. They concluded the packed show with everyone’s favorite, “Dreaming.” It’s been one of the most popular songs of this past year, but it hasn’t lost its luster one bit. As the night was winding down, “Dreaming” lifted everyone off the floor one more time. With danceable beats, Scanlon’s high notes, and preservative melodies, Smallpools ended the night in the best possible way. To quote their infectiously memorable song, “Over & Over,” “I want to live this night over and over.” From what I saw, I think I’m speaking for everyone that night.

Visit Smallpool’s Facebook for the handful of dates left on the band’s tour.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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