Space Jam: Bay Area band night hosted by Berkeley B-Side & friends

Editor’s Note: This piece comes from our concert review archives. This event originally took place August 29, 2024.

On the night of SDoC (Second Day of Class), Tatum and I slung back vanilla vodka, sprinted at record speed to the bus stop, obtained our media passes, and made our way into Cornerstone just in time for the opening song of Space Jam, a band night hosted by Berkeley B-Side, Rambler! Magazine, and Cal Climbing. It was a constellation of Bay Area music-centric groups. The event—aptly dubbed “Space Jam”—captured the eclectic spirit of the city’s spirited music scene. With a crowd of students, a few adventurous parents, and a palpable buzz in the air, the night was set for an auditory adventure.

Subak

The evening kicked off with Subak, a band known for their indie charm and punchy sound. Their set was a rollercoaster of musical experimentation, marked by abrupt stops that added an unpredictable edge to their performance. The crowd, initially scattered, began to coalesce as Subak’s signature guitar riffs and psychedelic visuals drew them in. The highlight was their new song, “Tall Boy,” which included intriguing lyrics about a past lover. Subak’s high-energy performance saw them switching instruments mid-song and even a dramatic drum solo that concluded in a theatrical flourish.

Next up was The Moondrops, a band whose dreamy name encapsulates their eclectic sound. The Moondrops’ performance was characterized by their use of echo effects that transformed the songs on their 2019 EP “Bath Songs” into haunting renditions. Their fresh-off-the-press song “Last in the Race” got roaring applause, which was the loudest of the night up to that point. The band’s swaying sound and clear vocals offered a serene contrast to the more energetic sets of the evening.

The third act, Universe, brought a surge of energy and blue moody lighting that set an intimate, yet dynamic tone. Despite some technical difficulties, Universe quickly adapted with a song that didn’t rely on the malfunctioning equipment, maintaining a high level of engagement with the audience. Throughout their set, they interacted with the crowd by cracking quippy jokes and asking members of the audience about their hometowns. Their glittery matching outfits and vibrant presence turned the stage into a dance floor. The band’s techno sound effects and extended pauses between songs only seemed to heighten the crowd’s excitement. By the end of their set, Universe had successfully transformed the stationary audience into a unified, jumping mass of enthusiastic dancers.

Universe

The night concluded with a bang as Career Woman, swathed in red light in front of a hand-drawn backdrop, took the stage. This set was a whirlwind of high energy and charisma, balanced by the lead singer’s clear, smooth timbre and the bassist occasionally taking the mic to holler, “Make some ****** noise!!!” Despite the contrasting characters on stage, the chemistry between the band members was clear. The highlight was their new record, which included a standout track where the bassist went barefoot. The crowd’s favorite moment came during their cover of “So Blue” by Frankie Cosmos, inviting the audience to belt the moody lyrics back at them. The unexpected encore, featuring a cover of Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend,” performed by all four of the night’s bands, ensured that the night ended on an exhilarating high note.

Space Jam is a testament to the vibrant and diverse music scene of the Bay Area, although we stay faithful to the indie rock persuasion. Each band brought their own unique flavor to the stage, creating a night filled with memorable performances and energetic crowds. As the final notes faded and the last applause echoed, we left the venue sweaty, charmed, and inspired.