Author: Abby Graham
Seattle’s rainy season is in full swing, but for one night, the city felt like a sun-soaked California beach thanks to Sun Room and Beach Vacation. Going into the show at Neumos, I wasn’t super familiar with either band’s full discography, but by the end of the night, I was completely hooked. The energy, the music, the talent—everything about this show made me fall in love with these artists and the genres themselves.
The night kicked off with Seattle’s own Beach Vacation, and let me tell you—their set was absolutely amazing. Their dreamy, atmospheric sound made it feel like I had stepped into a coffee shop or an A24 film. Their blend of indie, mellow, and shoegaze influences created this warm, hypnotic sound that felt like the perfect way to ease into the night.
(Pictured Above: Beach Vacation)
Beyond just their music, I really appreciated that they’re a local band. There’s something so special about discovering homegrown talent and realizing you’ve been missing out on something amazing that’s been right in your backyard. Beach Vacation completely won me over, and I’ll definitely be diving into their music more after this show. If you’re looking for a band that’s chill yet captivating, these guys are it.
Then came Sun Room, their sound is like if The Beach Boys and Five Seconds of Summer had a love child, blending classic surf-rock with modern indie energy. From the second they hit the stage, the entire venue lit up. Even if you walked in without knowing a single lyric, you couldn’t help but get swept up in all the fun.
Luke Asgian is an absolute powerhouse. His vocals were electric and full of energy and charisma that turned every song into an anthem. Every time he belted out a lyric, his energy was infectious, making the entire performance even more exciting. Then there’s Ashton Minnich, whose guitar work was next-level. Every riff was sharp, dynamic, and technically impressive, yet he made it all look effortless. His playing brought so much depth to the sound, adding layers that made each song hit even harder.
Max Pinamonti—the “Italian Stallion” himself—completely owned the bass. His playing wasn’t just solid; it was full of personality. I love it when a bassist doesn’t just fade into the background but actively drives the energy of a performance, and Max did exactly that. And last, but definitely not least, Thomas Rhodes. His drumming was impossible to ignore. Every beat was tight, precise, and full of life. He kept the entire set locked in, driving the energy and giving the music its pulse. I always love focusing on drummers because they’re the heartbeat of every performance, and Thomas delivered just that.
I don’t usually listen to surf-rock, but Sun Room changed that for me in one night. There’s something so infectious about their sound—it’s fun, it’s fresh, and it just makes you want to dance. Every member of the band brought something unique to the table, and together, they created an experience that felt like pure joy. This show opened me up to a whole new genre, and now I can’t get enough. If you ever get the chance to see Sun Room live in concert, do it. They’re the kind of band that reminds you why live music is so special. The combination of their talent, stage presence, and sheer energy made for a night I won’t forget anytime soon.
Last night was a perfect storm of talent, energy, and good vibes, and I’m already counting down the days until I can see them again. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time listener like me, there’s something undeniably special about both Sun Room and Beach Vacation. They brought the sun to Seattle, and for one unforgettable night, it truly felt like summer in the middle of winter.
Abby Graham I KXSU Music & Arts Reporter