Review & Photos by Ben Hecht

It’s Sunday night and we’re Revvin Up The CJ7 and Driving to Hawaii.  Well, actually, we're just driving to West Hollywood where indie surf rock band Summer Salt are playing a sold out show at The Roxy. Summer Salt, led by guitar player and singer Matt Terry and drummer Eugene Chung are a few shows away from finishing up their recent “Soft Serve” tour in which they are playing a little more acoustic and unplugged than shows they’ve done in the past.  The band for this show was composed of these two leaders of the band with additional guitar player, Anthony Barnett and bass player Winston Taylor Triolo.  

Summer Salt started off the show with a taste of what this new “soft serve” feel was going to be; a new, slower take on one of their classics with minimal percussion and production. This style is a representation of the band’s newest album, The Juniper Songbook, which has new, “Juniper versions” of some of their biggest songs including “Candy Wrappers”, “Driving to Hawaii”, and 2019 single, “Fire Flower”.  The audience was electrically engaged with the entire performance, requesting songs that prompted Matt to even admit his surprise that we all “know the deep tracks.”  

Although the stage decoration of milkshakes and ice cream sundaes reminded everyone there that this is the “Soft Serve” tour, Summer Salt couldn't help but lean into the rock side of their indie rock sound for quite a few songs.  During these slightly heavier songs, Eugene, with his drum set at the forefront of the stage, really let himself get lost into the music with a driving sense of rhythm that had the whole crowd dancing along with the song.  At these times, Matt would use that candy apple red Harmony electric guitar to its fullest potential with sweet sounding chords and uniquely melodic solos.  

The overall performance was incredible.  As fans who listen to the album versions of the band’s discography, we didn't think it would be possible for them to sound as good live, but we were pleasantly corrected.  The tone of all the instruments and Matt’s unique vocal tone sounded exactly like we hoped it would.  Although the “Soft Serve” tour is wrapping up with just another couple of shows left, we definitely recommend being on the lookout for when this awesome band comes to town again to catch their next show.

Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music: