Cache Venue Holds Energetic Yet Heartwarming Concert
The Cache Venue was filled to the brim on January 17 as local band Cinders returned to perform for the Cache Concert Series.
Self-described as a “rowdy acoustic pop” group, the Salt Lake City-based band put on a vibrant, lively show that left the audience wondering, “Did we just become best friends?”
As the crowd was warmed up by Provo-based rock band The Solarists, the concert immediately took on a dynamic energy that had the crowd jumping, dancing and singing along. This energy carried through the opening set right into the moment when Cinders unveiled their banner and jumped into their first number.
As their first show of the new decade and since their tour that ended in the U.K. last November, the group repeatedly expressed how good it was to be home playing in Utah. The audience in Logan, Utah certainly welcomed them home with a packed house and a great crowd.
Cinders showed an obvious talent for crowd engagement, with concert traditions for the long-time fans and catchy melodies that the crowd could sing along to even if they had never heard the band before. Keeping the energy of the crowd high all night, the band always takes the time to teach the tune to the crowd or start the audience clapping and dancing.
During “Hope You Do,” a crowd favorite, guitarist and vocalist Montana Smith entered the crowd to teach the audience the catchy bridge before hopping back onto the stage. For the old fans, the crowd kept concert traditions, such as screaming the lyrics about how she doesn’t care about your cat or about that one time at band camp during “Moody Blues.”
Cinders performed songs from their two albums as well as one new, unreleased song. In addition to their normal set, vocalist and guitarist Jordan Zabriskie announced he wanted to try something he had introduced to the band just earlier that day. The band played two songs requested by members of the audience without rehearsing beforehand.
Though a lively and engaging show, there was a somber tone to the night as it was a farewell show to two members of the band. Multi-instrumentalist Austin Harris and saxophonist and vocalist Chelsey Harris are taking a step back from performing with the band after the birth of their son Elliot.
The two were sent off with a heartwarming performance of “TBD,” the only song featuring Austin Harris as a vocalist on their acoustic album. Though battling influenza, Austin Harris performed the song alongside the rest of the band with a special appearance from Elliot.
Performing as Cinders since 2015, this Utah-grown group knows how to put on a show that has the audience engaged and the energy high. Having performed together for five years, their musical talent is obvious, and their dynamic as a band is fun and lively. It was an amazing concert for both old and new fans, and the perfect send-off for Austin and Chelsey.
(And yes if you’re wondering, we did just become best friends.)
*Photo by Austin Roundy
-darcy.ritchie@aggiemail.usu.edu
@darcyrrose