Lightspeed Champion
The Independent
June 20, 2008
Notes and Photos by Crystal Akins

Sweaty bodies filtered into the Independent Friday night to watch Lightspeed Champion’s California debut, and dudes wearing thick rimmed Buddy Holly glasses with their girlfriends were inescapable.

Adorned in his fur-hunting cap (despite the day’s scorching weather), lead singer Devonte Hynes charmed San Francisco with his English accent while sweating profusely, asking his fans about burritos, sharing his day’s anecdotes and genuinely interacting with the crowd.

A rather homogenous clique tapped their feet along to surprisingly upbeat British pop with lyrics oversaturated with heartbreak and lonliness. Most fans discovered Lightspeed Champion through Test Icicles—Hynes’ former band.

“All it takes is one good album,” said Travis Vail, describing why he liked the band. But when all the songs sound the same, it really only takes one good song.

Despite the monotone evening, the crowd seemed to enjoy themselves, clapping along to favorites like “Midnight Surprise,” or “Marlene.”

In between songs, Hynes saluted his opening acts, including The Explorers Club, which had a whopping seven members exhibiting a sound reminiscent of the Beach Boys with soothing, harmonious vocals and a lead singer that looked like a variation of Jesus Christ.

Overall, Friday's bands played it safe with no surprises or thrills, and the night seemed void of any pinnacles.

Critic’s Notebook:

Personal Bias: It’s hard to write about something that isn’t very fun.

By the Way: Lead singer Hynes was spotted mingling with the crowd, but too busy for an interview...

Random Detail: The upstairs V.I.P. area was closed.