After a long, cold winter, Indianapolis is due for a bit of warmth. Until that happens, Cayucas‘ sunny, California pop will have to do.
The Santa Monica band made their first trip to the circle city Wednesday night at Radio Radio and delivered a tight, enjoyable set centered on their 2013 release, Bigfoot. Cayucas borrows a 60s seaside vibe to create its loose, tropical sound. While the most obvious current comparison is Vampire Weekend, Cayucas feels less affected, which makes them, to my ears, more ingratiating.
The show opened with a short, sleepy set by Chicago’s Bonzie. I’ve read some comparisons to Cat Power, which I can appreciate. But Chan Marshall has a magnetic pull that casts a spell over you when she sings. Bonzie isn’t quite there yet.
Cayucas hit the stage after 10:00 with unofficial theme song, Cayucos, its bouncy, Calypso-esque rhythms setting the pace for the remainder of the 50 minute set. Other stand-outs were the winsome Will the Thrill and the irresistible High School Lover, a song I was convinced was Beck the first time I heard it.
Spring break and time at the beach may still be a few weeks off, but Cayucas effortlessly made me feel like it was right now — sand in my toes, drink in hand, sunshine raining down. The result: calm, warmth, and nostalgia.