A night of local love and good vibes came together for Katastro’s Tropical Heartbreak Festival at Tempe Marketplace on Friday. The band brought out The Sound Bombers and Bikini Trill, along with local rap group Belaganas, to celebrate the release of their newest album. 

The Sound Bombers and Bikini Trill opened the night, getting the party started just before the sun set and Belaganas took the stage. This up and coming hip hop trio has been rising through the ranks of local musicians with their quick delivery and maniacal stage presence. Dual vocalists Shanker and Joey traded rapid-fire bars while drummer Nick Wille held down the beats. The set included obvious fan favorites like “Silk”, while also introducing new tracks “Freddie Mercury” and “Bored”. The group closed with a stage-shaking performance of “Moneyman” to huge cheers from an impressed crowd.

Katastro have been Arizona darlings for years and they kicked off their album release with a proper shindig. “Antisocial” was a whole mood from the new album and old and new tracks had the audience bouncing, drinks in hand. The band didn’t neglect their past material, adding in “Daddy’s $$$” from their 2018 full length. Sparkler towers lit the stage at intervals as the fans sang every word to every song. It was a blissful, balmy Arizona night and the perfect setting for a Tropical Heartbreak celebration.
Check out photos from the show!
Story and photos by Olivia Khiel