I have been a big fan of The Graduate and Ludo for about 5 or 6 years now, so I was really excited to see them play at the Beaumont Club in Kansas City on October 12.
The show started off with Tommy and the High Pilots, a pop-rock band that had a hinting of Ludo’s quirky style. In a surprise for the crowd, the High Pilots had two members of Ludo playing with them on keys and drums, so they definitely fit the overall sound of the band. The High Pilots had a huge energy that seemed to engage the entire crowd to listen and dance along. Their use of harmonies is definitely one thing that stuck out in my mind. The harmonies were so well done and executed that it sounded like I was listening to a CD rather than a live show.
Next up was (my personal favorite) The Graduate. The vibe their set gave off is always so hard for me to put into words. I have seen them numerous times, coincidentally they always seem to tour through KC with Ludo, and I first found out about them at a show. Their energy, catchy hooks and ambient riffs, along with driving intricate drum fills, reel the crowd in. Even if you don’t know the songs you will try to dance and sing along with Corey Warning. Though at this particular show, they seemed to lack the part where two or three of the guys (along with a few member form other bands) run out into the crowd with various drums and break down mid song right in the center of the crowd… You almost just have to be there to experience it for yourself. However, I was really disappointed at the shortness of their set. If I can recall correctly, I believe they only played 6 or 7 songs, which I guess is an appropriate amount for an opening band. Needles to say, I wanted to hear more.
Then was There for Tomorrow. I’ve seen them live a few times and each time I am really impressed by how much they put into their set. They seem to give 110% for every show they play and that is something I really respect. A friend of mine who was at the show with me mentioned that they make up a big part of his “workout” playlist on his iPod and you can definitely see why. There for Tomorrow’s set was full of high energy, beat-pumping rock tunes that definitely upped the overall energy of the show. Their use of lights and smoke was not too over the top and actually provided an appropriate effect for their style of music. They have added a little ambient edge to their set that really illuminated their great chord changes and melodies.
Ludo‘s performance was amazing as expected. From the first time I have seem them (not initially being a fan) to the 7th or 8th time, they always seem to…lack for a better phrase… bring it. One of the more memorable moments of their set was when they whipped out one of their new songs, “Whipped Cream,” complete with pelvic thrusting choreography (like in there hilarious music video). The entire crowd spent each and every stanza of the chorus pelvic thrusting and fist pumping to the left, then to the right along with the Ludo guys. They are one of those bands that you simply MUST see live, even if you think you may not be the biggest fan of their music, their performance will reel you in. They are entertaining and amazing musicians. I had the chance to see them perform an acoustic set several years ago at the Apple Store on the Plaza (random place for a show, but it was perfect!) before their set at the Beaumont, and I was amazed.
I had an amazing time at the show and all four bands catered to a decent sized crowd at the Beaumont Club in Kansas City. As for the lack of an extended Graduate set… until next time fellas… perhaps a headlining show would be more than over due…
Written by Sarah Hassan and Andrew Dunlap. Photos by Andrew Dunlap.
