Grouplove
by: Hector Mendoza
Grouplove has been a bucket list concert of mine for years as their music always felt like the
type you listen to on a cool spring afternoon with the windows down and just enjoying the
weather and everything around you. Throughout my teen years, they were the cool indie band
that would lighten up your day, so it definitely feels like a full circle moment to have finally seen
them live at the historic Wiltern in Los Angeles.
As their only opener, Nashville based artist Bully had a solo set that felt like something out of a
dream. Vocalist Alicia Bocnanno has such a gentle and soothing voice and her skills on the
guitar match her overall poetic demeanor on stage. Bocnanno was static throughout her set and
rarely moved from her spot on stage and as a result emphasized her shoegaze-like personality
as her stage presence felt majestic as she delivered soul crushing music from only one spot.
With a 9 song setlist, Bully was able to play the songs “All I Do”, “What I’m Told”, and “How Will I
Know” as well as a beautiful cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You”.
As Bully concluded a poetic opening set, Grouplove continued to deliver a dreamlike presence
on stage. The LA based band introduced themselves with a heavy array of lights to make
themselves appear larger than life and started their set with the song “Close Your Eyes and
Count to Ten”. Immediately upon hearing the first song, I felt like I was once again in this
springtime dream as their charismatic presence amplified this feeling of joy. Benjamin Homola’s
drumming throughout their set felt like the essential complement to each song on set as he
played with immense passion on every song, Daniel Gleason shredded the bass and was able
to create some of the most danceable riffs that the audience was able to enjoy, while Andrew
Wessen brought some of the most memorable tracks from their discography come to life in a
radiant fashion with his work as the lead guitarist. Additionally, Hannah Hooper and Christian
Zucconi dominated the stage in a nonchalant manner as Hannah danced and Christian played
his riffs on the rhythm guitar. Both vocalists brought this almost hypnotic presence as they sang
with great livelihood and passion that reminded me why I loved the band so much. With songs
such as “All”, “Tongue Tied”, and “Colours” I felt truly fortunate to have seen Grouplove in their
LA stop.
Below is the opener; Bully
