Beach Weather kicked off the Red Stage on the first day of the Boston Calling Music Festival with an energetic and engaging performance. Their infectious indie rock vibes were the perfect warm-up for the crowd, setting an upbeat tone for the stacked lineup ahead. The band's lively set had the audience moving, particularly during their hit song, “Sex, Drugs, Etc.,” which offered a fun, laid-back jam. A standout moment was when their sound guy unexpectedly played a saxophone solo from the back of the crowd, adding a delightful twist to the performance. This show was especially significant for Boston native frontman Nick Santino, making it a memorable hometown performance. Overall, Beach Weather provided an excellent start to the day.

Renee Rapp delivered a standout performance at Boston Calling, showcasing the biggest stage presence and the most playful and flirty banter of the festival. While her pop music is undeniably catchy and her vocal talent is remarkable, Renee truly shines in her interactions with the crowd between songs. At one point, she joked about having many exes in Boston and holding a grudge against the city, only to reconcile by performing “I Hate Boston,” a track rarely included in her setlist. The energy throughout her performance was electric, with a packed crowd singing along to every word and gushing over Renee. Overall, she gave an absolutely unforgettable performance, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Australian indie pop rock duo Royel Otis took to the Red Stage on Sunday at Boston Calling, injecting fresh energy into the crowd after two long days of the festival. As an up-and-coming band, it was exciting to see them navigate the larger stage and adapt their stage presence. Despite many attendees waiting for Chappell Roan on a nearby stage, Royel Otis managed to capture the audience's attention and elevate the atmosphere. A standout moment was their viral cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2001 hit “Murder on the Dancefloor”. They also got the crowd moving with “Oysters in My Pocket”, one of their more popular tracks. Overall, their performance was lively and enjoyable, leaving a positive impression on festival-goers.

Closing out the Boston Calling Festival, The Killers provided a memorable finale to the weekend. The crowd, energized by earlier performances from Hozier, Chappell Roan, and Megan Thee Stallion, was packed and ready for more. The Killers delivered hit after hit, including fan favorites like “Somebody Told Me” and “Smile Like You Mean It”. Their nostalgic vibe had the entire crowd dancing and singing along. During a special encore, they surprised the audience with a funkier rendition of “Mr. Brightside” before replaying it in its original, upbeat form that everyone knows and loves. The Killers were an excellent conclusion to Boston Calling, leaving fans with unforgettable memories.

Review & Photos by: Laurel Ayuyao

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