Sunset Rollercoaster zoomed over to Phoenix- fresh from their weekend one Coachella appearance- for a stunning, colorful show at Crescent Ballroom. The Taiwanese indie pop group was joined by acoustic guitarist Edison Song and the two acts perfectly complemented each other’s laidback energy.
Song took the stage bathed in warm light and armed only with his guitar for a lowkey set that focused on the singer’s incredible voice. He’s known primarily for acting in Taiwan but his crossover into music speaks volumes of his plethora of talents. The audience was mesmerized, standing almost perfectly still to absorb every note- and when he was joined by Sunset Rollercoaster’s saxophonist Hao-Ting Huang, it took the performance to a place beyond the confines of the venue’s walls.
Hailing from Taipei, Sunset Rollercoaster’s synth-pop, jazz-influenced indie tunes got the room dancing and swaying in their own bubbles all night. The band was surrounded by their various instruments, all taking turns at guitar, keys and the incredible addition of woodwinds as well (can confirm that if your band has a saxophone, you’re automatically cooler). The group spoke very little in between songs but their smiles at the audience’s responses to each song said more than words could express.
Singer Kuo-Hung Tseng shredded through guitar solos, grinning widely at the cheers from the room. The setlist blended and flowed through “My Jinji”, “Vanilla” and the clearly popular “Jellyfish”. Meanwhile, the band’s backdrop cycled through all the colors of a sunset, an exploding star and everything in between- combined with the music, the effect was hypnotic. We were rooted in place for the entire 90 minute set and as the band announced the last song, they cheekily said that if the crowd expressed themselves and wanted more, they’d be happy to come back.
And return they did for an encore that picked up the energy and let us all know that “I Know You Know I Love You”. It was Sunset Rollercoaster’s first visit to Phoenix and their pleasant surprise at the welcome they received all but ensured that they’ll be back.
Check out more photos from the show!
Story and photos by Olivia Khiel
