Distracted

BY: ALLIE RUSSELL

Canadian indie-pop sensation Bombargo brought their infectious energy and vintage style to Beat Kitchen in Chicago, and from the moment they hit the stage, it was clear they were ready to turn a Thursday night into a Saturday party. Despite facing a series of obstacles – including some serious van troubles that nearly kept them from making the show – the band delivered a dynamic and engaging performance, proving their resilience. 

Bombargo kicked things off with a new, as-yet-untitled track, potentially called “What Goes Up Must Come Down”. The crowd was met with an energy that was impossible to resist, a hallmark of Bombargo’s live shows. Lead Vocalist Nathan Thoen instantly connected with the audience, sharing the story of their van breakdown and how their merch seller had to come to the rescue. This bit of real-life drama only seemed to fuel their determination to give the crowd everything they had. 

One of the most memorable aspects of Bombargo’s performance was how seamlessly they engaged with the crowd. Whether it was teaching the audience the lyrics to new songs or leading them in coordinated dances, they had Beat Kitchen hooked from the start. Bombargo gave fans a taste of what’s to come, playing another new song titled “Higher Than the Ceiling”. The groove-heavy track “Too Close For Comfort” was a standout, with its smooth rhythm that had the whole room moving. The band’s ability to craft catchy choruses that invite the audience to sing along was on full display. Whether you knew the words or not, you couldn’t help but get caught up in their energy. 

In a spontaneous moment that showcased their flexibility and connection with fans, they played “A Little Bit More” after it was requested by a member of the crowd. It’s this kind of interaction that makes Bombargo’s show feel personal and unique, as though the audience is part of the band’s journey. At one point, Thoen led the entire crowd in an exercise, asking everyone to squat down and touch the floor, reminding them to stay grounded and appreciate the moment – a rare and heartfelt pause in the middle of an otherwise high-energy show. And then, there was the crowd surfing. Thoen hopped onto an inflatable surfboard and rode the waves of the audience, a vital representation of the shared joy that Bombargo brings to every performance 

Bombargo delivered a real treat during their encore, playing “Day I Was Born” by fan request, followed by a highly energetic cover of the Rolling Stones classic “Miss You”. The closing moments of the show left the crowd electrified, still caught in the magic that Bombargo had created. If there was anything to learn from this performance it’s that Bombargo is entirely their own, and they embrace it. 

With their rule #3 in mind – “if you know the words, sing them; if you don’t, sing them even louder” – the crowd kept up with every song. Bombargo took the intimate space of Beat Kitchen and turned it into a joyful, high-energy celebration of music, connection, and resilience. This show wasn’t just a performance; it was an experience where the line between performer and audience blurred and the music felt like it belonged to everyone. As the band continues to release new music and gain even more attention, including love from Taylor Swift on her “Songs Taylor Loves” playlist, it’s clear that Bombargo is on an upward trajectory. And if their Beat Kitchen performance is any indication, they’re taking everyone along for the ride.